Our Team

Retired Family Court Judge | Limited Licensed Master Social Worker

Hon. Lisa M. Neilson (ret.), LLMSW is the founder of Neilson Consulting and a respected authority in family law, having concentrated her entire career in family and probate law both in private practice and as a probate judge in the family court from 2012 to 2022.

Judge Neilson is a court approved domestic relations mediator and arbitrator, and in 2024, she expanded her expertise by earning a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work. This advanced training equips her to better understand the complexities of familial dynamics and enhances her ability to engage in solution-oriented resolution practices for families involved in legal proceedings. Known for her compassionate and thoughtful approach, she founded Neilson Consulting to promote the implementation of social science and legal principles regardless if it’s a family law case, a probate issue or a criminal matter.

Judge Neilson is dedicated to integrating these principles in cases revolving around court-involved children and their families, with a focus on addressing familial conflict through the use of social science evidence-based practices within the applicable legal framework. This approach fosters informed decision-making, leading to reduced familial conflict, improved outcomes, and greater equity for court-involved families. Committed to holistic support, she seeks to empower attorneys, therapists, court systems, and families, ultimately enhancing their experiences in the legal system while fostering collaboration and understanding.

Judge Neilson is dedicated to applying evidence-based social science practices in cases resolving court-involved children and their families. Recognizing that empirically based social science evidence is rooted in academic research, she pioneered Family LAW 360, the firm’s process and methodology for working with clients to navigate complex family law issues at the intersection of law and social science.

Additionally, Judge Neilson has maintained a partnership with the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work. Through an Affiliation Agreement, Neilson Consulting is designated as an approved site to offer supervision to graduate social work interns, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application and fostering a new generation of professionals equipped to address the complexities of family law.