OFFICE RELOCATION NOTICE: We are beginning our office transition in July 2026 to 180 Monroe Avenue NW, 4th Floor, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Thank you for your patience during this period, as in-person appointments will be temporarily unavailable, but virtual appointments via Zoom remain available upon request.
Core Legal PLC
Experienced, Client-Focused Legal Solutions
Criminal charges and family disputes can produce serious consequences. A conviction could mean jail time, fines, or a permanent record. A custody or divorce judgment might change where your children live or how much time you can spend with them. These are not the kind of cases you should face unprepared.
An experienced lawyer can provide the skill and strategy you need to meet these challenges head-on. In criminal defense cases, that means examining the evidence, poking holes in the state’s case, and developing the strongest defense possible. In family law matters, it means standing up for your rights as a parent, preserving your assets, and pushing for results that protect what matters most.
These cases can evolve rapidly, so every step matters. Deadlines can come at you fast, and mistakes often have lasting effects. Legal representation can mean the difference between going through the process blindly and having someone on your side to guide you through every decision.
When your freedom or your family is at stake, you cannot afford to rely on guesswork or trust that the system will be fair. You need a dependable attorney to protect your rights, defend your interests, and help you take control of your case.
When you walk into a Michigan courtroom, you’ll want a lawyer by your side who knows how to handle the pressure. Core Legal, PLC, has decades of combined experience in criminal defense and family law to place at your disposal. With over 3,000 hearings and 150 trials under his belt, founding attorney Chris Wirth has built a reputation as a tough litigator who delivers real results. Attorney Amanda Van Essen Wirth adds over a decade of practice in family law, probate, and civil litigation, along with military JAG experience that sharpens her advocacy for servicemembers.
Our firm takes cases in state and federal courts across Michigan. Our lawyers know how to stand up against prosecutors in criminal trials and how to protect parents and children in high-stakes family disputes. Our record of recognition from Grand Rapids Magazine, Super Lawyers, and the Michigan Legislature shows the respect we’ve earned from our peers and our community.
Clients turn to Core Legal, PLC, because they want lawyers who respond quickly, explain options clearly, and prepare thoroughly. Whether your case involves an arrest, a custody battle, or a complex divorce, you can count on us to be trial-ready with legal strategies that put your interests first.
FAMILY FIRST
People come to Core Legal, PLC, when they face major turning points in their lives. For some, this means criminal charges that could lead to fines, jail time, or permanent records. For others, it means divorces or custody disputes that will shape their futures and family relationships for years to come. We treat both types of cases with the same urgency and preparation.
Family disputes can affect your children, your finances, and the stability of your daily life for years. We represent parents and spouses in the following types of family law cases with determination and clarity:
A criminal charge puts your freedom and your record on the line. Prosecutors move fast in these cases, and so do we. Core Legal, PLC, handles a wide range of criminal matters, including those that involve:
Whether a simple possession charge or allegations of large-scale trafficking are pending, drug cases hinge on how police …
Allegations of sexual offenses can carry devastating consequences. We confront shaky evidence, unreliable witn…
Gun charges can add years to a sentence. From unlawful possession to weapons used in connection with other offens…
These charges often come down to competing versions of what happened. We know how to attack weak testimony and …
A homicide charge is the most serious allegation anyone can face. Our team prepares for these cases aggressively by ex…
White-collar crime cases are built on documents and complex trails of evidence. Our lawyers know how to cut through the …
Core Legal, PLC, was built on the belief that every client deserves a strong voice in court. Founding attorney Chris Wirth has handled thousands of hearings and tried over 150 cases to verdict. He has defended clients accused of the most serious crimes and stood with families in high-conflict custody and divorce disputes. That depth of courtroom experience gives Chris’s clients a distinctive edge at the negotiating table and in the courtroom.
Attorney Amanda Van Essen Wirth focuses her practice on family law, probate, and civil litigation. She also serves as a Judge Advocate in the Michigan Army National Guard, giving her unique insight into cases involving military families and veterans. Amanda combines her litigation background with proven mediation skills to guide clients through even the most difficult disputes.
Together, Chris and Amanda deliver strong advocacy backed by years of courtroom practice, professional recognition, and community respect. Clients across Michigan turn to Core Legal, PLC, because they want attorneys who are prepared to stand firm in challenging cases and fight for results that matter.
Core Legal, PLC, has earned recognition throughout Michigan for our strong advocacy in criminal defense and family law. Chris Wirth was named to Super Lawyers in 2024 and 2025 and voted “Best of the Best” by Grand Rapids Magazine in both family law and criminal law. Both Chris and Amanda also received a special tribute from the Michigan Legislature for their work in child welfare. Clients rate our firm highly for our responsiveness and results.
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