Estate, Trust, and Probate Attorneys

An estate plan is a comprehensive set of documents that work together to reach a variety of estate planning objectives.  We offer 6 types of "Core Estate Plans".  Each Core Estate Plan includes all of the documents that you will need to plan for incapacity and post-death distribution of property.  Core Estate Plans provide the best estate planning value when compared to purchasing separate documents.  Read more:  Core Estate Plans.  

A last will and testament is a document that is used only for post-death distribution of property that is subject to probate proceedings.  However, not all property owned by a deceased person is subject to probate proceedings.  A will can only be used when it is admitted by a probate court and a "personal representative" is appointed. Read more about probate:  Probate Proceedings.

Living trusts are the most popular option for post-death distribution of property because they are very flexible, private, and avoid probate proceedings. Living trusts are slightly more expensive to prepare than a will, but they are less costly than a will to administer following death. 

We can help you decide whether an estate plan, will, or trust is the best option for you.  There is no cost or obligation for our initial consultation. Please schedule a consultation by using our online calendar.   

We have a complete schedule of fees for Core Estate Plans and individual estate planning documents that you may review here:  Estate Planning Fees.

If you have any questions about fees please feel free to call our office at (616) 361-2432.  

We believe that there are many sound reasons to choose us for your estate planning attorneys:

• Experience:  EPLG has been providing estate planning services since 1994.  Since that time, we have assisted thousands of people with estate planning and estate administration. Attorneys John Tamboer, Sandy O'Brien, and Michelle Lupanoff have personally advised and represented over 25,000 clients on a variety of matters. We will apply all of our experience to your legal matters.  

• Integrity:   We value the relationship with each of our clients, and it is common for us to have served serve multiple generations in the same family.  Many accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals have also relied on us for many years to provide clear and objective guidance for their clients.  These long term relationships are proof that we always put our clients first.

• Value:  We continually work on our systems and processes to improve the quality of services while keeping costs low for our clients.  The use of do-it-yourself forms has lead to disastrous consequences for many people.  We can speak from years of experience when we tell our clients that estate planning is too complex to go it alone.  As a result, we strive to make our services affordable. 

• Research:  We provide documents and services that you will not find anywhere else. In fact, most estate planning attorneys use forms that they have purchased from a software company. These documents are usually created by non-attorneys who are not familiar with the nuances of Michigan law. For this reason, we spend countless hours to research and draft proprietary documents that are easy to understand, and comply specifically with Michigan law.  Our research and revisions never cease as the law changes.  

• Focus: We are dedicated to the practice of law as it relates to all aspects of estate planning and estate administration.  Our focus allows us to adjust quickly to new statutes, rules, and regulations.  We do not handle matters in any other area of law.  As a result, we constantly update and improve our processes to ensure that we are providing the best services possible.

• Personal Service:  Our small size means that we provide you with personal attention.  Once you retain us, we want you to be a client for life.

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The easiest way to start your estate plan is to schedule a consultation.  A consultation can be held in-person, by phone, or by video conference. There is no fee for the initial consultation.

 When we receive notice of your appointment, we will send you a link to our Estate Planning Worksheet to complete at home.  The worksheet will help us to prepare for your consultation.  

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These are the steps to complete your estate plan:

1. Schedule a consultation.
2. Complete an estate planning worksheet.
3. Meet with an attorney to discuss your estate plan.
4. Review your documents at home.
5. Sign your documents at home or at our office. 
6. Follow our instructions to implement your plan.  

This process can be completed as quickly as you need, but typically it takes 2-4 weeks.