Practice Areas

Probate Lawyers

West Michigan Probate Attorneys & Lawyers

Why Do you Need a Probate Lawyer?

For family members or friends who are tasked with winding up the personal affairs of a deceased loved one, the stress, confusion, and frustration that accompanies probate can amplify feelings of grief, loss, and helplessness.

Probate refers to the court-supervised process that a decedent’s estate must pass through after a person has died.

The process involves notifying the heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors of the decedent of his or her passing, inventorying and valuing the assets of the decedent that must pass through probate, satisfying the qualifying claims of creditors, distributing the remaining assets of the decedent to the heirs and/or beneficiaries according to the wishes of the decedent, and providing an accounting of the management of the estate to the court and all interested parties.

Few individuals are prepared to take on the complex legal tasks that probate requires them to complete.

However, the steady, guiding hand of an experienced Michigan probate lawyer can help ensure these necessary obligations are completed timely so that the family members and loved ones of the decedent are able to focus on their grief and recovery.

Over 34 Years of Experience Helping Grand Rapids Families

After the death of a loved one, trust the experienced and professional team of Michigan probate lawyers at Carrier Law to help you successfully fulfill the legal responsibilities of the probate process.

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Experienced and Compassionate Guidance Through All Stages of Probate

Carrier Law is dedicated to providing professional yet compassionate guidance and exceptional legal services to executors and estate administrators attempting to navigate the probate process as well as individuals wanting to help their heirs, descendants, and estate administrators avoid the probate process entirely.

We can assist you or your loved one with:

We understand that to you, an estate plan is more than just a financial decision; it is a decision that will have a long-lasting and direct impact on your loved one ones. As such, all estate planning strategies that are employed are tailored to your specific needs. No two estates nor families are alike, and your estate plan should reflect that.

Most of our clients want to avoid probate court and want a trust. Sometimes (rarely), a trust is not appropriate for a particular situation, and then we look at what the goals are for the client and make recommendations based upon their goals and what is appropriate for that unique situation.

  • Estate planning designed to avoid probate and preserve the value of your assets.
  • Drafting of wills and/or trusts to provide direction to your heirs and beneficiaries as to how you would like your affairs to be handled after death.
  • Assisting executors, administrators, and/or family members in admitting a decedent’s will to probate (essential to ensuring that the decedent’s final wishes are carried out)
  • Advice and representation for heirs, family members, and other interested parties wanting to challenge or defend the validity of a decedent’s will.
  • Counsel and provide guidance to executors and estate administrators in fulfilling the requirements of their positions and successfully completing the probate process.

The Michigan probate process imposes time limitations within which rights must be asserted and/or tasks completed. Executors and administrators who are unnecessarily and unreasonably slow in carrying out the duties of their positions can be held responsible for any harm the heirs and/or beneficiaries suffer on account of the delay. For this reason, it is advisable to consult with a probate law attorney as soon as possible following the death of a loved one.

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What Questions Do You Have For Us?

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If you do not call, then you may never know what you missed. Most people prefer knowledge, freely shared, over ignorance compounded by gossip. Speak with a compassionate expert today.

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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.

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“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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