Specialized Expertise. One Firm.
At CF Legal, you work with an attorney whose practice is built around your specific legal matter — not a generalist who handles whatever walks in the door.
Craig R. Fiederlein — Probate, Estate Planning, Real Estate & Business Law
Craig has practiced law in Genesee County for more than 30 years, building a reputation as one of the region's most experienced attorneys in probate administration, estate planning, and real estate. His work spans everything from guiding families through the probate process after a loved one's death to structuring trusts, Medicaid plans, and asset protection strategies for clients planning ahead. A former partner of Craig's now serves as a sitting judge in Genesee County — a reflection of the firm's standing in the local legal community.
Craig handles matters involving wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, elder law, guardianship, residential closings, land contracts, landlord representation, and business formation.
Rick Hetherington — Criminal Defense & Family Law
Rick brings approximately 18–20 years of legal experience to CF Legal, with a practice focused on criminal defense and family law. Before becoming an attorney, Rick served as a police officer — a background that gives him a working understanding of law enforcement procedures, evidence handling, and the realities of how cases are built and prosecuted. That experience is particularly valuable in firearms, CPL, and criminal defense matters, where knowing how the other side operates can make a measurable difference.
Rick represents clients facing DUI charges, drug crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence allegations, sex crimes, and firearms-related offenses. He also handles divorce and child custody matters throughout Genesee County and mid-Michigan.
Austin Church — Civil Litigation
Austin Church is an up-and-coming civil litigation attorney. He received his undergraduate degree from Oakland University in 2020 and earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2023, where he attended on a full academic scholarship and graduated with honors. Austin is admitted to practice in all Michigan courts.
Austin focuses his practice on civil litigation, particularly disputes involving real estate and contracts. He represents clients in property ownership and title disputes, boundary disputes, partition actions, construction disputes, tax foreclosures, land contract and payment disputes, and other civil matters.
Austin regularly represents residential and commercial landlords in nonpayment and possession actions, lease enforcement, and other landlord-tenant matters.
Austin takes a practical approach to litigation, focusing on the legal and factual issues most likely to drive the outcome of a case. He provides straightforward advice, develops the factual record early, and seeks efficient resolutions while remaining prepared to litigate when necessary.
Austin is an active member of the State Bar of Michigan, and the Genesee County Bar Association. He currently serves as the Young Lawyer Representative for the Genesee County Bar Association.
Outside of the office, Austin enjoys spending time outdoors and is an avid Detroit sports fan, especially the Lions.
Personal Attention
You work directly with an attorney who understands your situation, so you don't feel passed between offices or left waiting for answers.
Clear Communication
Legal issues are easier to handle when everything is explained in plain language, helping you and your family stay informed at every step.
Established Local Presence
With a Joliet office in place since 2001, you can rely on consistent support from a firm rooted in the community.
Accessible Support in Spanish
Real estate clients who prefer Spanish can communicate comfortably, making transactions smoother and easier to understand.
The Right Attorney for Your Specific Matter
Most law firms in this region are solo practitioners. CF Legal is a multi-attorney firm with litigation capability across every practice area we serve. When your matter requires court, we are prepared to go there — and we have the depth to handle complex cases that a single-attorney practice cannot.
Both Craig and Rick are based out of our Flint office at 302 E. Court St., with additional availability through our Grand Blanc and Frankfort locations.
- Craig R. Fiederlein: probate, estate planning, elder law, real estate, business law
- Rick Hetherington: criminal defense, firearms and CPL, domestic violence, family law
- Combined: 50+ years of legal experience serving Genesee County and mid-Michigan
- Phones answered directly; all calls returned within 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Attorneys
Who are the lawyers at CF Legal in Flint?
CF Legal is home to two attorneys: Craig R. Fiederlein, who focuses on probate, estate planning, real estate, and business law, and Rick Hetherington, who handles criminal defense and family law. Together they bring more than 50 years of combined legal experience to clients throughout Genesee County.
Which attorney should I work with for my case?
That depends on your legal matter. Craig handles probate administration, wills, trusts, elder law, Medicaid planning, real estate transactions, and business formation. Rick handles DUI, drug charges, violent crimes, firearms and CPL issues, domestic violence, sex crimes, divorce, and child custody. When you contact us, we will match you with the right attorney from the start.
Do the CF Legal attorneys handle cases outside of Flint?
Yes. Our attorneys serve clients throughout Genesee County and the surrounding mid-Michigan region, including Grand Blanc, Davison, Fenton, Burton, Saginaw, and Pontiac. We also have offices in Grand Blanc and Frankfort for clients who prefer a location closer to home.
How do I reach an attorney at CF Legal?
Call us at 810-232-1112 — our phones are answered directly, and we return all calls within 24 hours. You can also reach us through our contact page to schedule a consultation at the location most convenient for you.