How much does it cost to hire Frank for a adoption case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Frank walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Frank offer a free consultation?

Frank charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Frank's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Frank's current terms during booking.

How long do adoption cases in Michigan typically take?

Simple adoption matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Frank gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Frank take my case if I'm outside Kalamazoo?

Frank is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Frank will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Frank?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Frank will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Frank accepting new adoption clients right now?

Frank's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Frank D Willis, Adoption Attorney in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, General, and Juvenile

Chief Senior CounselatWillis Law

Kalamazoo, MI

Practicing adoption in Kalamazoo since 1973.

53+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption General Juvenile POA Probate Trusts +3 more →

Are you Frank D Willis?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Frank D Willis is a chief senior counsel based in Kalamazoo, MI. The practice focuses on Adoption, General, and Juvenile. Frank has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Willis Law.

Based in: Kalamazoo, MI
Experience: over 53 years
Known for: Adoption · General · Juvenile

Handles Adoption, General, and Juvenile matters from Kalamazoo, MI.
Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Frank D Willis

Frank concentrates on adoption, general, juvenile, poa, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Frank handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Frank takes adoption matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frank agrees to represent you.

General cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Frank takes general matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frank agrees to represent you.

Juvenile cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Frank takes juvenile matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frank agrees to represent you.

POA cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Frank takes poa matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frank agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Frank takes probate matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frank agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Frank D Willis — Over 53 years of Michigan adoption experience

Frank D. Willis is the former Chief Judge of the Van Buren County Probate Court. He served in that role for 38.5 years, making him the longest standing judge in Michigan Probate Court history.

Frank Willis began his career as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Van Buren County. In just three years, he was appointed to Probate Judge by then Governor Miliken. Over the next 38 years, Judge Willis honored his position and tirelessly served his community, winning reelection every 6 years. During his tenure as Chief Judge, Judge Willis maintained a very efficient court. His court policies and systems are used as a model statewide for other probate courts to strive for.

During his tenure, Judge Willis found cost saving measures to help the county save up to $600,000 per year since 2004. At the same time, under his tenure, juvenile crime in Van Buren decreased by 50%. In 1981, Judge Willis appeared on the Phil Donahue Show to share information on adoptions. He was an instructor at MJI on the subject of Juvenile Code. Through his leadership, the Juvenile Department was recognized by DHS and SCAO for their innovative approach to place children in permanent homes. Judge Willis also received the "Hon. Robert E. Weiss Award for Excellence in Court Improvement."

Judge Willis has been an integral member of the court system and a leader in Van Buren County. He is an invaluable asset to Willis Law and brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Frank Willis is the father of Managing Partners and Co-Founders, Michael and Shaun Willis, was born and raised in Marshall, Michigan and is a long-time resident of Paw Paw MI. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Business Administration and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Florida. He and his wife, Roberta (Bobbi) Kelly Willis, are extremely involved in their community and their local church, have five children and thirteen grandchildren.

Working with Frank on a adoption matter

Frank D. Willis is the former Chief Judge of the Van Buren County Probate Court. He served in that role for 38.5 years, making him the longest standing judge in Michigan Probate Court history. Frank Willis began his career as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Van Buren County. In just three years, he was appointed to Probate Judge by then Governor Miliken. Over the next 38 years, Judge Willis…

Who Frank represents

Frank reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, general, and juvenile matters in Kalamazoo and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

Frank D Willis's legal education and bar admissions

University of Florida J.D.
—
Western Michigan University B.A.
—

Jurisdictions

Frank's state bar admissions

Florida
1973 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1973 · ACTIVE

Frank studied at — in University of Florida J.D. and — in Western Michigan University B.A..

Law school and academic background

Frank completed — in University of Florida J.D. and — in Western Michigan University B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Frank runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Frank D Willis's office in Kalamazoo

Frank's primary office is at 491 West South Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Willis Law

491 West South Street

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Frank D Willis

Frank has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Frank D Willis can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Frank D Willis — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Frank usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Frank charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Frank's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Frank will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Kalamazoo, Michigan

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Frank

Frank discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Frank confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Frank's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Frank D Willis

How much does it cost to hire Frank for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Frank walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Frank offer a free consultation?
Frank charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Frank's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Frank's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple adoption matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Frank gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Frank take my case if I'm outside Kalamazoo?
Frank is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Frank will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Frank?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Frank will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Frank accepting new adoption clients right now?
Frank's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving Kalamazoo, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan

Frank handles adoption matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Frank's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Kalamazoo handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.