Matthew J. Bailey

Matthew J. Bailey is a Grand Rapids family law attorney who represents clients in sensitive and contested domestic matters. His practice includes divorce, child custody, parenting time disputes, asset division, and financial support. He takes a collaborative, client-centered approach and works to reach practical agreements that reduce the need for litigation. When negotiation is unsuccessful, he uses his trial experience to advocate for his clients in court.

Matthew earned his B.A. in Business Administration from Michigan State University in 2011. He later received his J.D., cum laude, from Michigan State University College of Law in 2014. While attending law school, he served as an extern with the Eaton County Prosecutor’s Office. After graduation, he clerked for the Honorable Stephen Borrello of the Michigan Court of Appeals before beginning his legal practice at his family’s firm in Okemos.

Matthew has handled complex family disputes involving custody, domicile, guardianship, and business interests. His experience includes securing a change of domicile for a client leaving a potentially dangerous situation and challenging an effort to alter a long-standing joint custody arrangement. He has also obtained custody changes for parents who worked to rebuild relationships with their children. In financially complex divorce matters, he addresses premarital interests in business operations and uses his business background to evaluate disputed assets.

Matthew J. Bailey has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch for Family Law since 2026. He serves on the Grand Rapids Bar Association Family Law Section Board and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education Family Law Advisory Board. He also belongs to the Ingham County Bar Association Family Law Section and the State Bar of Michigan. As a member of the Leadership Grand Rapids Class of 2027, he remains involved in the local community while providing measured and practical guidance to families facing difficult transitions.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Varnum LLP
• Board Member, Grand Rapids Bar Association, Family Law Section
• Member, Ingham County Bar Association, Family Law Section
• Member, State Bar of Michigan

Licensed State

• Michigan

Education

• Michigan State University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Michigan State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges