616-732-5000 info@msblaw.com Home Who We Are Areas of Practice Our Team News Job Listings Contact Us Areas of Practice Divorce & Family Law Jennie Boldish Bryan Member Email: jbryan@msblaw.com Phone: 616-732-5000 Fax: 616-732-5099 Jennie Boldish Bryan is one of the most respected and accomplished family law attorneys in Western Michigan. Her commitment to her clients is matched only by her dedication to the legal profession and the community around her. Jennie represents both men and women in complex divorce litigation including business valuations, prenuptial agreements, spousal support, parenting time issues, and child support. Known for her preparation, diligence, and responsiveness, she is also a skilled negotiator. She strives to obtain the best possible outcomes for her clients without resorting to courtroom litigation. When matters cannot be resolved amicably, however, Jennie draws from her significant trial and appellate experience in Michigan state and federal courts to pursue and preserve her clients’ interests. In addition to representing parties, she is frequently retained on a private basis to serve as a mediator or arbitrator on family law matters including custody disputes and divorces. In many instances, particularly high net-worth marriages, valuation and division of property can be complicated and may include hidden, inherited, or gifted assets. Jennie collaborates with CPAs, forensic accountants, and financial advisors, as well as tax, estate planning, business, and real estate colleagues at McShane & Bowie to identify and protect those assets. Jennie has earned a stellar reputation among other lawyers and judges, a reflection of her passion for her clients, who often come to her at the lowest points in their lives. She fiercely advocates for them, helping them to rise back up and begin their healing . Another testament to her skills and standing, Jennie was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a prestigious and highly selective group of lawyers considered experts in family law. She regularly writes and presents on family law topics, and has held leadership roles in the AAML, the Grand Rapids Bar Association, and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. In 2013, Legal Aid of Western Michigan honored Jennie with the Michael Barnes Award for Pro Bono Service and West Michigan Woman Magazine featured her on its cover as a recognized leader and professional within the Greater Grand Rapids community. Outside the practice, Jennie enjoys golf and is active with the Grand Rapids International Fellowship Church as a member of the worship team, as well as with the children’s ministry. Bar Admission: Michigan U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals U.S. Court of Claims Education: Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Juris Doctor, 1985 Attended University of Florida Law School in 1983 Stetson University, Bachelor of Arts in Business, 1982 Honors & Awards: Super Lawyers (Michigan) Family Law, 2019 Legal Aid of Western Michigan Michael Barnes Award for Pro Bono Service, 2013 AV Preeminent Lawyer (Martindale-Hubbell) Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence Professional Associations and Membership: State Bar of Michigan Family Law and Master Lawyers Sections American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellow Member, National Board of Governors Member, Michigan Chapter Board of Managers Chair, Michigan Chapter Seminar Committee Grand Rapids Bar Association Chair, Family Law Section, 2004 Co-Chair, Bench-Bar Conference, 2004 Member, Judicial Candidate Review Panel, 2004-2006 Institute of Continuing Legal Education Member, Advisory Board Planning Committee, ICLE Family Law Institute Certified Family Law Mediator Presentations: “Security for Support in the Event of Death Using Life Insurance”, Michigan AAML 2017 “Discovery and Trial of Marital Agreement Disputes”, Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 2017 “Prenuptial Agreements: Validity vs. Enforceability”, Michigan AAML 2016 “When Do You Need a Business Valuation?” Institute of Continuing Legal Education 2016 “Discussion of MCL 722.26a” (joint legal custody), Michigan AAML 2015 “Preservation, Hold Notices, and ESI Discovery”, Institute of Continuing Legal Education 2014 “Attorney Fees,” Michigan Judicial Institute, 2014 “Attorney Fees,” Ottawa County Bar Association, 2014 “Avoiding Legal Malpractice”, Michigan Association for Justice, 2014 “Tax Issues for Family Law Lawyers,” Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 2013 “Days vs. Dollars – The Impact of Additional Overnights, Itemized Deductions in Support Calculations”, Michigan AAML 2013 “The Law of Separate Property,” Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 2012 “Use of Marital Counseling Records”, Michigan AAMl 2012 “Admission of Evidence: Techniques and Overlooked Issues”, Michigan AAML 2011 “Family Law Update”, The Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 2010 “2008 Child Custody, Support and Parenting Time Update”, Institute of Continuing Legal Education 2008 State Bar of Michigan Annual Meeting, 2008, 2010, and 2012 Michigan Judicial Institute, Referee Seminar, 2006 Family Forum, 2005 Institute of Continuing Legal Education 4th Annual Family Law Institute, 2005 Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, Divorce Issues Conference, 2005 “The CPA’s Role in Divorce Cases”, The Michigan Association of CPA’s, 2004 “The ‘New’ Mediation,” Grand Valley State University, 2003 Institute of Continuing Legal Education 2nd Annual Family Law Institute, 2003 National Business Institute, 1995 Publications: Handling a Divorce Case in Michigan, Third Edition, (co-author), Institute for Continuing Legal Education Lexis Nexis Practice Guide: Michigan Family Law, (contributing author), LexisNexis Disclaimer Privacy Policy Legal Client Portal Webmail Login © 2021, All Rights Reserved EIEIO Online Marketing™ and Website Design by Valorous Circle LLC