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

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