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Endorsements

I am honored to have received the support and endorsements of numerous respected judges and attorneys who recognize my dedication, expertise, and commitment to serving the families of Kent County. These endorsements reflect the confidence that my peers have in my ability to bring fairness, compassion, and professionalism to the role of Probate Judge assigned to the Family Division of Kent County's Circuit Court. Their support underscores my readiness to serve the community with integrity and distinction.

Judicial Endorsements

A judge in the Family Division of the Kent Circuit Court encounters families in crisis, whether due to divorce, separation, relocation, abuse, neglect, or bad choices. These judges need to have a calm yet decisive approach to conflict resolution, be a student of the law, and possess the ability to treat people with respect no matter the circumstance. Matt DeLange fits the bill on all counts and is committed to a career serving Kent County families. — Hon. Kathleen Feeney
Michigan Court of Appeals Judge
Mr. DeLange is a highly regarded attorney and expert in family law matters. He is frequently asked to speak and write on complicated custody and jurisdictional issues. Not only is he an expert, but he is always extremely prepared for any court appearances and advises his clients well ahead of time. As important, Matthew is an exceptionally kind person. In the midst of what is often the most stressful experience for the parities and children in family court cases, he is calm and caring. Neither traits are easy to muster in the most acrimonious family court cases, but Mr. DeLange brings both to all his interactions. — Hon. Maureen Gottlieb
Kent County Circuit Court Judge - Family Division
Hon. Curt Benson
Kent County Circuit Court Judge
Hon. Jon VanAllsburg
Chief Judge - Ottawa County Circuit Court - Family Division
Hon. Melissa Dykman
Newaygo County Probate Court Judge - Family Division
Hon. Brenda Sprader
Muskegon County Probate Judge - Presiding Family Division Judge
Hon. Kent Engle
Ottawa County Circuit Court Judge - Family Division
Hon. Paul Kraus
Ottawa County Circuit Court Judge - Family Division
Hon. Jon Hulsing
Ottawa County Circuit Court Judge
Hon. David Hoort (Ret'd)
8th Circuit Court (Ionia & Montcalm County)
Hon. Steven Pestka (Ret'd)
Kent County Circuit Court Judge - Family Division

Community Leader Endorsments

Judicial positions are nonpartisan.  I take that aspect seriously and have gone out of my way to discuss my qualifications and judicial temperament with community leaders from both parties.  If you look closely at my endorsements, you will find that they represent politicians from across the political spectrum.
Rosalynn Bliss
Mayor - City of Grand Rapids
Gary Carey
Mayor - City of Walker
Rep. Phil Skaggs
State Representative - 80th House District
Emily Brieve
Kent County Commissioner - District 10 (Gaines Township)
Stan Ponstein
Kent County Commissioner - District 7 (Grandville and part of Wyoming)
Stephen Wooden
Kent County Commissioner - District 18 (Grand Rapids)
Grace Lesperace
Cascade Township Supervisor

Referee Endorsements

Marie Kessler
Kent County Chief Family Court Referee
John Kmetz
Kent County Family Court Referee
Lynn Perry
Kent County Family Court Referee
Pete Armstrong
Ottawa County Family Court Referee
Jennell Challa
Ottawa County Family Court Referee
Erin Magley
Ottawa County Family Court Referee

Attorney Endorsements

I confidently endorse Matthew DeLange for Kent County Probate Court Judge in the Family Division. Matt has been my colleague for the last 16 years, and whether he is my opposing counsel, he is the presenter at a legal conference or he is helping answer questions regarding jurisdictional and other complex legal issues, he is thorough, professional and knowledgeable. I trust Matt to make good, thoughtful decisions grounded in law and fact. Matt is the perfect choice as our next Probate Court Judge. — Erica Auster
Partner - West Michigan Divorce
I am proud to endorse Matt DeLange for judge. It has been my experience that he has a strong understanding of the law and always comes to court well-prepared. Matt is dedicated to fairness and justice, making him the perfect choice for this important role. Vote for Matt DeLange for a knowledgeable and prepared judge. — Alice Bernal
Attorney
I’ve worked with Matt on several cases and have high confidence in both his work ethic as well as his commitment to abiding by the law. — Jennie Bryan
Member - McShane & Bowie

Matt has the temperament and demeanor necessary to make a good family court judge.  The people of Kent county would be well-served if he’s elected.

— Michael Dantuma
Attorney - Holmes & Wisely, PC

Matt has a strong reputation as a practical problem-solver and trustworthy litigant. He’s an excellent listener.   I can also vouch for his graciousness as a winner in hotly contested litigation but I can’t say how he behaves as a loser on a case because I’ve never beaten him!! 

