Guidance and Representation You Can Depend On in All Stages of Administration
Probate, Estate and Trust Administration in Michigan
Administration of probate, estates and trusts contains a host of concerns best addressed and resolved with an experienced estate planning attorney. At Willis Law, with locations in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Paw Paw, we simplify the processes, minimize costs and preserve assets for our clients, whom include executors, trustees, administrators and beneficiaries.
We assist our clients with:
- Estate administration and settlement
- Trust administration and protection of assets in trusts
- Foreign (out of state) personal representative estate administration (or ancillary estate administration)
- Probate administration
Our estate administration and trust administration attorneys handle all legal aspects of our clients' matters and collaborate with financial professionals as necessary.
We will help you understand your unique situation and the matters facing you in administration, including:
- Formal probate vs. informal probate – what is the best legal process for the estate?
- Supervised probate vs. unsupervised probate
- Small estate (summary administration) under Michigan law
- Minimizing your tax expense in administration
- Managing creditor claims in administration
- The fiduciary's duties and notice requirements under estate and trust administration
Our lawyers bring significant depth to our clients dealing with probate, estate administration or trust administration. Attorney Michael J. Willis, a co-founder of our firm, is registered as a certified public accountant (CPA) in the state of Illinois. We bring you over a century of experience, including that of Frank D. Willis, the former chief judge of Van Buren County Probate Court and one of the longest standing judges in Michigan Probate Court history with 38.5 years of service.
We are a full-service law firm dedicated to the Christian model of service, which drives us to provide proactive, customized and excellent legal services to our clients throughout Western Michigan.
The Importance of Experienced Legal Counsel and Representation
There are numerous reasons to hire a thorough and proactive lawyer for estate administration and planning needs. Many complex and co-dependent issues intertwine in the estate administration and planning processes. Overlooking just one part of tax law, Medicaid law or real estate laws may significantly impact wealth preservation and wealth transfer.
It is critical to plan your strategy and make use of the appropriate planning vehicles with a legal professional who acts in your best interests with flexibility, creativity and solid principles.
Please call our law firm today to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our esteemed attorneys at (888) 461-7744. We are also available through our online email form, and we respond promptly to all inquiries. We look forward to speaking with you.

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