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Best Probate Lawyers in Grand Rapids

2023

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Website
25 Ionia Avenue Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Why choose this provider?

Howard Law Group is a law practice representing individuals throughout the probate process in the Grand Rapids area. The firm is capable of interpreting wills with unclear or confusing terms and it can also handle cases in which the decedent left no will upon death. In addition to estate administration, this firm can assist with other types of asset transfers. Attorneys at Howard Law Group are also prepared to litigate in cases of a disputed estate.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
William Howard - Partner39 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.5 / 5 (11)
Yelp
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
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Detail

Website
233 E. Fulton St, Suite 224, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Brown Law Firm attends to the probate law needs of families in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas. The firm handles wills and trusts, asset protection, tax planning, trust and estate administration, long-term care planning, and independent trustee services. It also assists with elder law cases. Founding attorney Chris Brown has been practicing since 1999. He founded the Brown Law Firm in 2012 after spending more than 12 years in the estate planning group of a larger Grand Rapids firm.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Chris Brown - Founding Member23 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
77 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Patti L. McKenney P.C. Attorney At Law is a law firm in Grand Rapids that caters to local individuals and families. It offers legal services in the areas of wills, trusts, and power of attorney. It also handles cases involving estate and family law. Patti L. McKenney, the founder of the firm, has been in the law field since 1983. She relocated to Grand Rapids and established her first private practice in 1984. McKenney also served as a staff and managing attorney with UAW Legal Services Plans for about 11 years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Patti Mckenney - Managing Attorney40 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
99 Monroe Ave, NW Suite 1210, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

David, Wierenga & Lauka, PC, Attorneys at Law, assists clients in Grand Rapids and its surrounding communities in navigating the probate process. Its team members also draft medical directives, powers of attorney, wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents. Additionally, they address issues related to guardianships, conservatorships, and charitable trusts and foundations. Real estate and business law are the firm's other practice areas. One of its partners, Ronald E. David, is a certified public accountant.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (8)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2445 Eastern Avenue Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Established in 2004, Carpenter & Judd Attorneys and Counselors is a local firm that serves individuals and families in Grand Rapids. It guides clients through the probate process, including distribution of assets and settlement of disputes that may arise. It also handles estate planning matters, such as trusts, wills, and powers of attorney. Other areas of practice include family law, corporate law, and mediation services. The firm's founder, G. Robert Carpenter earned his Juris Doctorate in 1999 and scored top 1% in the Multistate Bar Exam.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
George Carpenter - Partner24 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.1 / 5 (64)
Facebook
4.2 / 5 (27)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
124 Fulton St E Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Reeder Plachta Murphy is a law firm that provides legal services for clients with concerns regarding probate in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas. With decades-worth of experience, the firm helps its clients in creating an estate plan, and guiding them through the process of probate litigation. Its lawyers help prevent postmortem disagreements and confusions among family members. The firm's legal services also cover multiple practice areas, including business and corporate law, tax resolution, and government benefits.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Bryan Reeder - Managing Partner12 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.9 / 5 (39)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (2)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
4251 Cascade Road SE Suite B, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Administration
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Serving clients in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas, Estate Planning Law Group is a group of attorneys handling multiple areas, including probate matters. They help in creating a comprehensive estate plan, including the identification of assets, the names of beneficiaries or heirs, and how these assets will be used in the event of death or incapacity. The firm also helps by guiding its clients through the probate process and by distributing the estate when necessary.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (16)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
4965 East Beltline Avenue Northeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Taxes

Why choose this provider?