Go Matt!!  Tony Gauthier, retired family lawyer, mediator, and arbitrator. 

— Tony Gauthier
Retired Attorney - Varnum

Matthew DeLange has my support and I believe he would make a great judge. I have been practicing in Kent County for 30+ years and have gotten to know Matt over the past decade as both opposing counsel and as a colleague regularly attending the annual Family Law Institute. Matt is intelligent; he knows Michigan domestic relations law and is sought after by attorneys and judges for his expertise. Matt is hard-working; he works up his cases thoroughly and is always well prepared. Most importantly, Matt has the disposition to be a great judge; he is civil, respectful, and courteous no matter the case or the issue or how opposing counsel conduct themselves. Matthew has the temperament necessary for the bench and is well suited for the stress of the position he is seeking. Too many attorneys make things personal and inject emotion where no additional emotion is needed or warranted; I have never seen Matt react that way in the various matters I have had with him or when I have watched him in court arguing other matters.

— Jim Kraayeveld
Partner - Kraayeveld Family Law
Matt has the skills and legal acumen we need on the bench. I am happy to have his experience in family law and depth of knowledge in a judicial candidate. — Kim Large
Member - Mika Meyers, PLC
I have worked with Matthew for 10+ years. He is extremely knowledgeable and hard working. He has the right temperament to be a judge and I am sure he will always remain a humble servant even when bestowed with the title of Judge. — Michelle McLean
Partner - Bolhouse Hofstee & McLean

I can confidently say that Matt is one of the most ethical, fairest, knowledgeable attorneys I have worked with - in my 37 years of practice in Kent County. If I have a matter with Matt, I know it will be dealt with expeditiously and that he will be responsive to the legal issues at hand. Matt always shows a great deal of attention to detail in his practice of law. He is very conscientious and has the ability to try different approaches to a problem, recognizing one approach does not fit every situation.

I highly recommend Matt as the candidate for the judicial position in the Probate court being vacated by the Honorable G. Patrick Hillary. I am certain Matt will bring his knowledge and skills to the Family Division of the Court to which that position is assigned. This division of the Court is extremely important to families and Matt's knowledge of the law in this area is an extremely important benefit to the families this court serves. He has an abundance of experience and compassion for children and families. Matt also has excellent analytical and communication skills. His passion for hard work and helping others is evident every day. He has superior skills dealing with people and is very giving of his spare time to help others.

Additional qualities I observed him to have been great attention to detail, a creative and energetic manner, good insights, and excellent follow through. Matt would add value to Kent County Court with his knowledge and enthusiasm. From my perspective, he genuinely cares about people and his work performance. I am happy to recommend Matthew DeLange.

— Donna Mobilia
Partner - Colletti & Mobilia PC
I have been practicing in the area of family law for over 25 years.  During this period of time, it has been an honor to get to know and work with our next Kent County Judge, Matt DeLange.  Matt is highly qualified to be elected as Kent County’s next Judge for the following three reasons:  First, Matt’s career path, since graduating from law school 16 years ago, has been dedicated to serving family law clients.  It is through this commitment that Matt has put himself into the very unique position of understanding how stressful a family law proceeding is for individuals;  Put simply, Matt will serve Kent County with compassion;  Second, Matt is patient.  Matt has always taken the time to listen to an individual’s position.  This isn’t always easy.  This quality is critical to effectively serving the residents of Kent County;  and Third, Matt is passionate.  Matt has always approached each day with a high level of enthusiasm and positivity.  As our future Kent County Judge, this passion is particularly essential considering the very difficult and challenging issues he will face for many years to come.  It is my great honor to endorse Matt DeLange as Kent County’s next Judge.  Please remember to cast your vote for Matt Delange. — Jude Pereira
Partner - Varnum LLP

Matt DeLange is a straight shooter who will provide a common sense approach to the bench. Matt has been a family law attorney for many years and has developed a strong reputation for being knowledgeable in the law and even handed in his approach to cases. 

— Courtney Quist
Attorney
Matthew has the experience, knowledge and demeanor for this job. He will serve the residents of Kent County well. — Scott Sherlund
Shareholder - Sherlund Preston & Van Meter PLLC
Matt has the right disposition to serve our Family Court. I can endorse him due to his demonstration of skill, knowledge and discernment on matters where I was his opposing counsel. — Curtis Witte
Attorney - Damon Ver Merris Boyko & Witte PLC

I have had the opportunity to practice with and against Matt in our 17 years of practice.  Matt is a keen legal mind with an amazing recall; a quality many colleagues and judges have had the benefit of tapping into as a resource.  Above all, he is fair and ethical.  Even as a zealous advocate, Matt consistently treats his colleagues and opposing parties with respect. Matt has an ability to maintain his composure despite the highly stressful circumstances and uncertainty clients in family law face.   These are essential traits in a judicial officer, especially those dealing in the often-emotional family law matters. 

