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
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…
Ultimate Toddler Activities Guide: 28 Exciting Things to Do with Toddlers in West MI
As soon as they’re walking, toddlers are ready to explore GR! Check out these baby and toddler play areas near Grand Rapids.
10 Best Disney Travel Agents for an Unforgettable Trip & How Using a Disney Agent Works
Everything You Need to Know about the Best Disney Travel Agents The only reason I avoided taking my kids to Disney World is because I didn’t want to plan it. Taking a Michigan summer vacation or finding a beautiful Midwest vacation spot just seemed so much easier to pull off. At Disney there are so many options to…
Ice Cream Places: 29 Yummy Ice Cream Shops with the Best Scoops
Ice Cream Places Serving up the Best Scoops One of the best things to do in the summer is to walk, bike, or drive to your favorite ice cream places and cool off with frozen sweet treats or desserts. Superman is an obvious choice in any Michigan ice cream shop, as is Mackinac Island Fudge….
Best of Grand Rapids Schools: The 2026 Winners Are In!
Stand Out Schools in Grand Rapids With the size of Grand Rapids, it’s no surprise that local schools are overflowing with top-rated extra curriculars, stand out specialty programs and inspiring staff at area schools. The real question is, who shines above the rest? We asked our readers to weigh in and cast votes for their…
13 Driving Schools in Grand Rapids And How Driver’s Training Works These Days + Top Voted Schools
Getting a Michigan Driver’s License – The Road to Freedom Normally when you’re thinking of things for teens to do, it’s hanging out with friends, playing sports or in band, or going shopping. But get ready parents – driver’s training is often a key milestone for teens as they begin their journey to freedom. I…