Carrier Law is a firm serving clients in the Grand Rapids area. It handles probate matters, overseeing all aspects of the process from notifying heirs and beneficiaries to valuing assets and settling outstanding debts. It also offers legal representation and advice in situations in which the validity of the decedent's will is being challenged. Carrier Law also helps clients navigate estate planning tax laws and develops it estate planning strategies.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
David Carrier - Principal35 yrs
William Bereza - Associate10 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Google
4.4 / 5 (147)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (6)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2228 Alpine Ave., NW, Walker, MI 49544
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Annis, Visser and Brandt, P.C., espouses the principles of personal service, honesty, and dedication by offering Grand Rapids clients assistance on probate, real estate, and municipal and employment law. Its estate planning service includes preparation of wills, estate administration, and probate litigation. It helps clients avoid court proceedings on guardianship and conservatorship by providing durable powers of attorney. It also provides trusts to help clients avoid probate and minimize taxes. The firm was established in 1927.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Timothy Visser - Partner45 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.3 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
25 Division Avenue South, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Chase Bylenga Hulst is a law firm representing individuals and families during the probate process in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas. The practice guides the estate's personal representative through the process of probate and helps them gather all necessary documents and other materials. It also assists them with filing forms and its team represents them in court, when necessary. Attorney and partner April Hulst is a member of the Federal Bar Association of West Michigan.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Mike Hanrahan - Partner10 yrs
Andrew Mcinnis - Associate4 yrs
April Hulst - Partner15 yrs
Justin Maxim - Partner7 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.6 / 5 (9)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3501 Lake Eastbrook Boulevard Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Coles Law PLC is a firm handling probate cases for clients in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas. The firm takes on probate matters of all types and complexities and is able to peacefully mediate disputes and conflicts between family members or beneficiaries named in the decedent's will. Attorney Jennifer H. Coles can also assist with asset appraisal and distribution. Ms. Coles has been practicing law for over 20 years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jennifer Coles - Principal29 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.6 / 5 (11)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
4595 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Suite 236, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
  • Estate Planning
  • Elder Law
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Westerbeke Law Firm, PLLC, in Grand Rapids offers clients its knowledge of probate and trust administration. The founder, Bill Westerbeke, focuses on helping clients avoid probate and protect their assets through guiding them in making informed decisions and drafting an estate plan. He also handles cases related to trust funding, special needs planning, and elder law. Bill is dedicated to serving the community by regularly speaking in estate planning seminars. He is also licensed to practice in Illinois.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Bill Westerbeke - Founder20 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
180 Monroe Avenue N.W., Suite 400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Power of Attorneys

Why choose this provider?

Kuiper Kraemer PC Attorneys at Law is a Grand Rapids-based firm that handles estate planning and administration. Its attorneys assist individuals in planning for the transfer of their assets upon death, helping them create estate planning documents like wills to facilitate this transfer and minimize taxes involved. They also work on estate administration, mediating or litigating disputes between heirs. Grand Rapids Magazine named the firm as the best law firm in Grand Rapids in its 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 editions.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Scott Kraemer - Partner17 yrs
Holly Jackson - Partner15 yrs
Thomas Kuiper - Partner31 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.2 / 5 (10)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)
Yelp
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
5035 Plainfield, NE, Suite A, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Coonen Law, PLLC, serves residents in and around the Grand Rapids area. Principal Rose A. Coonen guides clients throughout the probate process, informing them of the steps they need to take and answering questions on how executors are chosen and how assets are distributed. She also provides trust administration assistance. Coonen serves as a personal family lawyer who continuously checks if estate plans are working for clients throughout their lifetime. She graduated magna cum laude from law school in 2003.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
5.0 / 5 (8)
Facebook
4.3 / 5 (6)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3140 Division Avenue Southwest, Grandville, MI 49418
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Baar & Lichterman is a firm offering services for probate cases near the Grand Rapids area. The practice begins the process by gathering all relevant parties and documents, including the decedent's will. Its team makes recommendations and assists the estate administrator or executor with fulfilling their duties. It can also handle situations involving no will or high asset estates. Attorney and partner Michael Lichterman has been practicing law for over 10 years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Joel Baar - Member25 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2828 Kraft Avenue Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Probate Litigation
  • Estate Settlement
  • Legacy Care

Why choose this provider?

