If You Have Kids, You Need an Estate Planning Attorney
I’m constantly wondering what will happen to my kids or nieces and nephews if they are suddenly orphaned. Who will care for them? What would be best for them? What if surviving family disagrees about the arrangements?
A will is basically a love letter from you to your kids. You loved them so much you made a plan so they didn’t have to. It takes the guesswork out of everything when it’s the last thing a grieving family wants to do.
I used to think that simply writing wishes down on a piece of paper and getting it notarized was all you had to do. Once I sat down with my in-laws to go over their estate plans, I realized that there is a LOT more to a will or trust than that. There are dozens of if/thens to consider.
And a Grand Rapids estate planner knows all these questions. They take the time to learn your family situation and can see all the possible scenarios to consider. They get it all set up so there are no questions if something happens to you.
Grand Rapids estate planners are plentiful, so we asked our audience who their favorite area estate planners are to pare down the list. Here’s who they said was tops in our annual Grandtastic Awards: The Best of Grand Rapids.
Best Estate Planning Attorney – Wills & Trusts
Winner: Jordan Bush (Alles Law)
1. Bush, Jordan (Alles Law)
2. Alles, Tim (Alles Law)
3. The Law Offices of David L. Carrier, P.C.
4. Gleason, Linsey (Varnum)
5. Hofstee, Mark (Bolhouse Hofstee & McLean PC)
6. Muilenburg, Sara (Law Office of Sara Muilenburg)
7. Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
8. Brown, Christopher (Brown Law Firm)
9. Waalkes, Timothy (Verspoor Waalkes PC)
10. Brian J. Plachta
10. James M Mc Ewen Law Office (James Mc Ewen)
10. Sheridan, Kathlene (Sheridan Law PLC)
More to Explore
Best Gymnastics for Kids, Cheer & Aerial Arts in Grand Rapids 2026
High Flying Kids Will Love Gymnastics & Cheer Classes Gymnastics is just one of many sports offered in the area – and it’s pretty popular. We’ve got the scoop on all the best gymnastics classes in Grand Rapids. There are many area facilities offering gymnastics, cheer, ninja, aerial gymnastics and more. And you don’t have…
Amazing Art Classes for Kids in Grand Rapids 2026: Explore Drawing, Painting, Pottery & More
Art Classes for Kids include Paint, Pottery or Drawing Classes Art is one of those things that is accessible to everyone. As long as you have paper and something to draw with, you can make art! And if you’re really interested in it, you can explore art in so many mediums. Painting, drawing, cartooning, pottery,…
Volunteer Opportunities in Grand Rapids 2026: Ideas for Kids, Teens & Families
Volunteer Opportunities in West Michigan Looking for something meaningful to do with your family? Volunteering together is a great way to bond, teach your kids about giving back, and make a real impact. When you’re looking for things to do with kids in Grand Rapids, consider volunteering! Volunteering helps kids develop empathy and understand the…
GR’s Best Dance Classes for Kids 2026: Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop + More
Dance Classes for Kids Teach Creativity, Athleticism and Social Skills Dance is a powerful art that can begin early in a child’s life. It’s one of the more popular extracurriculars and classes for kids.From easy mommy + me dance classes to a more formal education, Grand Rapids has many places where kids can get involved in…
Grand Rapids’ Best Places for Kids Piano Lessons, Guitar Lessons, Singing Lessons + More – 2026
Music Lessons for Kids in Grand Rapids If your kids are like mine, their interests change every five minutes. And they’re probably going to want music lessons at some point. Or you’re going to decide that yep, it’s time for piano lessons! Grand Rapids has a ton of options, which helps. Some studios teach a…
17 Must-Try Family Restaurants in Grand Rapids
Interesting Kid Friendly Restaurants in Grand Rapids Dining at family restaurants is always an adventure, whether intentional or not. Here in west Michigan we have free & cheap spots, our favorite spots and summer time outside dining. And now we have the best intentional adventures for kid friendly restaurants. Play pinball, eat inside an old…
