Your estate plan will fail because your estate planner has failed you.

Why do 96% of estate plans fail? Because your estate planner is failing you.

70% of 65-year-olds will need long-term care for 3 years or more. But traditional estate plans don’t cover this, which means you pay for it. At Carrier law, we put our 40 years of experience to work making sure you don’t go broke and can pass on your life’s works to your family.

Traditional Estate Planning

$50+/hr.

Skilled nursing care – private

$400+/day

Skilled nursing care – Institutional

Only 4% Success

Traditional trust planning.

BOTTOM LINE:

YOUR MIDDLE CLASS FAMILY GOES BROKE.

The Carrier Law Solution

Carrier clients can
reduce or eliminate
nursing home costs altogether!
More than

40 years of experience

Over 20,000

Clients served

LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR
AND YOU FAMILY’S FUTURE!

Discover the Carrier Law Difference & Give Your Family Security and Freedom for the Future

The Carrier Law Difference means we serve you through every phase of your planning process. Whether your just getting started with your planning, planning for your family, or administering an estate for a loved one, we are here for you.

ESTATE PLANNING

Let us help you plan your future for you and your loved ones.

  • You worked too hard to throw away the SECURITY you have earned
  • Your savings should serve you, not the government
  • Is dumb luck the same thing as intelligent planning
  • Solid planning avoids nursing home poverty
FIND OUT MORE

PROBATE

You don’t have to do it alone. We help you plan for after you’re gone.

  • Will you ruin their legacy with a two-bit, up-for-grabs free-for-all at the local junkyard?
  • Prompt, accurate, detailed accountings
  • Speedy resolution of bills and debts
  • Distribution of legacy with maximum security and satisfaction.

FIND OUT MORE

LONG TERM CARE

Life doesn’t have to stop with a disability. Let us help you plan.

  • Why should you sacrifice your life savings?
  • Is the best “too good” for your family member?
  • Who is taking care of mom while you’re taking care of business?
  • Why not use life savings for quality of life?
FIND OUT MORE

ESTATE PLANNING

Let us help you plan your future for you and your loved ones.

  • You worked too hard to throw away the SECURITY you have earned
  • Your savings should serve you, not the government
  • Is dumb luck the same thing as intelligent planning
  • Solid planning avoids nursing home poverty
FIND OUT MORE

PROBATE

You don’t have to do it alone. We help you plan for after you’re gone.

  • Will you ruin their legacy with a two-bit, up-for-grabs free-for-all at the local junkyard?
  • Prompt, accurate, detailed accountings
  • Speedy resolution of bills and debts
  • Distribution of legacy with maximum security and satisfaction.

FIND OUT MORE

LONG TERM CARE

Life doesn’t have to stop with a disability. Let us help you plan.

  • Why should you sacrifice your life savings?
  • Is the best “too good” for your family member?
  • Who is taking care of mom while you’re taking care of business?
  • Why not use life savings for quality of life?
FIND OUT MORE

Not Sure Where to Start?

Whether you’d like to learn more about your options, or would like
expert guidance, Carrier Law is here to help every step of the way.

Get Help Right Away

Get a free consultation

TESTIMONIALS

Don’t take my word for it

Over the past 37 years, We have helped over 46,000 families establish security and
peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones. Here’s what some of them have to say.

Don’t take my word for it

Over the past 37 years, We have helped over 46,000 families establish security and peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones. Here’s what some of them have to say.

I needed help qualifying my husband for Medicaid to help with his dementia. David Carrier and his employees are very professional and knew exactly what to do to accomplish this. Blair Davis lead me thru the process, submitted the application and we were approved 2 months later. It was a time when I didn't know how I was going to get help and David Carrier Law knew exactly what to do. God bless them all.

Jody J.

My wife and I attended the LifePlan Workshop and meet with Bryan Narlock an attorney on David Carrier's team. Both David and Bryan showed us how we can protect your assets and we never felt pressured to purchase their services.

John W.

Met with Jim Henke today. He was very empathetic when I told him about my personal situation; extremely thorough as we reviewed my existing estate plan and financial information; and made thoughtful suggestions to protect my assets. He's a good listener and very helpful.

