Susan Keener

Susan Wilson Keener, J.D.

Family Mediator | Divorce Mediator | Collaborative Divorce Attorney | Domestic Relations Dispute Resolution Specialist
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Overview

Susan Wilson Keener is a highly respected Michigan family law attorney, mediator, and collaborative divorce professional with more than four decades of legal experience. After serving as Chair of the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Michigan, she recognized that traditional litigation often failed to address the emotional, relational, and family-centered issues that clients considered most important during divorce and family disputes.

This realization led her to pursue extensive training in mediation and collaborative divorce, where she developed a client-centered approach focused on respectful conflict resolution, informed decision-making, and long-term family stability. Today, Susan helps families resolve disputes outside of court whenever possible, reducing conflict, preserving relationships, and empowering parties to create durable agreements tailored to their unique circumstances.
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Mediation Philosophy

Susan believes that successful dispute resolution addresses both the legal and human dimensions of conflict. Her mediation approach emphasizes:
• Respectful communication
• Informed decision-making
• Interest-based negotiation
• Family-centered solutions
• Preservation of important relationships
• Reduced emotional and financial costs
• Durable settlement agreements

Her goal is to help parties resolve disputes with dignity while restructuring family relationships in a way that supports long-term well-being.
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Leadership and Professional Recognition

Susan has held numerous leadership positions within Michigan's legal and ADR communities, including:
• Past Chair, Litigation Section, State Bar of Michigan
• Past President, Grand Rapids Bar Association
• Past Chair, Grand Rapids Bar Association Family Law Section
• Past Chair, Grand Rapids Bar Association ADR Section
• Past President, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan – Western Region
• Past Director-at-Large, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
• Founding Member, Collaborative Divorce Professionals of West Michigan
• Trainer, Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan
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Community Service and Public Leadership

Susan has dedicated significant time to public service and legal access initiatives, including:
• Recipient, Michael Barnes Award for Pro Bono Service (Western Michigan Legal Services)
• Former Board Member, Legal Assistance Center of Grand Rapids
• Former Board Member, American Red Cross of Kent County
• Recipient, Outstanding Leadership Award, American Red Cross
• Former Chair, Grand Valley State University Legal Studies Advisory Board
• Adjunct Faculty Member, Grand Valley State University
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Speaking and Training

Susan regularly lectures and trains professionals on:
• Family Law
• Divorce Mediation
• Domestic Relations Mediation
• Collaborative Divorce
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Conflict Resolution and Settlement Strategies
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Representative Mediator Profile Summary

Susan Wilson Keener is a Michigan family mediator and collaborative divorce attorney with more than 42 years of experience helping families resolve disputes through mediation, collaborative law, and negotiated settlement. A former Chair of the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Michigan and former President of the Grand Rapids Bar Association, she is widely recognized for her leadership in family dispute resolution and alternative dispute resolution. Her practice focuses on divorce mediation, child custody, support matters, post-divorce modifications, and collaborative family law, helping clients achieve practical, respectful, and lasting solutions outside the courtroom.
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Areas of Mediation and Dispute Resolution