Matt has the knowledge and skills to be an outstanding Judge.  His insight, intellect, and demeanor will be an asset our community in the many years to come.  It is for these reasons that I recommend Matt for the judicial vacancy in the Kent Count Probate Court.

— Samantha VanTol
Partner - Arnson VanTol PC
Margaret Allen
Attorney
Jeff Arnson
Partner - Arnson VanTol PC
Judith Baxter
Attorney
Nancy Ballast
Attorney - Arnson VanTol
Melinda Bueno
Attorney - MI Family Law Group
G. Robert Carpenter
Partner - Carpenter & Tobin
Sean Cox
Attorney
Jayne Dykema
Attorney
Daniel Fojtik
Kent County Friend of the Court (Ret'd)
Michele Giordano
Attorney
Diane Goller
Attorney
Brian Gordon
Partner - Gordon & Hess
Jonathan Hecksel
Attorney - MI Family Law Group
Brandon Heintzelman
Shareholder - Zausmer PC
Daniel Hess
Partner - Gordon & Hess
Jody Jernigan
Partner - Golden & Jernigan PC
Jennifer Johnsen
Candidate for Kent County Circuit Court Judge
Stephanie Judd
Partner - Judd & Fricke PLLC
Susan Keener
Attorney
Keith Koonmen
Attorney - Pezzetti, Vermetten & Popovits, P.C.
Nicholas Missad
Partner - Varnum LLP
Mary Pigorsh
Shareholder - Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge PC
Kyle Quinn
Member - McShane & Bowie
Thomas Saxe
Shareholder - Rhoades McKee PC
Ivan Shaw
Of Counsel - Arnson VanTol PLC
Jeremy Shephard
Attorney - USADebt Bankruptcy Attorneys
Allison Sleight
Partner - Thacker Sleight
Amber Soler
Attorney - Mika Meyers PLC
Rachel Terpstra
Partner - Gielow Groom Terpstra & McEvoy
Connie Thacker
Partner - Thacker Sleight
Sean Tobin
Partner - Carpenter & Tobin
Howard Van Den Heuvel
Partner - Van Den Heuvel Law Office
Justin Van Den Heuvel
Partner - Van Den Heuvel Law Office
Susan Watt Stay
Shareholder - Rhoades McKee PC
Steven Williams
Supervising Attorney - Legal Aid of Western Michigan
Kristen Wolfram
Attorney - MI Family Law Group
Michael Zahrt
Shareholder - Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC

Ratings

The Grand Rapids Bar Association has rated Matthew DeLange as "Well Qualified" for the position of Kent County Probate Judge (assigned to the Family Division of the Court).  This is a high rating given by the bar following the Judicial Candidate Review Committee's extensive assessment of Matthew's legal expertise, trial experience, integrity and judicial temperament. 

— Grand Rapids Bar Association

The Women Lawyers Association of Michigan has rated Matthew DeLange as an "Outstanding" candidate for Kent Country Probate Judge (in the seat which is assigned to the Family Division of the Court).  

This is the highest rating awarded by the WLAM.  In order to receive their highest rating, they require the candidate to have at least 10 years of substantial experience relevant to the position and all of the following:
  • Candidate exhibits exceptional qualities for judicial service, including exceptional legal ability, outstanding personal and professional integrity, and an interest in, and demonstrated commitment to, working to improve the administration of justice;
  • Candidate possesses the highest capacity for distinguished judicial temperament, including courtesy, impartiality, and respect for all persons, the law, the judicial process, and for the dignity of the court;
  • Candidate has actively participated in charitable activities, community activities, mentoring, civic organizations, and professional bar organizations; and
  • Candidate has consistently exhibited commitment to promoting access to justice for all and has a demonstrated record of advancing women in the legal profession.

 

— Women Lawyers Association of Michigan

The Wolverine Bar Association has rated Matthew DeLange as "Well Qualified" for the position of Kent County Probate Judge (assigned to the Family Division of the Court). 

The Wolverine Bar Association is a respected legal organization dedicated to promoting diversity and excellence in the legal profession. This esteemed rating reflects a thorough evaluation process, including an extensive questionnaire, writing samples, and an interview with their Judicial Qualifications Committee.

— Wolverine Bar Association

 


Matthew DeLange for Judge
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