Kalamazoo Estate Litigation Attorneys

Defending Your Family’s Legacy & Final Wishes in West Michigan

After a loved one passes away, their estate must be administered properly to ensure that their assets are divided according to their documented will or trust. Unfortunately, when family members are written out of a trust or estate plan, they may challenge the documents, placing an immense burden on the named trustee or executor. 

At Willis Law, we provide steady counsel to individuals facing these disputes, focusing on defending the estate plan, the trust, and the fiduciaries tasked with carrying out a deceased loved one's final instructions. 

Though we represent all parties in probate disputes, including beneficiaries and fiduciaries, our core focus is shielding the trustee or executor from unwarranted contest-side attacks. Defending a trust or estate plan means honoring a life's work, and we offer the steadfast, compassionate representation you need in probate courts across West Michigan. 

Discuss your case with our Kalamazoo estate litigation lawyers. Call (888) 461-7744 to schedule a free consultation.

Steady Counsel for Trustees and Executors

Being named a trustee or executor is a profound responsibility, but it can quickly feel overwhelming when disgruntled relatives allege undue influence, lack of capacity, or breach of fiduciary duty. Defending against these challenges requires a firm understanding of Michigan probate law and a commitment to protecting the integrity of the original documents. Importantly, when you are defending the trust or the estate plan in your official capacity, the trust or estate itself can often cover the legal costs of your defense. 

We walk with you through these difficult circumstances, providing patient explanations so you understand the road ahead. If negotiation and mediation cannot resolve the dispute, our litigators are prepared to take the matter to court and fight to protect the estate's interests and your loved one's legacy. 

For deeper insights into navigating these challenging family dynamics and protecting your role as a fiduciary, read our recent article: When Family Fights the Trust: Defending the Estate Plan, the Trust, and the Trustee.

Comprehensive Estate and Trust Defense in Michigan

Whether you are managing a large trust containing West Michigan farmland and high-value commercial real estate, or administering a more moderate family estate, Willis Law delivers tailored representation focused on achieving your unique goals. 

Our team of lawyers works collaboratively to address complex disputes, including: 

• Defending against will and trust contests from written-out family members
• Protecting fiduciaries against breach of fiduciary duty claims
• Validating the proper execution of estate planning documents
• Resolving fee disputes and complex administrative challenges
• Refuting claims of undue influence or lack of capacity
• Addressing estate taxes and other complex tax liabilities
• Defending against allegations of fraud and misconduct

Why Choose Willis Law for Your Legal Defense

Since brothers Michael J. Willis and Shaun Patrick Willis founded our firm in a historic Kalamazoo house in 2004, we have remained deeply rooted in the West Michigan community. Built on the legacy and encouragement of their father, former Van Buren County Chief Judge Frank D. Willis, our firm approaches every case through a Christian model of service. 

We operate on our core RISE values: Results, I Am Third, Shouldering, and Excellence. When you work with us, you will never be treated as just another number; we put God first, the person in front of us second, and ourselves third. 

Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience and have been recognized by esteemed legal organizations, including selection to Super Lawyers and AV® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. We take the time to get to know you and to familiarize ourselves with your situation before determining the appropriate approach and building a strong case on your behalf.