Top best Estate Planning Lawyers Near me in ZIP 49525

Your family is your life.. Your business is your livelihood.. You know you need to support and protect both.. All that “legal stuff” has been on your to-do list for months...okay years.. But at this point you realize it’s time to get serious.. Life’s too short and your family (and career) is too precious to be left vulnerable to all the ifs, ands, or buts that fly at you on a daily basis.. So where do you start?. Right here.. My name’s Tamsen Horton, and it’s my job to help you protect what matters most and start #livinglegallyhealthy.. It’s seriously my JOY to help you create durable, flexible, legal coverage custom-tailored to your unique needs (not a copy ‘n’ paste form you found in a late-night Google search).

William I. Bereza is an Attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 12 years of experience as an entrepreneur in the computer software field, and over 30 years of experience in family farming. He brings his skill and expertise to all legal matters brought before him.. His experience will help your legal matter be resolved with speed, efficiency, and thoroughness.

We design and implement legal strategies to protect our clients' family and property when death or incapacity occurs.  A clear understanding of many areas of law is vital to create a plan that meets the unique needs of each client.  We have helped thousands of people to save money, reduce risk, and make the future more predictable.  Please call us if we can help you.

Tiffany R. Fabian is the founding attorney of Foresight Law Firm. She started Foresight Law Firm to help individuals and families protect themselves from life’s unexpected moments, and she’s proud to have helped many members of the local community plan for just that. Tiffany received her undergraduate degrees in Business Management and Political Science at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Grand Rapids. She spent a semester of law school studying at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.. Though Tiffany and her husband are not originally from West Michigan, they’re both proud to call it home. Tiffany hails originally from Chicago--later, Niles, MI--while her husband is from Slovakia; they enjoy traveling to visit their families as often as they are able. Tiffany is passionate about working with families. She comes from a large family herself as the eldest of five kids. Like her, many members of her family are entrepreneurs. She is also passionate about real estate and communities. Her family has built or remodeled every home she's ever lived in, and she enjoys the memories that she has from all the family projects. Tiffany has spent every summer since she was born in Sister Lakes, Michigan, on the same lake where her parents met when they were 9 and 10 years old. She loves Michigan Octobers almost as much as summers on the lake. When she’s not in the office, you can find her attending local neighborhood events, exploring local neighborhood restaurants, watching home renovation shows, and soaking in the Michigan summer at her family’s lake home with her husband, daughter, and their Goldendoodle, named Ginsburg.

Michael is a long-time West Michigan resident, with community ties in Traverse City, Kalamazoo, and the Grand Rapids region. Since 2013, Attorney Michael Spencer has been dedicated to Protecting the Things You Value Most, your family, your business, asset protection and your legacy. His practice focuses on Estate Planning and Probate legal matters and Family and Business Law,  Michael is committed to taking the time to thoroughly understand your needs and desires from your point of view so he can recommend a customized solution that meets your goals. Everything he does, he does with the end goal of relieving your burden by doing things quickly, correctly, and cost-efficiently.. Estate Planning and Probate Matters. Michael has extensive knowledge and experience with helping protect families throughout Michigan from unnecessary expenses and risks to their estates and assets. You can count on Michael to design a plan with clear and enforceable instructions that you feel confident with, and avoids probate conflict. Michael understands that estate, trust and probate matters are not only about assets; they are about protecting people and their rights and preserving family relationships. He understands the challenges, both personal and practical, that surround the death or incapacity of a loved one. Those challenges are often increased by the need to administer an estate or trust, obtain a guardianship or conservatorship, or deal with probate litigation. Michael has the knowledge and experience you can trust to handle all of your estate planning, probate, estate administration and litigation concerns. Call today to discuss your situation.. Business Law. Our firm provides comprehensive legal services to small to mid-size businesses. Count on a custom strategic approach and impeccable preparation that delivers results. We have the experience to provide you with traditional in-house counsel guidance on transaction matters and we can prosecute or defend against any lawsuit. We emphasize quality, affordability, and results.. Family Law. Spencer Law PLLC handles all aspects of Michigan family law from divorce, custody and support cases. We can help you understand the nuances of your specific case, intelligently interpret Michigan law and how it is likely to affect your situation and provide you with fierce and dedicated advocacy. Michael is cognizant of the financial costs associated with family law representation and guidance. Therefore, when advising and representing you, we will take the time to carefully explain the law and the legal process, as well as your options and likelihood of success.. Spencer Law PLLC is your Go To Law Firm for your family, business, estate planning and probate legal matters. Spencer Law PLLC provides Big Firm Expertise At An Affordable Price. Two Locations - Grand Rapids and Traverse City.

