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Wills
Plan. Protect. Prosper.
Grand Rapids Will Attorney
Michigan Wills Drafted with a Litigation Eye
A will is one of the most consequential documents your family will ever rely on. It determines who inherits, who raises your children, and who steps in to settle your affairs. At Inhulsen Law, John Inhulsen has guided Grand Rapids families through that process for more than 15 years, building his practice specifically around helping clients navigate Michigan’s probate requirements in plain language.
What sets John apart is a background in business litigation. That background trains an attorney to spot where documents break down under pressure, where language invites dispute, and where a plan that looks complete today may fail tomorrow when circumstances change. Every will we draft carries that same discipline. We don’t simply prepare paperwork. We think through the risks, explain your options clearly, and produce a document designed to hold up to scrutiny.
We serve individuals and families across a range of situations: married, remarried, parents of minor children, business owners, and those with significant assets. Clients consistently tell us they never felt rushed, pressured, or confused. Every family situation is different, and your will should reflect your specific goals rather than a generic template.
Are you ready to work with a trusted Grand Rapids will attorney to protect your family’s future? Call Inhulsen Law today at (616) 345-2810 or contact us online to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Why Having a Will Matters
Without a valid will, control over your property, finances, and even your children passes to the court and state statute. Michigan’s intestate succession rules decide who inherits and who manages the estate. Those rules don’t ask what you would have wanted.
A properly drafted will ensures:
- Your assets go to the people and organizations you choose
- A trusted individual manages your estate as personal representative
- Minor children are cared for by a guardian you select
- Family conflict is reduced by leaving clear, documented instructions
- Probate can proceed more efficiently with a valid, enforceable document in place
A will drafted with care can spare your loved ones unnecessary stress during an already difficult time.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Michigan?
If you pass away without a valid will, your estate enters probate under Michigan’s intestate succession laws within the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC). The court distributes assets according to fixed statutory shares, typically prioritizing spouses, children, and close relatives, regardless of what you would have wanted.
Those fixed shares can divide an estate in ways families don’t expect. When a surviving spouse and children from a prior relationship are both present, for example, the statutory split may leave neither party with what the decedent intended. Long-term partners without a legal marriage, blended family dynamics, and charitable intentions receive nothing under Michigan’s intestacy rules.
Intestacy also doesn’t spare an estate from probate. The estate still goes through court. Your family simply loses the ability to choose who inherits and who serves as personal representative. Working with a knowledgeable Grand Rapids will attorney helps you, not the court, decide how your estate is handled.
Take the first step toward peace of mind. Speak with a Grand Rapids will attorney at Inhulsen Law and start creating your will today.
What Can Be Included in a Will?
A comprehensive Michigan will can address a wide range of issues, including:
Our Clients Say It Best
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“I have been very impressed with Inhulsen law services. The knowledge and professionalism were invaluable. John explained everything clearly and kept me informed throughout the process. I was very pleased with the successful outcome and learned so much from him. I would highly recommend this place!”- Lourdes B.
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“If you are looking for an attorney who will truly help you build the life you deserve, then look no further Inhulsen Law. As an attorney who has the opportunity to collaborate with John, I can attest to his depth of knowledge as well as his commitment to excellence. Whether you need assistance with the complexities of business formation and planning or building and estate plan to protect the future of your family, John will apply a creative and honest approach that will make you instantly realize you made the right choice hiring Inhulsen Law.”- Joshua S.
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“Fantastic firm, very personable and receptive to what you’re looking for. Listened to my mom and I for her estate planning. Angela was also very attentive to our needs. Have a life long partnership. Thank you both!”- Salty Dog
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“My wife and I had a very positive experience working with Inhulsen Law to update our Will and to put our assets into Living Trusts. The process is very thorough and they take a no-pressure approach to understanding your needs and will give you multiple options, explaining the benefits of each. They use a model where no question is a bad question and will break down what can seem like a complicated process into an easy to understand format. They take a very personal approach to getting to know you and your needs and we never felt rushed, pressured, or confused throughout the whole process. If you want an Attorney who values their clients seeking a long term relationship with you, you should work with Inhulsen Law.”- Curt W.
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“I had an excellent experience working with John on our estate planning. He took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all of our questions, and made what initially felt overwhelming into a smooth and stress-free process. We truly appreciated his attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to tailor the plan to our family’s specific needs. We now feel confident knowing everything is in order. We highly recommend John Inhulsen to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and caring estate planning attorney.”- Becky L.
