Estate Planning Attorney in Forest Hills

Clear, Practical Planning For Your Future

You have worked hard to build a life, a family, and in many cases a business. Now you want to be sure everything is protected and handled the way you intend. As an estate planning attorney, Forest Hills families and business owners can turn to Inhulsen Law, which helps you turn good intentions into a clear, workable plan.

Many of our clients come to us feeling overdue. They may have a will that no longer fits their lives, or no documents at all, and they worry about leaving loved ones with confusion or conflict. Our estate attorneys in Forest Hills understand that estate planning can feel daunting, so we focus on practical guidance and plain language at every step.

Our firm is led by attorney John Inhulsen, a Grand Rapids-based lawyer with a strong background in business litigation and planning. We draw on that experience to anticipate issues before they become problems and to build estate plans that work in the real world for clients in and around Forest Hills.

Why Work With Inhulsen Law

When you choose a firm to help with your estate plan, you are choosing the people who will guide you through some of your most personal decisions. At Inhulsen Law, we take that responsibility seriously. Our estate attorneys in Forest Hills listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and work to understand your family dynamics, your assets, and your goals before we suggest a path forward.

Our approach is both strategic and practical. Because John has a strong background in business litigation, he has seen how poorly drafted documents and unclear plans can lead to disputes among heirs, partners, and family members. We bring that insight into every estate plan, which helps us draft documents that reduce the risk of future conflict and make administration more straightforward for those you leave in charge.

Our estate planning attorneys also know that legal services should feel accessible, not intimidating. Our goal is to explain options in everyday language, to walk you through pros and cons, and to be honest about what you do and do not need. Clients often tell us they feel relieved once they can finally see their choices clearly and understand how each document fits into the bigger picture.

Attorney John Inhulsen has been recognized in publications such as Best Lawyers in America and Michigan Super Lawyers. These peer-reviewed honors reflect the trust other lawyers and clients place in his judgment. Combined with our deep roots in West Michigan and our commitment to long-term relationships, these recognitions give many clients confidence that they are working with a trusted estate lawyer twhomForest Hills residents can relate.

Call (616) 345-2810 or reach out to us online to schedule a confidential consultation with our estate planning attorneys in Forest Hills. 

Our Estate Planning Services

Every family and every individual brings a different set of priorities to the planning table. Some want to make sure their children are cared for if something happens to them. Others want to simplify matters for adult children or protect a spouse. Many want to avoid unnecessary complications in probate. Our estate planning lawyers in Forest Hills tailor each estate plan to those specific goals.

We work with clients on the core building blocks of a Michigan estate plan, including wills, revocable living trusts when appropriate, and beneficiary designations. A will sets out who should receive your property that goes through probate and who should care for minor children. A revocable trust can help manage assets during your lifetime and can make administration more efficient for your trustees after you are gone.

We also prepare financial powers of attorney and patient advocate designations, sometimes called healthcare powers of attorney. These documents appoint trusted people to make financial and medical decisions if you cannot act for yourself. Many clients tell us that knowing someone they trust will be able to step in if needed is one of the most reassuring parts of the planning process.

Our work is not limited to simple situations. Our estate attorneys in Forest Hills help people with blended families, aging parents, and beneficiaries who may need additional protection, such as young adults or loved ones who struggle with money management. For clients in the Forest Hills area who own cottages, multiple properties, or investment accounts, we can design structures that align with long-term goals without adding unnecessary complexity.

Common signs it may be time to review your estate plan include:

• A recent marriage, divorce, or change in family structure
• The birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
• Starting, buying, or selling a business interest
• Purchasing a home or additional real estate
• Having a will or other documents that are more than several years old

Planning For Business Owners & Estates

Many people in and around Forest Hills are not just planning for their personal assets. They also own closely held companies, professional practices, or rental properties. For these clients, estate planning and business planning are closely connected. Our firm is well-suited to help bridge that gap.

We regularly work with business owners who want to know what happens to their company if they become ill or pass away. Questions about who will own and manage the business, how value will be transferred, and how to treat children who are involved in the business differently from those who are not all require careful thought. Our estate planning lawyers in Forest Hills can help you think through a succession plan that reflects your wishes and provides guidance for those who follow you.

Because John has spent many years in business litigation, he has seen firsthand where deals and ownership arrangements tend to break down. We draw on that insight when we work with your other business advisors to help align governance documents and estate planning documents. Our estate attorneys in Forest Hills goal is to reduce the likelihood of future disagreements between surviving owners, family members, or key employees by clarifying expectations from the start.

