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Best Probate Lawyers in Kalamazoo

2024

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Providers

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Website
1803 Whites Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Hamilton Law, PLC, is a law firm that caters to individuals, homeowners, and business owners in Kalamazoo. Its team of attorneys handles a full range of estate administration tasks on behalf of executors, administrators, and apparent beneficiaries. They guide clients through the probate process and represent them before the court. Furthermore, Hamilton Law deals with business planning and entity formation, litigation and alternative dispute resolution, branding and trademarks, employment law, real estate law, and guardianship and conservatorship.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Ean Hamilton - Partner9 yrs
Ean Hamilton - Partner9 yrs
Philip Hamilton - Partner19 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 (32)
Facebook
5.0 / 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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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Website
8225 Moorsbridge Road, Portage, MI 49024
  • Trusts
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

Kreis Enderle is a law firm that has been serving individuals and businesses in Kalamazoo since 1973. It helps clients in creating estate plans that protect their assets from creditors, minimize tax liabilities, ensure proper distribution of assets, and qualify them for Medicaid benefits. The firm also provides additional services that include prenuptial agreements, guardianships and conservatorships, and fiduciary litigation. Robert Borsos, the president of the law firm, carries experience in bankruptcy and estate planning.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Russ Kreis - Partner56 yrs
James Boerigter - Shareholder39 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.
3.9
Google
4.0 / 5 (18)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (5)

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.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
121 West Apple Street, Hastings, MI 49058
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Apple Street Law Office PLC serves clients in Kalamazoo and throughout the city's surrounding areas. Its team handles a variety of matters related to probate and estate administration, including repayment of taxes and debts, appraisal of assets, and distribution of property. In addition to probate administration, this firm also handles estate planning, as well as criminal defense, personal injury litigation, and family law cases. Partner Michael J. McPhillips was the recipient of the 2019 Distinguished College Award from the Bar of West Michigan.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Shane Henry - 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.
4.3
Google
4.0 / 5 (24)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (8)
Yelp
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.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
211 East Water Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1994, DeMent & Marquardt PLC handles probate matters on behalf of clients in Kalamazoo and its surrounding areas. The firm's attorneys are experienced in probate and all issues relating to it, including disputes between heirs, creditor claims, and distribution of assets. In addition to probate administration, DeMent & Marquardt also handles cases in a variety of other legal areas, including business successions, elder law, and estate planning. Partner Michele C. Marquardt is affiliated with the American Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michele Marquardt - Retired38 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.
4.5
Google
4.4 / 5 (16)
Facebook
5.0 / 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
121 West Cedar Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Allison Greenlee Korr, J.D., is a probate law attorney serving clients in Kalamazoo and the surrounding areas. For the past decade, she has been creating estate plans, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. In addition, Korr assists with probating estate assets. Other areas of practice include bankruptcy and family law. Allison Greenlee Korr is also a trained collaborative lawyer. She was recognized as one of 2019's top 10 attorneys by the Attorney and Practice Magazine.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Ross Stancati - Partner60 yrs
Allison Korr - 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.
4.0
Google
4.0 / 5 (38)

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
203 East Michigan Avenue, Marshall, MI 49068
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Schroeder DeGraw PLLC features an estate planning attorney near Kalamazoo. Managing attorney Ronald J. DeGraw handles all matters related to the management of estates, including probate and trust administration. He provides assistance with issues such as tax and debt repayment, asset appraisal, and business succession. Other practice areas include business, tax, and real estate law. Mr. DeGraw holds memberships in the Michigan Bar Association and the Calhoun County Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Ronald Degraw - Partner65 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
202 North Riverview Drive, Parchment, MI 49004
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Established in 1980, Butler, Toweson & Payseno - PLLC is a full-service law firm that serves clients in Kalamazoo and its surrounding areas. Its attorneys have nearly 130 years of legal experience in a variety of practice areas. They help clients in probate and estate planning, including wills and trusts. They also handle cases involving family law, bankruptcy, business planning, civil litigation, and appellate practice. Other areas of practice include personal injury, driver's license restoration, and criminal defense.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Anthony Toweson - Partner31 yrs
Anthony Toweson - Principal31 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.
3.1
Google
3.0 / 5 (19)
Yelp
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
610 Spruce St, Vicksburg, MI 49097
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Grossman, Horne, & Cannizzaro PC is located near Kalamazoo. This firm is focused on helping individuals with probate, as well as related matters such as trust planning and estate administration. Its attorneys are experienced in helping clients handle probate-related matters, including distribution of assets and payment of taxes after their loved one has passed away. Managing partner Brett Grossman has been recognized by Super Lawyers and is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Brett Grossman - Partner23 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)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)

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
5659 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Vlachos & Vlachos, P.C., is a family-owned law firm located in Kalamazoo that has been in business since 1953. Its practice areas include estate planning, family and divorce law, personal injuries, and criminal charges. The firm provides legal assistance on wills and trusts, powers of attorney, and delegation of parental rights. Its team holds over 100 years of combined experience. Vlachos & Vlachos maintains a commitment to legal aid in cooperation with the Legal Aid of Western Michigan.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Nicholas Vlachos - Shareholder40 yrs
Brian Weiss - Senior Associate30 yrs
Paul Vlachos - Shareholder38 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.
3.9
Google
4.0 / 5 (20)
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

Disclaimer:  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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    The non-emergency contact number for the Kalamazoo Police Department is (269) 488-8911.

  • What is the Kalamazoo County Probate Court's jurisdiction?

    The Kalamazoo County Probate Court hears cases involving probate estates, trusts, and conservatorships. It is the proper venue for Kalamazoo County residents and property owners. The probate court is located at Gull Road Justice Complex, 1536 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048-1621. Its website, https://www.kalcounty.com/courts/probate/, allows a resident to do a court index search and search for the filing fees that need to be paid in various probate proceedings.

  • What are the two types of probate administration in Kalamazoo and the state of Michigan?

    The Kalamazoo County Probate Court, as well as other Michigan probate courts, handles both supervised and unsupervised probate proceedings. In a supervised probate, a person petitions the probate court to review and approve the personal representative's actions. With unsupervised probate, the court is only involved at the opening and closing of probate or when it is requested to deal with an issue. Each county in Michigan has its own probate court.

  • What are the steps involved in the probate process in Kalamazoo?

    The probate process in Kalamazoo involves locating and validating the decedent’s last will and testament, submitting the will to a probate court, and itemizing the estate’s assets. The process also requires the executor and probate lawyer to notify and compensate creditors with valid claims, pay estate tax to the Internal Revenue Service, and distribute the net assets to beneficiaries.

  • Are small estates exempted from the probate process in Kalamazoo?

    Yes, Kalamazoo recognizes and exempts small estates from the probate process. Assets valued below an amount established by the court annually are called small estates. If a person died between 2014 and 2017, his or her estate valued at $22,000 or less is exempt from the probate process. If a person died in 2022, an estate valued at $25,000 or less is considered small. An estate must be valued at $27,000 or less to be considered small if a person dies in 2023. The small estate processes are called assignment of property and transfer by affidavit.

  • What is the difference between probate and estate administration in Kalamazoo?

    While probate involves the courts, estate administration includes the probate process as well as other estate management issues. Like probate, estate administration is the legal process of settling someone's estate after he or she has died. The appointed representative, executor, or administrator of the estate manages this process. The types of assets that fall under estate administration include investment accounts, retirement accounts, and assets held in a trust.

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