Caroline dedicated her 45-year legal career to guiding families through the complexities of aging, long-term care planning, probate, and estate administration.
After graduating cum laude from Aquinas College in 1978 and receiving her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School in 1981, Caroline established herself as a pioneer in Michigan elder law. She served as a partner and associate at Miller Johnson from 2002 to 2007 and was a partner at Hayes, Davis & Dellenbusch from 1981-2002. Before hiring Nicholas J. Ryan and anchoring Dellenbusch & Ryan, PLC, she managed her own highly respected practice, Caroline Dellenbusch, PLC.
In addition to her practice, Caroline was a certified Civil Court and Elder Mediator, bringing peaceful resolution to highly sensitive family disputes.
Selected Professional Distinctions
- State Bar of Michigan: Past Chair of the Elder Law and Disability Rights Section; Member of the Probate and Mediation Sections.
- Pro Bono Leadership: Recipient of the 2006 Michael S. Barnes Pro Bono Award from Legal Aid of Western Michigan.
- Community Advocacy: Served on the boards and advisory councils of the Alzheimer’s Association (West Michigan Region), Kent County Council on Aging, Caregiver Resource Network, and Citizens for Better Care.
Today, Caroline is still a well-respected member of the legal community and is enjoying her retirement by spending time kayaking, gardening, and keeping up with physical fitness.