June P.

Carrier Law cares about it's clients. They are professionals. Everytime I've been there the staff is pleasant and knowledgeable. No Stone is left unturned. Thank you Carrier Law!

Patrick C.

Very knowledgeable and willing to make very complicated issues understandable. Protect yourself and your family.

Ken F.

So far we have been very satisfied with David Carrier & Hallie Miller both of whom have helped us up to and during the funding process of our new trust.

Martin B.

I had the pleasure to work with Gregory Van Deusen as we went over health and estate legal documents. He is very knowledgeable and personable as he guided us through the process! Many thanks for assisting us in what can be a difficult time.

Carla O.

Office staff is very friendly. I worked with several legal staff who were good at what they do. If I had questions, I could call and ask.

Ron D.

Terri M. is great! We may have driven her crazy with our questions, but she helped us along. We were very happy with her and her patience with us. Also, saw Jim H. for a different matter. Nice guy, friendly, and explains things so you can understand. Good law office with very reliable people!!

Ben and Barb

The most compassionate, caring, and knowledgeable "family" of people I was blessed to be referred to. And, of course, it really IS a small world! Thanks for everything.

Serilnina D.

I have had two occasions to work with Carrier Law recently. On both occasions I spoke with Terri Macklin. She was very helpful, very easy to talk to and she provided me with the answers I needed. Terri offered me options and suggestions that made navigating my job as Trustee, much easier. It was great working with you, Terri. Thank you for making this process much more understable.

Sue K.

I went in for my review after all of the COVID mess that has been going on. They contacted me to set up an appointment and I did just that. ATTORNEY James Henke took all my questions and answered them. He also gave me some more insight and gave me confidence that even after my wife's death, that my Trust would still be effective. He was very sharp and helpful. He Even gave me Condolences on my wife's passing. He assured me that my Adult Children could come there for help even after my death or my incapacitated state, for help and guidance. He was punctual, helpful and reassuring. They did not charge me for anything, because everything was bascially the same after my wife's passing.. Thank you for your expertise and making me feel comfortable!! God Bless You!!

Charles J.

Really good law office very professional staff.

David M.

I went through a update with carrier law and was very pleased with the service that I received. I was directed to go to the funding dept. met with Hope Welsh to go over all of my fundings couldn't been more pleased with her knowledge of my fundings. Most pleased with her professionalism of work and the joy of working with her.

Ralph H.

My husband and I just had our first appointment with David. He is clearly very knowledgeable about estate planning and elder law. He explained all the services his office provides and how they can protect our assets during our lifetimes and after our deaths. It was a very enjoyable meeting and although we chose to purchase some of his services, we did not feel pressured at all to do so. The free gifts for becoming clients were a nice surprise!

Tara L.

We worked with Bill Bereza at Carrier for the estate planning of both our family and my mother-in-law. Bill was thoughtful, attentive, and personable. He took care to provide advice customized to each of us, and he and the team at Carrier made the entire thing easy and seamless. We were supported every step of the way getting our trusts, wills, etc all set up. Highly recommended for estate planning!

Drew C.

I have worked with David and his organization for estate planning and asset protection for several years and always been happy with the results.

David G.

Friendly, detailed, made sure our needs were fully addressed and we understood the issues. Very pleased.

David M.

I have been a client of Carrier Law since November 2019. Each time I have made an inquiry or request, it been answered or addressed. Today, I met with Attorney, James D. Henke. Mr. Henke answered all of my questions, gave salient advice, and extended an invitation to call him with any future questions or problems. Further, as committed by David Carrier, I will not receive a bill for the services rendered today.

Mark E.

David and his entire staff are nothing short of remarkable and phenomenal! I am very pleased and impressed with my experience there. Everything was handled in a professional manner, and with the best treatment. A special thanks to Jim Henke and Terri Macklin for all their efforts. Absolutely the best!!

Mike S.

A very pleasant experience for my wife and myself. The staff was extremely nice and helpful. Jim was very knowledgeable and patient, explaining everything in a manner that helped us to understand our options. We are looking forward to our next appointment.

Brian C.

