Top best Probate Lawyers in Grand Rapids | 63 available

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 grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and graduated from Calvin College in 1996. I received my law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 1999. I am a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Grand Rapids Bar Association, the National Committee on Planned Giving, and the West Michigan Estate Planning Council. I am certified in the areas of probate and estate planning (Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan). I have a heart for those less fortunate which has led me to become a very active participant in the Legal Aid Program of Western Michigan where I am appointed as a pro bono attorney in cases. I am the chair of the finance committee at my church, possibly for life, and my wife and I are actively involved in the leadership at our church.. I have four children and love family events. I can be spotted riding my bike to work and running during lunch. I have run the Fifth Third Riverbank race (with a current streak of over 10 plus years under 2 hours), as well as a number of other community races.

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.

Chris Shourds has spent his estate planning career helping people navigate tough seasons.. Losing a loved one is difficult, and dealing with the administrative and legal process of probate and trust administration is usually last on the list of things you want to do while grieving. Chris has dedicated his time and energy to relieving his clients from navigating the legal maze of post-death matters alone. Additionally, his experience in estate administration gives him a unique advantage when helping families make their own estate plan.. Chris understands the big picture when it comes to estate planning. No matter what season you're in, Chris will make sure your plan protects your current and future way of life.

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).

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.