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Estate Planning And Probate Lawyers in Midland, MI: 2026 rankings

27 estate planning and probate lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Midland: The Law Office of Carol Thomas, LFR Score 59/100; 4.6★ from 79 Google reviews.

  2. 6

    Most-reviewed: Gower Law PLC, 327 Google reviews at 4.6★, the most of 27 ranked; ranked #6.

Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

27 Midland estate planning and probate lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 2 open Saturdays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.6★ across 27 rated law firms.

Most of this list also appears on the Estate planning and probate lawyers in Saginaw ranking. See Estate planning and probate lawyers in Saginaw

Top 10 estate planning and probate lawyers in Midland at a glance

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

Top 10 estate planning and probate lawyers in Midland at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inNotable for
1The Law Office of Carol Thomas594.6★ (79)Saginaw, 17 mi awayTop score
2Michael Mishic593.9★ (15)Midland—
3Great Lakes Bay Trusts & Estates PLC585.0★ (32)Saginaw, 20 mi away—
4Shinners & Cook PC554.0★ (20)Saginaw, 17 mi away—
5Smith Bovill PC553.7★ (24)Saginaw, 18 mi away—
6Gower Law PLC544.6★ (327)Bay City, 17 mi awayMost reviews
7BRADY & MCGRANDY, PLC534.6★ (245)Saginaw, 17 mi away—
8Malicoat Law, PLC534.7★ (31)Midland—
9Frazier Law525.0★ (21)Midland—
10Saginaw Law525.0★ (3)Saginaw, 20 mi away—

All 27 estate planning and probate lawyers in Midland, in rank order

Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

Scores below: based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.

  2. #2 Michael Mishic

    Based in Midland

    59/100LFR Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.

    • 3.9★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    207 Dartmouth Dr, Midland, MI 48640
    View profile for Michael Mishic(989) 631-2800

  4. #4 Shinners & Cook PC

    Based in Saginaw, 17 mi away

    55/100LFR Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.0★ from 20 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.

    • 4.0★ from 20 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5195 Hampton Pl, Saginaw, MI 48604
    View profile for Shinners & Cook PC(989) 799-5000

  5. #5 Smith Bovill PC

    Based in Saginaw, 18 mi away

    55/100LFR Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.7★ from 24 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.

    • 3.7★ from 24 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    200 St Andrews Rd, Saginaw, MI 48638
    View profile for Smith Bovill PC(989) 792-9641

  6. #6 Gower Law PLC

    Based in Bay City, 17 mi away

    54/100LFR Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.6★ from 327 Google reviews, the most in Midland.

    • 4.6★ from 327 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    514 E Midland St, Bay City, MI 48706
    View profile for Gower Law PLC(989) 894-0100

  8. #8 Malicoat Law, PLC

    Based in Midland

    53/100LFR Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 31 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Legal services”.

    • 4.7★ from 31 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6012 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48640
    View profile for Malicoat Law, PLC(989) 495-2555

  9. #9 Frazier Law

    Based in Midland

    52/100LFR Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 21 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.

    • 5.0★ from 21 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    801 Joe Mann Blvd Suite P-8, Midland, MI 48642
    View profile for Frazier Law(989) 704-6560

  10. #10 Saginaw Law

    Based in Saginaw, 20 mi away

    52/100LFR Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1320 N Michigan Ave #6, Saginaw, MI 48602
    View profile for Saginaw Law(989) 308-1491

  12. Based in Waverly, 8 mi away

    51/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.7★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    View profile for Vuckovich Legal(517) 388-1081

  13. Based in Midland

    49/100LFR Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5100 Eastman Ave Ste. 1, Midland, MI 48640
    View profile for Guardian Legal PLC(989) 909-1467

  14. #14 Robert E Bourne PC

    Based in Midland

    49/100LFR Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.8★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    • 3.8★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    412 Ashman St, Midland, MI 48640
    View profile for Robert E Bourne PC(989) 835-6511

  15. #15 Elmylaw, P.C.

    Based in Midland

    49/100LFR Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.

