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Your Trusted Grand Rapids Legal Team
Tanis Schultz is a full-service law firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation across a wide range of practice areas. Founded by renowned attorneys Joshua Tanis and Steve Schultz, our team combines decades of shared legal insight with advanced technology to advocate for clients' rights in personal injury, criminal defense, family law, and more. With over 50 years of combined experience, we prioritize a client-centric approach, ensuring personalized strategies tailored to each case.Our attorneys have successfully litigated against major corporations, government institutions, and insurance companies, securing millions in settlements for clients. We offer after-hours assistance, same-day appointments, and free consultations, leveraging modern technology to enhance case handling efficiency and courtroom precision. Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition from Expertise as one of Grand Rapids' Best Car Accident Lawyers.
Services
Auto Accidents
Criminal Defense
Divorce
Driver's License Restoration
DUI/OWI
Estate Planning
Expungements
Family Law
Personal Injury
Workers Compensation
Highlights and features
- Dedicated attorneys providing personalized legal strategies
- Track record of success in high-profile complex cases
- Quality representation combining technology with legal expertise
- Over 50 years of combined experience in multiple practice areas
- Client-centric approach with direct attorney communication
Associations and certifications
- Expertise
What people say
Dedicated to their clients
Knowledgeable attorneys
Smooth process
Prompt communication
Highly recommended
Services
Auto Accidents
Our Grand Rapids auto accident attorneys help clients secure maximum compensation for injuries and damages. We handle insurance negotiations, gather evidence, and litigate when necessary. With millions recovered in settlements, our team uses advanced technology and proven strategies to document injuries, reconstruct accidents, and challenge insurance companies. We focus on covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering while navigating Michigan's no-fault insurance system.
Criminal Defense
We defend clients against misdemeanor and felony charges in West Michigan. Our attorneys protect constitutional rights, challenge evidence, and develop tailored defense strategies. Handling cases from DUIs to violent crimes, we negotiate plea bargains or litigate at trial. We emphasize local judicial knowledge, understanding prosecutor tendencies and judge expectations to achieve dismissals, reduced charges, or acquittals while maintaining client confidentiality throughout proceedings.
Divorce
Our family law attorneys guide clients through Michigan divorce proceedings involving custody, support, and property division. We handle contested and uncontested cases using mediation or litigation as needed. With expertise in spousal support determinations and complex asset division, we create personalized strategies for equitable outcomes. Our team navigates Michigan's no-fault divorce system while protecting client interests in custody arrangements and post-divorce modifications.
Driver's License Restoration
We help Michigan residents restore driving privileges after suspensions or revocations. Our process includes preparing Administrative Hearings Section cases, substance abuse evaluations, and ignition interlock device requirements. We guarantee license restoration or a free second hearing. Our attorneys handle OWI-related suspensions, point violations, and insurance issues, ensuring compliance with state requirements while presenting compelling cases for driving privilege reinstatement.
DUI/OWI
Our DUI defense team challenges charges under Michigan's strict impaired driving laws. We contest BAC testing, field sobriety evaluations, and procedural violations. Handling first offenses through high-BAC cases, we minimize penalties including license suspension, fines, and jail time. We represent clients in chemical test refusal cases and subsequent offense situations, leveraging experience with local courts to negotiate reduced charges or secure dismissals through evidence suppression and technical defenses.
People
Joshua J. Tanis
Owner/Managing Partner
Managing Partner at Tanis Schultz with law degree from Western Michigan University and MBA from Michigan State. Specializes in personal injury and business law. Member of Michigan State Bar and Grand Rapids Bar Association. Active in community legal education initiatives.
Steven D. Schultz
Owner/Managing Partner
Co-founding partner with extensive trial experience in criminal defense and family law. Recognized for courtroom advocacy and complex case resolution. Provides strategic leadership while maintaining direct client involvement in high-stakes legal matters.
Elizabeth A. Yard
Partner
Experienced attorney specializing in Social Security disability claims and complex personal injury cases. Known for meticulous case preparation and successful outcomes in contested hearings. Provides compassionate representation for clients with long-term disability needs.
Megan (Mast) Smith
Associate Attorney
Skilled associate attorney with focus on criminal defense and family law. Recognized for client communication and detailed case management. Handles DUI defense, expungements, and domestic relations cases with personalized attention to client needs.
Kaylee Taucher
Associate Attorney
Dedicated associate attorney handling personal injury claims and workers' compensation cases. Focuses on maximizing client recovery through thorough evidence collection and insurance negotiations. Provides responsive representation in auto accident and workplace injury matters.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Michigan?
Check for injuries, move to safety, call police, exchange information, document the scene, notify your insurer, seek medical attention, and consult an attorney before making statements.
How does Michigan's no-fault insurance system work?
Michigan's no-fault system covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault, but requires serious injuries for lawsuits. We help navigate PIP claims and challenge denials while pursuing additional compensation when applicable.
What are common DUI defense strategies in Grand Rapids?
We challenge field sobriety test validity, breathalyzer accuracy, and procedural compliance. Our attorneys examine police reports for rights violations and negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing programs when appropriate.
How are spousal support decisions made in Michigan divorces?
Courts consider marriage duration, income, earning potential, and living standards. Our attorneys present comprehensive financial analyses to ensure fair support determinations that reflect each spouse's circumstances.
What happens during a Michigan driver's license restoration hearing?
The process requires substance abuse evaluations, proof of rehabilitation, and demonstrating future safe driving. Our attorneys prepare comprehensive documentation and present persuasive arguments to the Administrative Hearings Section.
How does Tanis Schultz handle complex divorce cases with children?
We prioritize child custody arrangements that serve minors' best interests while protecting parental rights. Our team negotiates parenting time schedules, school choices, and healthcare decisions through mediation or litigation.