Kristle A. Teague received her bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University before starting a career in the legal industry. After earning her law degree and graduating Cum Laude from Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Kristle was blessed to learn from attorney, John L. Teeples (Teeples Law, PLLC) before being chosen as his successor. Kristle now operates a transactional practice under her own firm, Teeples and Teague Law, PLLC, with John serving on an of counsel basis.. Teeples and Teague Law, PLLC was born from its predecessor, Teeples Law, PLLC. Our main practice areas are business law matters, real estate, and estate planning services. Our founding attorney, John Teeples, who will continue serving in an Of Counsel capacity, believes that the law should be utilized as a tool for bringing practical, cost efficient and amicable solutions to personal and business life. That is what Teeples and Teague Law, PLLC continues to be about. We provide individuals, private and public sector clients with advice and counseling on such matters as business ownership, structure, management, operations, and succession planning; real estate purchases, sales, and deeds; employment and estate planning.. We are committed to providing sophisticated, efficient, and responsive legal services using all the available information technology. Our digital filing system and storage indexes ensure fast, effective, and safe access to all work-product and correspondence for instant retrieval. This allows for quick turn-around time and immediate access to entire client files from wherever we work.

I'm not your typical suit! I pride myself on not being able to fit into a box. One thing I can say for sure about myself is that I am motivated. Whatever challenges I meet, I face with a fierce desire to overcome them. I became an attorney for several reasons. Other than enjoying the advocating aspect of my job, I love the fact that with this job comes a multitude of resources available to me. I have so many tools and resources at my finger tips to help either myself or those that come to me in almost any way. If it is not an area that I personally practice, I have a large pool of attorneys that I work closely with and that support me and all of my clients. I pass referrals and connect people with each other with every chance that I get. for the betterment of my clients It makes me happy to help, even if that help serves no benefit to me. I LIKE being able to put people in touch with those that can help if I can't and I love being able to point people in the right direction. Our society is so full of crazy and archaic rules and issues. Being able to assist someone find the way is invaluable.. On a personal note, about me, I am zealous and determined. With the concern of possibly giving away too much information about myself, but with the hope of giving you a better understanding of my nature, I will admit that I was not a traditional student. I did not grow up in a house with a white picket fence, la-da-da. I was raised in a family who struggled endlessly to make ends-meat and my parents were the hardest workers I've known. Their example helped turn me into the hard working person I am today with goals and aspirations. Each time I meet a goal, I set another and continue to move forward. At the age of 16, I was an emancipated minor and lived without my parents. I was also a teen mother, who remained in her regular school, and graduated with my class on time, with grades near the top of my class. I immediately went on to college, then undergrad, then grad school. I did not stop. Nothing would stop me. I take this part of my personaility and use it in my lawyering. I DESIRE to help, I DESIRE to make a difference. I want to and will do all that I can for my clients. It is my deepest desire to find a way to beat every challenge I am faced with! I like me and I hope you will to! :)

I pride myself on building strong relationships with clients to ensure we reach the best possible result together.  I strive to provide value-added services to my clients and I am always willing to go the extra mile to ensure complete satisfaction.

I help clients plan for not only their futures, but for their loved ones, and their communities through careful listening, strategic planning, and action. I help clients realize their vision and move confidently forward.

I have had the privilege of practicing law in West Michigan for over 25 years. I enjoy meeting my clients and their families, hearing their stories, and helping them create an estate plan that is tailored to their unique story. Creating a Will or Trust does not have to be a complicated or stressful situation. In fact, my clients typically leave feeling a sense of peace after getting a plan in place that will help reduce stress for their loved ones in the future. I am honored to frequently receive calls from new clients who have been referred to me by previous clients. If you have questions about estate planning or probate issues, please contact me to set up a free consultation. I would love to meet with you and discuss how I can assist you and your family.

I have been praticing in the Rockford and Grand Rapids area for almost 20 years assisting families with their estate planning and business planning needs.

I have 25+ years experience in estate planning and related/overlapping areas of law including wills & trusts, advanced estate/gift tax planning, asset protection, farm/business succession planning, charitable gift planning and post-death estate and trust administration.  I have an additional law degree (Ll.M. or Masters of Law) in taxation and with that have devoted my entire career to estate planning for high net worth situations (as well as more routine/basic situations).  I usually do not charge for a preliminary consultation so you can decide whether you would like to work with me "without the meter running".

I attended Michigan State University from 1986-1990 and earned a bachelor of arts degree in accounting. I then went on to obtain my law degree in 1993 from Indiana University (ranked among the top 20 law schools in the country). After graduating, I moved to Grand Rapids and have been practicing law there for over 23 years. I enjoy sail boat racing, traveling and arts and crafts.

I am a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a graduate of Wabash College in 2008. I received my law degree from Thomas M. Cooley in 2011.  Before joining Plachta, Murphy & Associates, I gained valuable insight and experience as a judicial clerk for Honorable G. Patrick Hillary of the Kent County 17th Judicial Circuit Court.  In addition, I interned with the Kent County Office of the Public Defender, focusing my skills on Criminal Litigation.  At Plachta, Murphy & Associates P.C., my client legal service areas include Estate Planning, Business Law, Real Estate, Bankrupcy, and Litigation.

Grand Rapids Legal News: Three starting attorneys awarded by Grand Rapids Bar Association --. Grand Rapids Business Journal: Bar association names '3-in-10' award winners -- ?fbclid=IwAR31J3N94TWDsgZTYloQ1AzYlM3BMyRHzvhF4OGEkW9BpFIqivMqHP99iig

Fighting for seniors…and how. While Edward F. Wiest focuses his practice on a variety of litigation matters, probate law, and estate planning, he specializes in going to bat for seniors. As a member of the AARP Legal Services Network, Ed helps seniors achieve their goals employing a range of tools designed to preserve and eventually transfer their assets while avoiding unnecessary taxation and court fees.. Having practiced in both the public and private sector, Ed has an extensive and impressive background of experience, including having served as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Michigan. He conducted hotly contested case hearings for the State Department of Administrative Hearings in areas as diverse as Corrections and Special Education.. Such expertise gets noticed — and rewarded. On December 31, 2005, the Executive Director of the State Office of Hearings and Rules issued a Certificate of Recognition lauding the standard of excellence set by Ed in conducting administrative hearings on behalf of the State of Michigan. He has also been honored with the Michigan Department of Corrections Valor Award and was nominated for the American Correctional Association’s "Best in the Business" in the June 2003 issue of its magazine, "Corrections Today.”

Dedicated to guiding clients through the challenges of estate planning, probate and trust administration, business matters, and civil litigation.. Estate Planning. Helping individuals and families gain control and peace of mind concerning their medical and financial affairs, legacies, and loved ones. Planning for incapacity and death is essential to ensure your wishes are honored during your lifetime and after.. Probate & Trust Administration. Helping individuals and families navigate the significant tasks of administering another’s estate or trust during the difficult time of losing a loved one.. Business & Civil Litigation. Helping individuals and families concerning all aspects of business ownership, including succession planning in the event of death, disability, or retirement, business disputes, and breakups.

David G. Ledbetter practices in the areas of estate planning, probate and trust administration, asset protection planning, and business planning. In addition to his Juris Doctor degree, he also holds a Masters of Law degree (LL.M.) in taxation. He has helped clients in protecting, enhancing, and transferring their family wealth for over 25 years. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.. Mr. Ledbetter’s professional memberships include WealthCounsel, where he serves as the president of the Michigan Forum of WealthCounsel Attorneys; The Society of Financial Service Professionals, where he serves as president of the West Michigan Chapter; and the West Michigan Estate Planning Council.. Mr. Ledbetter is a frequent speaker for financial service professionals and their clients.

Daniel B. Hess, JR. was raised in Grand Rapids, MI. Daniel went on to attend Michigan State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 1992. Daniel then attended California Western School of Law, where he graduated in 1995.. While obtaining his law degree, Daniel interned at the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office where he gained a tremendous amount of experience working within the criminal justice system. Daniel was admitted to the California Bar in 1997.. In 1999, Daniel accepted a position at Hess, Hess & Kmetz, PC along side his Father, the late Daniel B. Hess, Sr., and his Uncle, the late John H. Hess. Daniel was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 2000.. While with Hess, Hess & Kmetz, PC. , Daniel’s main areas of practice were bankruptcy law, criminal law and family law with a primary focus on protecting men’s rights through the firms affiliation with the American Divorce Association for Men (ADAM).. With the emergence of Gordon & Hess, PLC, Daniel now continues to seek justice for men and woman alike in both the family and criminal court systems and to carry on the legal family tradition of his late Father and Uncle. Daniel is a strong and savvy advocate and has obtained a significant amount of courtroom experience in his areas of practice.

Connie was named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyer in 2016 for Grand Rapids in the area of Collaborative Divorce Practice, as well as “Lawyer of the Year” in 2011, 2015, and 2017 in the area of Family Law. She is named by the organization “The Best Lawyers in America” for family law, collaborative practice, and family law mediation in Grand Rapids.. Connie is a Fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). Only 1,600 Attorneys across the entire country are members of this prestigious organization. To become a member, Ms. Thacker completed the intensive interview, anonymous peer review both by judges and other attorneys as well as successfully completed a four-hour exam-related entirely to family law. She has received formal training and certification from the AAML Matrimonial Arbitration Training Institute and is only one of few Attorneys in Western Michigan certified by the AALM as an arbitrator.. Ms. Thacker is the only Attorney in Western Michigan who is designated as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, (IDFA). To obtain the designation, Ms. Thacker was required to complete a series of exams testing her understand and proficiency in complex financial, tax, and business valuation issues related to Divorce. The IDFA is the most established and recognized organization in the country related to the financial aspects of the divorce process.. Connie has been licensed to practice law in Michigan since 1994; she is active and in good standing. Connie also successfully passed the Bar Exams in Colorado, Maryland, and the District of Columbia; however, she is inactive in these states.. Connie is also a Michigan real estate Broker. She and Allison are the owners of Esquire Realty LLC. Connie also practices in the area of estate planning, business, and real estate.