    • 4.8★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3820 Isabella St, Midland, MI 48640
    View profile for Elmylaw, P.C.(989) 625-0969

  17. #17 Attorney Mike Shovan

    Based in Saginaw, 16 mi away

    48/100LFR Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–8 PM · Sat 12 PM–6 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    6620 Weiss St, Saginaw, MI 48603
    View profile for Attorney Mike Shovan(989) 780-8771

  19. #19 Sturtz & Sturtz PC

    Based in Saginaw, 20 mi away

    48/100LFR Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 61 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    • 4.4★ from 61 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    608 S Michigan Ave, Saginaw, MI 48602
    View profile for Sturtz & Sturtz PC(989) 799-4701

  21. #21 Swartz & Wilson PLC

    Based in Saginaw, 17 mi away

    48/100LFR Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 29 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family law attorney”.

    • 4.5★ from 29 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    4371 State St, Saginaw, MI 48603
    View profile for Swartz & Wilson PLC(989) 793-7000

  22. #22 Zolton Law Offices

    Based in Saginaw, 16 mi away

    46/100LFR Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.8★ from 37 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    • 3.8★ from 37 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–12:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6420 Normandy Dr, Saginaw, MI 48638
    View profile for Zolton Law Offices(989) 792-1111

How we ranked Midland estate planning and probate lawyers

We scored 27 Midland estate planning and probate lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

LFR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Midland data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Bar status10%An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded)Not yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability5%Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7Measured
Practice focus15%How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same)Measured
Law Firms Ranked reviews10%Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there areMeasured

How to choose an estate planning lawyer

  1. Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
  2. Ask how many estate planning and probate matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
  3. Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
  4. Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
  5. Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
  6. Ask what the flat fee includes: funding a trust, updates after life changes, and signing with witnesses.
  7. Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.

Questions to ask an estate planning lawyer

  • How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
  • How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
  • Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
  • Do I need a trust, or is a will enough for me?
  • What does probate usually cost here, and how long does it take?
  • Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?

Terms explained

Contingency fee
A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
Retainer
Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
Flat fee
One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
Limited-scope representation
Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
Statute of limitations
The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
Good standing
A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
Law society
The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
Board certification
Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
Attorney–client privilege
The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
Conflict check
The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
Pro bono
Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal aid
Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.

Estate planning and probate lawyers in Midland: frequently asked questions

Which estate planning lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Midland?

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked estate planning lawyer in Midland, MI is The Law Office of Carol Thomas with an LFR Score of 59/100. It has 4.6★ from 79 Google reviews. Michael Mishic (#2) and Great Lakes Bay Trusts & Estates PLC (#3) follow. We ranked 27 estate planning and probate lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many estate planning and probate lawyers are there in Midland?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 27 estate planning and probate lawyers serving Midland, MI. 8 of them are based in Midland; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which estate planning and probate lawyers in Midland work on weekends?

2 of 27 ranked estate planning and probate lawyers post Saturday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Vuckovich Legal (#12) and Attorney Mike Shovan (#17). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Midland estate planning and probate lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 27 rated estate planning and probate lawyers in Midland is 4.6★, with a median of 20 reviews. Gower Law PLC has the most, 327 reviews, and ranks #6. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does LawFirmsRanked rank estate planning and probate lawyers?

Each estate planning lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do estate planning and probate lawyers outside Midland count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Midland city center, our service radius for estate planning and probate lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.

Can estate planning and probate lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?

No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.

How do estate planning and probate lawyers in Midland, MI charge?

Many estate planning lawyers charge a flat fee for wills, trusts and powers of attorney. Probate is billed hourly or, in some states, by a fee set by statute (California Probate Code §10810, for example). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $391 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

State law decides who inherits (intestate succession), usually the spouse and children in set shares, and a court appoints someone to manage the estate. A will or trust lets you decide instead. This is general information, not legal advice.

How is this list of estate planning and probate lawyers in Midland, MI ranked?

By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.

Does a lawyer need an office in Midland?

No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.

Update log for Midland

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 27 estate planning and probate lawyers serving Midland.

More estate planning and probate lawyers and Midland pages