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

18 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 Muskegon: Attorney Adam Zuwerink - West Michigan Law, P.C., LFR Score 69/100; 4.8★ from 36 Google reviews.

  2. 9

    Most-reviewed: Vincent E. Carlson & Associates, PLC, 69 Google reviews at 4.6★, the most of 18 ranked; ranked #9.

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

18 Muskegon estate planning and probate lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 1 open Saturdays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.7★ across 18 rated law firms.

Top 10 estate planning and probate lawyers in Muskegon 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 Muskegon at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Attorney Adam Zuwerink - West Michigan Law, P.C.694.8★ (36)Muskegon—Top score
2Mateskon Law635.0★ (16)Muskegon——
3Doug McPhail Estate Planning Attorney624.3★ (26)Norton Shores, 5 mi away——
4Michael G. Walsh & Associates, Attorneys, PLC624.3★ (8)MuskegonSat—
5Law Office of David E. Waterstradt624.3★ (12)Muskegon——
6Guinan Bisonet, PLLC604.7★ (15)Grand Haven, 12 mi away——
7Karen Kayes, Warner Michigan Trusts and Estates Attorney595.0★ (4)Muskegon——
8Cara Galbavi Law585.0★ (7)Grand Haven, 10 mi away——
9Vincent E. Carlson & Associates, PLC584.6★ (69)Muskegon—Most reviews
10Parmenter Law564.3★ (54)Muskegon——

All 18 estate planning and probate lawyers in Muskegon, 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.

  2. #2 Mateskon Law

    Based in Muskegon

    63/100LFR Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    425 W Western Ave Suite 307, Muskegon, MI 49440
    View profile for Mateskon Law(231) 881-7894

  6. #6 Guinan Bisonet, PLLC

    Based in Grand Haven, 12 mi away

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    12 Washington Ave Ste 250, Grand Haven, MI 49417
    View profile for Guinan Bisonet, PLLC(616) 847-1234

  7. #7 Karen Kayes, Warner Michigan Trusts and Estates Attorney

    Based in Muskegon

    59/100LFR Score

    Ranked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    700 Terrace Point Rd Ste 350, Muskegon, MI 49443
    View profile for Karen Kayes, Warner Michigan Trusts and Estates Attorney(231) 727-2619

  8. #8 Cara Galbavi Law

    Based in Grand Haven, 10 mi away

    58/100LFR Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    17190 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI 49456
    View profile for Cara Galbavi Law(616) 935-1030

  10. #10 Parmenter Law

    Based in Muskegon

    56/100LFR Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.3★ from 54 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 54 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    601 Terrace St, Muskegon, MI 49440
    View profile for Parmenter Law(231) 722-1621

  11. #11 Scholten Fant

    Based in Grand Haven, 12 mi away

    53/100LFR Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.3★ from 50 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 50 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5:15 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    100 N 3rd St, Grand Haven, MI 49417
    View profile for Scholten Fant(616) 842-3030

  12. #12 Carrier Law

    Based in Norton Shores, 3 mi away

    53/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 14 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    131 Seaway Dr, Norton Shores, MI 49444
    View profile for Carrier Law(231) 769-0039

  13. #13 GERMAN AND GERMAN, P.L.C.

    Based in Grand Haven, 11 mi away

    52/100LFR Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.6★ from 22 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.

    Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 3.6★ from 22 Google reviews
    Address
    120 W Savidge St, Spring Lake, MI 49456
    View profile for GERMAN AND GERMAN, P.L.C.(616) 846-5850

  15. #15 Lemmen & Lemmen PLC

    Based in Allendale, 20 mi away

    52/100LFR Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 38 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 38 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    274 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
    View profile for Lemmen & Lemmen PLC(616) 837-6221

  16. Based in Grand Haven, 10 mi away

    52/100LFR Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 18 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    17206 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI 49456
    View profile for Kuipers Lynn & Associates PLC (Formerly Mill Point Legal Services)(616) 842-7300

  18. #18 Farrell Law, PLLC

    Based in Muskegon

    49/100LFR Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    489 Seminole Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444
    View profile for Farrell Law, PLLC(231) 760-4490

Also serving Muskegon

20 more estate planning and probate lawyers within 25 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked estate planning and probate lawyers serving Muskegon
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Bleakley Law Offices4.6★ (20)In Muskegon
Bowen Law Offices3.5★ (56)In Muskegon
Brianna T Scott & Associates, PLLC4.0★ (62)In Muskegon
David P. Shafer5.0★ (32)In Muskegon
Ed Anderson Attorney At Law4.2★ (22)In Muskegon
Garrett Law Bankruptcy Muskegon Cadillac and Manistee4.5★ (31)In Muskegon
Houghtaling Wasiura2.9★ (21)In Muskegon
Jeffrey D Vanderstelt Plc4.3★ (18)In Muskegon
Legal Aid of Western Michigan3.3★ (66)In Muskegon
Marek Law Group, PLLC4.2★ (47)In Muskegon
Matthew T. Miller Attorney At Law4.6★ (141)In Muskegon
McCroskey Law Firm4.5★ (68)In Muskegon
Nolan, LaPres & Nelson, Attorneys4.8★ (185)In Muskegon
OAKES LAW GROUP PLLC4.9★ (18)In Muskegon
Richard K. Reider, PLC3.8★ (19)In Muskegon
Shafer Swartz, PLC4.6★ (83)In Muskegon
Shibley Law4.9★ (425)In Muskegon
Tabono Law4.2★ (64)In Muskegon
West & West Law - Lawyers In Muskegon Michigan4.7★ (106)In Muskegon
Wistrom Law, PLLC4.1★ (33)In Muskegon

How we ranked Muskegon estate planning and probate lawyers

We scored 18 Muskegon 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 Muskegon 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 Muskegon: frequently asked questions

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

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked estate planning lawyer in Muskegon, MI is Attorney Adam Zuwerink - West Michigan Law, P.C. with an LFR Score of 69/100. It has 4.8★ from 36 Google reviews. Mateskon Law (#2) and Doug McPhail Estate Planning Attorney (#3) follow. We ranked 18 estate planning and probate lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

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

LawFirmsRanked ranks 18 estate planning and probate lawyers serving Muskegon, MI. 9 of them are based in Muskegon; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 25 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

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

1 of 18 ranked estate planning and probate lawyers post Saturday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays is Michael G. Walsh & Associates, Attorneys, PLC (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

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

The median Google rating among 18 rated estate planning and probate lawyers in Muskegon is 4.7★, with a median of 16 reviews. Vincent E. Carlson & Associates, PLC has the most, 69 reviews, and ranks #9. 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 Muskegon count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Muskegon 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 Muskegon, 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 Muskegon, 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 Muskegon?

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 Muskegon

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 18 estate planning and probate lawyers serving Muskegon.

More estate planning and probate lawyers and Muskegon pages