Brittany T. VanDam, JD, earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University in 2017 and went on to earn her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2020. Brittany has been working in the legal field since 2016 and has been inspired by the compassion and care of our justice system. With a strong and fresh background in criminal justice, she brings a fresh approach to the practice through her use of interpersonal communications and a true passion for helping people. Brittany understands the importance of getting the help you need not only now, but also when you cannot be there in the future. Brittany’s practice focuses on Estate planning; Trust Administration; Probate Administration for Estates, Guardians, and Conservators; and Long Term Care Medicaid planning.. In addition to working for the Elder Law Firm, PC, Brittany dedicates her time to doing pro bono work and strives to become actively involved in The Innocence Project. Brittany is also a member of the Women’s Lawyer’s Association and is a strong advocate for giving back to the community. Her passion for clients and dedication to helping people make her a strong leader in the legal field.

Brianna is an associate at Rhoades McKee, PC, focusing on estate planning and elder law in West Michigan. She attended Michigan State University College of Law and graduated in 2018. Before law school, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with minors in Philosophy and Psychology from Loyola University Chicago in 2014.. Previously, Brianna externed at the Ingham County Probate Court, where she conducted guardianship reviews and assisted in court proceedings. She also interned for a small estate planning firm in Ada, where she drafted estate planning documents and had constant client contact.. During law school, Brianna focused on honing her research and writing skills and was a teaching assistant for the Writing Specialist and a student associate for LexisNexis.. When Brianna is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hanging out with her kitties, traveling, and being involved in the community.. Undergraduate Education: Loyola University Chicago, 2014Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with minors in Philosophy and Psychology. Graduate Education: Michigan State University College of Law, 2018Journal of Animal and Natural Resource Law, Board member of St. Thomas More Society, Women’s Law Caucus. Clubs/Organizations: Member of the Women Lawyers’ Association of MichiganMember of the Grand Rapids Bar AssociationMember of the Caregiver Resource Network. Previous Legal Jobs: Externed at Ingham County Probate Court; interned at Cottrell & Jacobs, PLC, associate at Shea Aiello, PLLC

Brian Gordon was raised in East Lansing area where he attended and graduated from Okemos High School in 1989. Brian attended and graduated from Michigan State University in 1994 and Michigan State University College of Law in 1999 (formerly known as the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University).

Brent Geers specializes in helping people empower those they trust and provide for those they love. Brent has been an attorney since 2012, working with individuals and families to marshal their time, talent, and treasurer for the benefit of their children, family, and community. He is a Grand Rapids Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” honoree, and currently operates his own practice, Geers Law.. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Brent is a proud product of the Grand Rapids Public Schools (Creston High School). He went on to graduate from the University of Michigan as a first-generation college student, earning a BA in American Culture, with a minor in African American Studies. Brent spent a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer working locally on adult literacy and neighborhood improvement issues before joining the US Army. Thereafter, he graduated from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School before being licensed to practice law throughout Michigan.. Brent served on active duty for five years in the Military Police Corps. His duty placed him in Baumholder, Germany and Fort Knox, Kentucky, with deployments to Iraq from 2003-2004 and Afghanistan from 2005-2006. Brent’s military honors include the Valorous Unit Award as part of the 527th Military Police Company for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy, and the Griffin Award as part of the 92nd Military Police Company for being the best MP unit in the US Army – Europe command. Brent as was awarded the Combat Action Badge, and is a four-time recipient of the Army Commendation Medal.. Besides a thriving estate planning practice, Brent serves on advisory boards for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Well House. His legal advice can be found in the Grand Rapids Times' column Oughta Be A Law. He helps teach legal topics to and mentors 9th grade students at Ottawa Hills High School through the Grand Rapids Bar Association's 3R's – Rights, Responsibilities, and Realities – Program.  He is also an attorney representative for Kent County’s Veterans Treatment Court, assisting in the treatment instead of punishment of post-conviction veterans.. Brent is married to an educator, who employs his services as a chaperon for various school functions. He is also a father to a daughter determined to break down barriers for women everywhere.

Born and raised in West Michigan, I have a unique insight into the needs of the people within this area. I tailor my areas of practice to best maximize what my clients will need and work hard to make sure they get their desired result. When dealing with issues that intimately affect people’s lives, only the utmost care can be tolerated. That is why I strive to treat every clients case as if it were my own, to treat my clients with respect, and to work hard to get them the result they deserve.