Probate, Estate Planning & Trusts
Michigan Attorneys in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids & Paw Paw
Planning for the future is a vital part of anyone’s life, no matter how old you are. Aside from shielding your assets and property from the probate process, an estate plan is essential because it protects your personal choices in a medical emergency and ensures that your end-of-life choices are safeguarded. It’s never too early to develop a solid estate plan that protects your best interests, your assets, and your beneficiaries.
However, it’s not unusual for a loved one to pass away without an estate plan in place. In this circumstance, it’s imperative that you contact a legal team that is experienced in estate administration. At Willis Law, our estate planning attorneys in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Paw Paw can help you effectively navigate the probate process.
Our probate, estate, and trust administration services include the following:
- Estate Administration: We can guide you through this complex process and protect your rightful inheritance from the state.
- Deal with Creditor Claims: The personal representative of an estate is responsible for notifying creditors when a testator passes away. We can help you publish a public notice so that all known and unknown creditors can make their claims for repayment.
- Foreign PR – Ancillary Estate Administration: Rely on our legal team to help you file for ancillary estate administrations in jurisdictions where out-of-state property exists.
- Formal Probate vs. Informal Probate: Our estate planning lawyers can help you determine whether formal or informal probate proceedings will best serve your loved one’s estate.
- Notice Requirements Under Trust Administration: A trustee is obligated to make certain notifications upon the grantor’s death. We can review your loved one’s estate plan and determine which parties have an interest in the trust.
- Small Estate Under Michigan Law: If your loved one’s estate is valued under $22,000, you may be able to avoid the probate process and save money on legal fees.
- Supervised Probate: Our estate planning team can help you decide if supervised or unsupervised probate administration is right for you.
- Taxes in Administration: When your loved one passes away, their estate requires a separate Employer Identification Number that can be used to file the decedent’s final tax return.
- Trust Administration: Establish revocable or irrevocable trusts with our estate planning attorneys. We can also help you divide trusts when a grantor dies.
In addition, Willis Law’s probate, estate, and trust litigation services include:
- Probate Litigation: Legal disputes over assets often arise when a family member passes away. Our experienced legal representatives can protect your rights.
- Trust Litigation: Our experienced lawyers can represent your interests both in and out of court to help you resolve any estate litigation matters.
- Will Contests & Lawsuits: If you’re interested in contesting a will, we can review your case and determine if you can bring your claim to court.
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At Willis Law, our estate planning lawyers in Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids understand that facing any legal issue regarding the death of a loved one can be a very difficult and emotionally challenging experience. Whether you’re interested in developing your own estate plan or need guidance through the probate process, our legal team can help.
Call Willis Law today at (888) 461-7744 or contact our firm online to learn more from our Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids esate planning attorneys. We offer free initial consultations to help you get started.

Hear It From Our Clients
The Opinions That Matter-
“I experienced great personal attention from Willis Law. Everyone was above competent. I don’t doubt the quality of legal counsel I received!”
- Thomas F. -
“It was recommended that Willis Law assume my legal affairs by my retiring attorney and I’m very satisfied.”
- Anonymous -
“All things went smoothly and as expected. Very pleased with the resulting estate plan.”
- Anonymous -
“I don’t know how Mariko could be better. She totally exceeded my expectations. If anyone I hear is in need of legal services, Willis will be the first words out of my mouth!”
- James S. -
“Mariko was very professional, but it was also obvious she cared about what we were doing and made sure our experience was a good and productive one. Thank you!!”
- Tim F.
Meet Your Legal Team
Helping You Achieve the Best Possible Outcome-
Michael J. Willis J.D., C.P.A.
Director and Co-Founder
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Shaun P. Willis J.D.
Director and Co-Founder
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Frank D. Willis J.D.
Chief Senior Counsel
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Donald H. Smith, J.D.
Attorney/Partner
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Mariko C. Willis, J.D.
Of Counsel Attorney
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Samuel R. Gilbertson J.D.
Managing Partner
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Paul Morgan, J.D.
Attorney
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Chico S. Obande J.D.
Attorney
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Jennifer L. Grahek, J.D.
Attorney
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Adam D. Bancroft, J.D.
Attorney
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Davis C. Martin, J.D.
Attorney
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Aric D. Kasel, J.D.
Attorney
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Cody Hayward, J.D.
Attorney
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Nick Tuori
Attorney
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Verelle Kirkwood J.D.
Of Counsel Attorney
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Kristyn Meulenberg J.D.
Of Counsel Attorney
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Nick Vogelzang
Of Counsel Asbestos Litigation Attorney
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Robin Vleugel
Receptionist
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Michele Guyman
Paralegal
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Brian Thompson
Paralegal
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Angie Straley
Paralegal
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Patty Stickels
Legal Assistant
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Kay Davidson
Legal Assistant
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Kerrie Leclercq
Legal Assistant
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Karen Zimmerman
Legal Assistant
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Austin J. Beaudet
Legal Extern
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Max Antonneau
Client Service Specialist
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Mark Zigterman
Accountant
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Margarita Jensen
Intake Coordinator
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Erin Willis
Courier
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Patrick Willis
Courier