Heather Bendure, Esq.

Heather has practiced family law exclusively for more than half of her career. She knows the law, knows the judges and mediators, knows most other family law attorneys in the area, and often has a good idea of how cases might play out given the cast of characters. She thinks well-informed clients should decide what’s best for them, their children and their families.  She offers compassionate guidance to help clients make good decisions.
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Heather completed her training in collaborative law almost 20 years ago and has extensive mediation, arbitration and negotiation experience. Before she founded her own firm, Heather was senior trial attorney at a local civil rights firm and feels at home in the courtroom. She knows how to methodically and effectively develop, prepare and present a case for trial. Heather appreciates the trust her clients put in her and believes customer service is just as important as effectiveness in the courtroom. Even on hectic days, you can expect Heather to respond to most phone calls, e-mails and texts within a couple of hours.

​Heather has been admitted to practice law in the United States Supreme Court, Michigan State Courts and the Federal District Courts for the both the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan. She earned her J.D. from Wayne State University in 1999 and undergrad psychology degree at Michigan State University. You can learn more about Heather on LinkedIn or on AVVO.

Heather was recently featured on Pearl Planning's podcast discussing finances, women and divorce.   Listen to the podcast here.

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Kirstyn Cotton, Esq.​

Early on in her law school career, Kirstyn knew that she wanted to focus on family law.  She started working as a law clerk for Grosse Pointe Law Center in her second year of law school.  As a law clerk, Kirstyn drafted legal pleadings, met with clients and made sure each case received the attention to detail that it deserved.  Whenever the opportunity presented itself, Kirstyn eagerly volunteered to shadow any court appearance, mediation or client interaction she could and was a quick study.  Given her interest in gaining as much experience as possible, Kirstyn immediately became an integral part of the Grosse Pointe Law Center team, sitting at counsel table in both family law and federal trials as well as family law arbitrations.  During these intense times, Kirstyn organized and managed hundreds of exhibits and trial documents, coordinated witnesses, and ensured that the clients’ days in courts ran smoothly.
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Both Heather and GPLC’s clients were thrilled when Kirstyn received her bar exam results and accepted a position as associate attorney at the firm.  Clients report appreciating Kirstyn’s calm, personal, and pragmatic approach.  As an attorney, Kirstyn will continue to work zealously for clients in and out of the courtroom.  She understands how overwhelmed clients going through the legal process often feel, and will continue to take whatever time is necessary to help clients make informed decisions about what’s best for them and their families.
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Kirstyn earned her J.D. from Wayne State University in 2024 and undergrad chemistry degree from Alma College in 2021.  She is a member of the Family Law Section of the Michigan Bar.

View her LinkedIn