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“I had John draw up my will and was so impressed with how knowledgeable and kind he and his staff were. The process was thoroughly explained and it is a huge relief to have things settled for my kids. I definitely recommend him and his services!”- Heidi H.
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“Answer to prayer! My husband and I finally decided it was time to put a Trust and Will in place. It was unnerving to think about estate planning because we did not know who to talk to, where to start or what to expect. Thankfully, after searching the internet for a law firm, we discovered Inhulsen Law. We were more than impressed with the outstanding reviews! Setting up an appointment with John was simple and quick. The entire process was explained to us in an uncomplicated way. In our first meeting with John it was apparent to us that he has a genuine interest in building relationships with people and helping them obtain their goals. John's character is stellar and his knowledge of the law is extensive. It feels good to have a law firm you can trust and someone like John you can reach out to and feel confident he will point you in the right direction.”- Lori A.
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“Recently John Inhulsen took time out of his day to call me when I encountered a legal matter over my head. John talked me through it and made me feel so much better about what I was facing. John's professionalism is first tier. Obviously, he knows and understands the legal world, all aspects. I recommend his team highly.”- Ted L.
What Makes a Will Legally Valid in Michigan?
Under MCL 700.2502, a Michigan will must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by at least two individuals. The testator must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind at the time of signing.
Notarization isn’t strictly required, but adding a self-proving affidavit signed before a notary confirms the will’s authenticity without requiring witness testimony at probate. It’s a straightforward step that can meaningfully simplify administration later.
Michigan does allow handwritten and self-prepared wills, but unclear language, missing signatures, or technical errors can lead to costly disputes or invalidate the document entirely. A will can also be challenged on grounds of undue influence, lack of capacity, or improper execution. Proper drafting and strict adherence to execution formalities can significantly reduce that risk. Working with an experienced Grand Rapids will lawyer helps your document comply with Michigan law and hold up to scrutiny.
Wills & Blended Families: Michigan’s Spousal Elective Share
Michigan law includes a protection most people don’t learn about until it’s too late: the spousal elective share under MCL 700.2202. A surviving spouse who receives little or nothing under a will may instead claim a statutory share of the estate regardless of what the will provides. A will cannot simply disinherit a spouse in Michigan.
For clients with blended families, prior marriages, or both a current spouse and children from an earlier relationship, a plan that doesn’t account for the elective share can be partially undone after death. The distribution you intended may not be the distribution that actually occurs.
John’s background in business litigation is built around anticipating legal challenges before they arise. That discipline applies directly when drafting wills for blended families where the elective share can disrupt intended distribution. We draft wills that account for Michigan’s spousal protections, helping clients with prior marriages or complex family dynamics build a plan that reflects their goals.
When Should You Update Your Will?
Estate planning isn’t a one-time event. Major life changes often require a review, including:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Death of a beneficiary or personal representative
- Significant change in assets
- Business ownership changes
- Relocation to or from Michigan
A will can be modified at any time through a codicil or by executing a new will, provided you remain mentally competent. One often-overlooked piece: an outdated beneficiary designation on a retirement account or life insurance policy can override a carefully drafted will. Coordinating those designations with your will is part of a sound review. We work with clients to ensure their plan continues to reflect current wishes after major life events.
How a Will Fits Into Your Broader Estate Plan
A will is foundational, but it may be just one part of a complete estate plan. A will directs the probate process but doesn’t avoid it. Trusts and properly structured beneficiary designations are what keep specific assets outside probate entirely. Even when a funded revocable living trust is in place, a pour-over will serves as a backstop to capture any assets the trust didn’t hold at death and to nominate a guardian for minor children.
John added business succession planning to the practice after seeing how frequently personal estate plans and business transition needs overlap for Grand Rapids entrepreneurs. Depending on your situation, we evaluate whether additional tools may help reduce probate exposure, protect minor children, or safeguard assets, including:
- Revocable living trusts
- Durable powers of attorney
- Healthcare directives
- Beneficiary designations
- Business succession planning
Start Your Will with a Grand Rapids Will Lawyer
Creating a will is one of the most responsible decisions you can make for your family. Whether you’re drafting your first will or revisiting an outdated document, working with John Inhulsen means your wishes are clearly documented, legally enforceable, and drafted to hold up to the scrutiny that comes with contested estates. John has earned recognition from Best Lawyers in America (2019 to 2024) and Michigan Super Lawyers (2013 to 2024), a record of consistent peer recognition in this market.
Contact Inhulsen Law today to schedule your complimentary consultation with an experienced Grand Rapids will lawyer and take the next step toward clearly documenting your wishes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wills in Grand Rapids