The LifePlan seminar is a very useful experience providing current information for all ages regarding protection of your personal and family assets.

Mike N.

Very friendly, professional and extremely thorough! We are very happy to work with them! Would highly recommend them!

Mary Ann S.

James Henke talked us through the LifePlan Journey and answered all questions. Doing this has given us piece of mind that our assets will go where needed an will do the most good to preserve our legacy. Highly recommend James and the program.

Michelle V.

The staff are incredibly professional. My mother was treated with utmost respect. Her paperwork was organized and concise. I dealt with David and Jim and they spoke in terms.

Mike Visser

All questions were answered in depth and in a manner that was very understandable in depth and in a manner that was very understandable. I left feeling confident that we can contact them at any time for help navigating the system.

Sally Brown

We were very happy with the information at the workshop on Estate Planning [LifePlan workshop]. Amanda was very helpful in explaining the options we could choose from.

Sue Van Sluyters

MEET THE TEAM

WE ARE STANDING BY TO SERVE YOU.

Our staff is comprised of dozens of talented, highly trained professionals, many jobs, diverse skills, various experiences. One Focus, Single Purpose, United in Vision.

Our Families Do Not Go Broke.

Over the years, more and more families like yours have come to experience the personal and financial devastation of long term care. Farms broken up. Cottage lost. Life savings depleted. At the same time, your team has grown – adding offices, team members, resources. Would you like to know more about the women and men dedicated to this mission?

To Preserve, Protect and Defend Middle Class, Michigan?

Meet the Team

Latest News That Can Impact You

independent contractor and freelancer estate planning

How do i get my mom out of secured alzeimers unit of nursing home?

I called my brother for help when the apartment manager said she couldn’t stay at home alone while I was at work. He moved back from California, and basically took over, moved me out of my mom‘s apartment as caregiver moved himself in and tried to keep me away by any means possible ! he has booksmart and got medical power attorney without anybody’s permission,,my brother stole all powers fradulently and had my( the only one that truly wants to help my mother taken off of 2nd. Dpoa one year after 1st dpoa with all three kids on it. Paul and sherry were never supposed to be on as any kind of power over my mother snd this nursing home is making her decine rapidly. I have a wonderful home plan but cant get her out. She wants out!
Read more
independent contractor and freelancer estate planning

Supplemental Needs Trust Abuse

My father passed away 13 years ago and left a supplemental needs trust with for me. My abusive mentally unstable mother who is not under the care of a doctor and is not competent to serve as trustee, is punitively denying access to trust funds and refusing to provide care per terms of the trust. I have no income and cannot provide for my most basic needs. I am unable to hire an attorney as I am being denied access to my funds and my disability benefits were discontinued and my mother refuses to reapply for them. What recourse do I have as far as having a new trustee appointed or having legal action taken against my mother?
Read more
independent contractor and freelancer estate planning

Can a nursing home in Florida refuse to send my father to the hospital?

My father has had multiple UTIs in the past year. He is showing the same delirium symptoms again. The nursing home checked blood and urine and says he is ok, but they put him on antipsych meds! I have been asking to have him sent to the hospital and they don't want to. Can I as POA make them? He initialed the 2 parts of "effective immediately". He might say to me he will go, but if they ask him he might say no because he's tired. But something is very wrong and it needs to be checked! Top neurologist 3 weeks ago rated him A-/B+ with mild cognitive impairment. Now something is wrong and they don't know what!
Read more
independent contractor and freelancer estate planning

Can a guardian pay themselves or an other family member 20hr to care for them in there own home

My sister took guardianship of my mother, moved her into her house, and started paying either herself or her daughter 20 dollars an hour, she took a total of 23,000.00 in 16 months is this financial abuse or is this legal since she is the guardian. During this time my mom became non- mobile she could not even sit up in her own bed.
Read more
independent contractor and freelancer estate planning