For business owners in this part of West Michigan, planning often involves considering the local economy, key customers, and the practical realities of finding successors or buyers. Whether your business is based in Grand Rapids with customers in Forest Hills, or you own rental property in the area, we work to coordinate your estate plan so that personal and business goals support each other.

Our estate attorneys in Forest Hills also help families who have more complex estates, such as multiple properties or multi-generational wealth, think through how best to balance control and flexibility. That may involve trusts, clear guidance for trustees, and careful selection of the people who will manage decisions, always with a focus on what will work best for your particular situation.

How Our Estate Planning Process Works

Understanding the process often makes it easier to take the first step. We have designed our approach to be thorough, but also clear and manageable for busy people. Whether you are an individual, a couple, or a business owner, you will know what to expect at each stage.

Our work typically begins with a conversation in which we learn about your family, your assets, and your priorities. During this meeting, we ask questions about how you want property distributed, who you trust to act as a personal representative or trustee, and what concerns keep you up at night. This is also your opportunity to ask us questions about Michigan law, the probate process, or anything else on your mind.

Once we understand your goals, we outline options in plain language. We explain how different tools, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, might help you reach those goals. We also discuss the tradeoffs between simplicity and additional structure, so you can choose a path that fits your comfort level. Our role is to offer clear information and practical recommendations, not to push you into a particular choice.

After you decide on a direction, we prepare draft documents and review them with you carefully. We walk through each section, answer questions, and make adjustments where needed, so you are comfortable with the final plan. When the documents are ready, we assist with proper signing formalities that Michigan law requires, and we discuss next steps, such as updating beneficiary designations or confirming how certain assets are titled.

We view estate planning as an ongoing relationship. Life and the law can change, and your plan should be reviewed periodically. Our firm remains available for future questions, updates after major life events, or coordination with your other advisors. For many clients, having a local estate planning lawyer Forest Hills residents can meet with in Grand Rapids or remotely provides an added sense of stability.

Our typical estate planning process includes:

• Initial consultation to understand your goals and situation
• Design of a tailored plan and explanation of options
• Drafting and reviewing documents together in clear language
• Coordinating execution and discussing implementation steps
• Periodic review and updates as circumstances evolve

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I create my first estate plan?

You should consider an estate plan once you have dependents, property, or specific wishes about medical or financial decisions. Many clients start planning after buying a home, having children, or starting a business. The earlier you begin, the more options you typically have.

How long does your estate planning process usually take?

Our process usually takes several weeks from initial meeting to signed documents, depending on complexity and how quickly you prefer to move. Straightforward plans can often be completed more quickly. Our estate lawyers in Forest Hills discuss timing with you at the outset so expectations are clear.

Can you help if I own a business or rental property?

Yes. We regularly work with business owners and rental property owners to coordinate personal and business planning. We look at ownership structures, succession questions, and cash flow needs, then design an estate plan that supports both your family and your enterprise.

What if I already have a will from years ago?

If you already have documents, we review them with you to see whether they still match your current life and goals. Changes in family, assets, or the law may suggest updates. Our goal is to preserve what still works and adjust what no longer fits.

Why work with a local firm instead of an online form?

A local firm can listen to your specific situation, apply Michigan law correctly, and help your family if questions arise later. Online forms are generic and do not account for your unique mix of family, business, and assets in the Forest Hills area.

Talk With Our Team Today

Putting an estate plan in place is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your family and, if you are a business owner, your colleagues and employees. Working with an estate attorney Forest Hills residents can trustallows youy to create a plan that reflects your values and reduces uncertainty for those you care about.

At Inhulsen Law, we combine strategic thinking, integrated business and estate planning, and a calm, approachable style. Attorney John Inhulsen’s recognitions in publications such as Best Lawyers in America and Michigan Super Lawyers reflect the confidence that clients and peers place in his work. Our firm is committed to long-term relationships with individuals and business owners throughout this part of West Michigan, including Forest Hills.

If you are ready to start or update your plan, we invite you to schedule a conversation. We will focus on understanding your goals, answer your questions in clear language, and outline a path forward that fits your life.

Protect what matters most. Call (616) 345-2810 or reach out online to obtain clear guidance from our estate planning lawyers in Forest Hills.