Atty. Katelyn Schaffer

Atty. Katelyn Schaffer

Katelyn Schaffer is very passionate about helping families through difficult situations. After double majoring with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Grand Valley State University, Ms.

Birmingham Birmingham 9 Years Experience 9 year
Call (947) 237-4954

Profile Summary

About Katelyn Schaffer at a glance

Katelyn Schaffer is an Associate based in Birmingham, Michigan, practicing at Bank | Rifkin Attorneys & Counselors at Law. They have 9+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2017. Their practice focuses on trusts, family law, and dv defense. Admitted to practice in Michigan (2017). Educated at Michigan State University College of Law J.D. (—). Serves clients in Birmingham, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Katelyn Schaffer is very passionate about helping families through difficult situations
  • After double majoring with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Grand Valley State University, Ms. Schaffer began her legal education at Michigan State University College of Law
  • During her legal studies, Ms. Schaffer took an interest in the effectiveness of alternate dispute resolutions, and began pursuing this line of work by receiving both her civil and domestic mediation certifications
  • Ms. Schaffer utilized her mediation skills as a member of MSU’s advanced mediation team, representing the team during the semi-final round of the international mediation competition in London
  • Additionally, after receiving these certifications, Ms. Schaffer began mediating both civil and domestic cases through MSU’s conflict resolution clinic in courts throughout East Lansing, Charlotte, Mason, and Holland
  • Finding a passion for helping people through mediation, Ms. Schaffer took a nontraditional path by accepting a full-time position at Ottawa County’s Friend of the Court, while still attending law school
  • As a Friend of the Court Investigator, Ms. Schaffer conducted dozens of coordination conferences weekly for newly filed divorce parties
  • drafted hundreds of interim and ex parte orders
  • and testified providing recommendations to the Court
  • Working as a Friend of the Court Investigator for over a year, Ms. Schaffer gained expertise into the areas of paternity, custody, parenting time, and child support
  • She brought this experience with her when she joined Bank Rifkin as a law clerk
  • After graduating from Michigan State University College of Law and successful completion of the Michigan Bar exam, Ms. Schaffer began representing clients as an associate attorney at Bank Rifkin
  • Currently, Ms. Schaffer serves as a board member of the Michigan Association of Court Mediators, where she works to facilitate more effective dispute resolution techniques in the courtroom
  • Ms. Schaffer lives with her husband and two cats in Farmington Hills, Michigan
  • In her free time, she enjoys tennis, golf, yoga, and coaching a local high school tennis team

Practice Areas Explained

Katelyn Schaffer's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Katelyn Schaffer handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Trusts

Katelyn Schaffer is one of 94,411 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Michigan →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Katelyn Schaffer is one of 167,063 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Michigan →

Domestic Violence Defense

Katelyn Schaffer is one of 12,045 dv defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dv defense attorneys in Michigan →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Michigan

Practicing law in Michigan. Legal matters in Michigan are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Birmingham are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Michigan state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Michigan brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Michigan courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Birmingham or all attorneys in Michigan.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Katelyn Schaffer

Where is Katelyn Schaffer's law office located?
Katelyn Schaffer's law practice is located in Birmingham, Michigan. The firm is Bank | Rifkin Attorneys & Counselors at Law. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Katelyn Schaffer handle?
Katelyn Schaffer focuses on trusts, family law, dv defense. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Michigan.
How long has Katelyn Schaffer practiced law?
Katelyn Schaffer has 9+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2017.
Where did Katelyn Schaffer go to law school?
Katelyn Schaffer earned their education at (—).
How can I contact Katelyn Schaffer for a consultation?
You can contact Katelyn Schaffer directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.

Education

Michigan State University College of Law J.D.
- In Progress

Bar Admissions

Michigan
Admitted: 2017

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