My dad passed. Spouse had prior POA and is not sharing info for executor duties

A POA for assets was drafted at the time will was done, w/brother listed as executor. Dad remarried, had dimentia & fell, then went to AL. I think his spouse left him alone at the time & went to work w/o arranging oversight.Another POA was drafted around that time,w/spouse. Fast fwd, Dad passed 7/17 from another fall at AL. Spouse didn't give a copy of POA til after dad passed & wasn't/isn't upholding fudiciary duties. For example, spouse didn't pay Neptune Society balance due for cremation that was set up before dad passed. We had to pay it after bc spouse refused. Also, we took over managing Social Security & VA benefits bc spouse wasn't paying AL facility @one point.VA had contacted us bc dad was about to be evicted! Spouse never gave accounting of where the monies went (in addition to other things, ie stimulus checks, wallet, taxes, etc.). Plus, back pay to AL had to be repaid from Dad's benefits, it was like he paid twice & that was after spouse agreed to make payments for it & never did! In sum, how do we get what we need to execute the will? Spouse agreed to manage affairs prior when the POA was signed & notorized...isn't this abuse of the POA?
Read more
independent contractor and freelancer estate planning

How does Medicaid recovery process work?

My mother-in-law willed her house on Long Island to my wife. She wanted to move to an adult community, so we sold the house in June 2023 and bought a condo in my wife’s name. My mother-in-law moved in but, regrettably, passed away about six months later, at the end of 2023. We've just received a letter from the Medicaid Inspector’s office asking for information about her assets. How should we handle this situation? Is there a way to protect the proceeds from the sale, considering there are no other major assets?
Read more
independent contractor and freelancer estate planning

My mom saved no money for retirement

My mom is 82, saved no money, and spent it all. Now, she needs a nursing home. She will get Medicare and possibly Medicaid coverage, but if there is an extra charge, can Ohio legally hold me financially responsible for her unpaid bills if I live in Michigan? Ohio has a familial fiduciary law, but I don’t think it applies if the adult children live in other states that do not have a similar law. Is that correct?
Read more
independent contractor and freelancer estate planning

Planning for Freelancers and Independent Contractors

Without traditional employment's typical benefits or retirement plans, freelancers need to be proactive in securing their financial future and ensuring their assets are properly managed and distributed.
Read more
independent contractor and freelancer estate planning

My partner passed her will I get to live in our home until I die, she made her brother trust of the house, she has RV who respona

The RV is in her name who is responsible for that RV?
Read more

See more articles

Client Success Stories…

We were very happy with the information at the workshop on Estate Planning [LifePlan workshop]. Amanda was very helpful in explaining the options we could choose from to protect our assets from excessive taxes.

All questions were answered in depth and in a manner that was very understandable. I left feeling confident that we can contact them at any time for help navigating the system.

The staff are incredibly professional. My mother was treated with utmost respect. Her paperwork was organized and concise. I dealt with David and Jim and they spoke in terms my mother and I could understand.

I was totally lost when my husband’s dementia got bad. David and his group helped me feel in control again. They are there to help me whenever I need them. I should have done this sooner.

Perfect balance of pleasant and professional. Starting with workshops with targeted info, to chit chat with David (and all the staff we met) – great experience. Thank you!

My husband and I just returned from your workshop in Portage…We are so pleased we attended and came away with so much information and insight. The workshop was well organized, well presented and your staff was wonderful. Patrick made things fun, and as he promised, the time flew by. Thanks you again for 2 very well spent hours.

Donna & Stephanie are extremely professional, on top of everything, friendly and just a joy to work with. Very prompt on phone calls, emails, etc. I am very thankful for these two people!

We have been extremely pleased with the professional service of David and the staff. It has been a pleasure working with everyone to make sure our future is secure. David was also very helpful finding an out of state attorney to help our parent’s address their Elder law needs.

Our Promise: We do not share or sell your personal information. Privacy Policy.

“The Law Offices of David L. Carrier is an estate planning and elder law firm located in Western Michigan. Our main office is in Grand Rapids, and we have 3 other conveniently located offices in West Michigan. We specialize in medicaid crisis planning, estate planning, elder law, probate, wills and trusts.

Our Office Locations

Grand Rapids, MI

Norton Shores, MI

Holland, MI

Portage, MI

Practice Areas

Medicaid Crisis Lawyers

Estate Planning Lawyers

Elder Law Lawyers

Family Trust

Probate Lawyers

Trust Funding Center

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