LAH Law PLC is a legal practice serving clients needing a probate attorney in the Grand Rapids area. This firm consults with the decedent's family members, beneficiaries, and heirs to establish their roles and responsibilities and transfers assets quickly and cost-effectively. It's also capable of administering the estate in accordance with state laws when the decedent did not leave a will. Additionally, attorney and firm owner L. Allen Heneveld is admitted to practice law in California.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
L. Heneveld - Principal38 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1 Coldbrook Street NW Suite 110, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Ledbetter.Law caters to parties in Grand Rapids who have concerns under probate law. The firm handles issues arising from the judicial execution and validation of wills and the administration of trusts. It also produces estate plans to protect decedents' assets and facilitate the transfer of inheritable properties during death. Practitioner David G. Ledbetter has completed additional studies in taxation law and has been involved in transactions over transfers of familial wealth for over 25 years.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2025 E Beltline Ave SE Suite 402, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Located in Grand Rapids, Cottrell Law assists individuals, families, and business owners with matters related to estate planning and probate. Charles Cottrell, the firm's sole practitioner, helps clients utilize legal devices like advanced directives and assorted types of trusts in their estate plans. Cottrell also guides clients through probate proceedings and estate administration matters. He has over a decade of legal experience and is accredited by the Veteran's Administration, making him qualified to help veterans apply for their benefits.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Charles Cottrell - Principal15 yrs

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
25 Division Ave S #500, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Trusts
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, CBH Attorneys & Counselors handles complex business cases and routine legal matters. With over 100 years of combined experience, the lawyers at the firm help families navigate the Michigan probate process. The team drafts estate plans, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. It also represents individuals and businesses in bankruptcy cases. The law office's senior counsel, Steve Rayman, has been certified by the American Board of Certification in both consumer and business bankruptcy.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
April Hulst - Partner15 yrs
Steve Bylenga - Partner14 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.3 / 5 (12)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

    The Grand Rapids police department’s non-emergency line is 616-456-3400.

  • Where is the probate court for Grand Rapids located?

    The probate court that handles estates in Grand Rapids can be found in Kent County at Suite 2500, 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan. It has a staff of four knowledgeable and experienced judges who are committed to and understand probate law. This statutory jurisdiction court primarily handles matters such as properly transferring assets after death and protecting mentally ill or incapacitated persons and their assets.

  • Are appearances or visits to the probate court in Kent County required for various probate-related matters?

    No, appearances or visits to the court in Kent County for certain probate-related matters are not required. Actions that can be done online and do not need a trip to the courthouse include the following:

    • downloading of court-approved forms
    • calculating inventory fees
    • requests for certified court records, such as Letters of Authority
    • probate file and record searches
    • requests for register of actions and docket

    You may access the site at https://www.accesskent.com/Courts/Probate/.

  • How can a small estate in Grand Rapids be transferred to its heirs without undergoing probate?

    A Grand Rapids small estate may bypass probate through an affidavit of the decedent’s successor and if the following conditions are met:

    • The decedent has been dead for at least 28 days.
    • No real property assets exist.
    • No petition for the appointment of a personal representative exists.
    • Its successor qualifies for payment or the delivery of the decedent’s property.
    • No petition for assignment exists.
    • The affidavit includes the beneficiaries’ names, addresses, and share.

  • In Grand Rapids, how does an estate’s real property affect a probate inventory if the property is used as security for a debt?

    According to Section 600.871 of Michigan’s Revised Judicature Act, if an estate has real property that is used as or encumbered by security for a debt, the debt’s amount will be subtracted from the property’s value to determine the Grand Rapids estate’s inventory fee. This deduction is made to that specific property’s value and may not be used to determine if an estate classifies as a small estate.

  • How quickly must a probate petition in Grand Rapids be filed?

    Michigan law has no deadline for filing a Grand Rapids probate petition, unlike some states. But even if no stipulated legal time frame exists, it is in the best interest of everyone involved if the petition is filed as soon as possible. The minimum duration of a Michigan probate is five months, with most cases taking up to a year, while contested cases take even longer. Additionally, the deceased’s creditors can also file the petition, which significantly complicates the process in Grand Rapids.

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