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About Christopher
Biography
I am one of a handful of CERTIFIED ELDER LAW ATTORNEYS in all of Michigan and a VA Accredited attorney. I've dedicated my practice to helping seniors, veterans and their families navigate the long-term care legal maze.
I teach estate planning and elder law to law students at Western Michigan Cooley Law School.
I am the author of the Caregiver's Legal Guide to Planning for a "Loved One with Chronic Illness" and I have co-authored a nationally released book, Estate Planning Strategies, which gives practical information that addresses common estate planning concerns. I have also contributed to and was quoted in The Complete Guide to Organizing Your Records for Estate Planning by John N. Peragine, Jr. In addition to his written work, I have also spoken and taught numerous financial advisors on advanced estate planning techniques, including stand alone retirement plan trusts that force the stretch out of IRAs.
I am a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a Finance and Psychology Degree along with Michigan State University College of Law. After law school, I earned a Certification of Completion for the Estate Planning and Probate Program co-sponsored by the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan and the Institute of Continued Legal Education.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 20 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
The Elder Care Firm of Christopher J. Berry, CELA
8550 W. Grand River Ave., Ste. 200, Brighton, MI, 48116
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Christopher J. Berry's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
8 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Family
Posted by anonymous | August 31, 2010 | Family
Excellent Attorney
Chris took the time with my family to explain the law and how it applied to my family's situation. I would recommend him.
Christopher J. Berry's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have non-lawyer family friends (an accountant) in the Brighton, MI area. They retained Chris for their estate planning and were very pleased with his legal services, professionalism, attention to detail and responsiveness. Good attorney!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Chris for years and have had the opportunity to observe his work. What I respect about Chris is his deliberate drive to learn and know everything he can to better assist his clients. He leads the pack when helping clients preserve what is most important to them -- their families and their assets."
"Chris is a fantastic estate planning and elder law attorney I have been fortunate to know for many years. Check out his Free LifeCare Planning Workshops and learn more."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is a consummate professional. He cares very much about his clients and goes the extra mile to ensure they receive excellent service."
"Chris is knowledgable and personable, the combination of which makes for an excellent lawyer to help prepare Wills, Trusts, and administer the estates of loved ones. I would recommend Chris highly to anyone in his area of Michigan."
"Chris is an accomplished attorney with a level of professionalism, responsiveness and balanced approach to the practice of law that clients deserve."
"I've referred clients to Chris before and they raved about him. I would absolutely refer clients to him again."
"When I first met Christopher, I was impressed with his knowledge and passion for his work. He is dedicated to helping his clients and protecting their assets. I highly endorse Christopher and his firm."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Berry has an excellent reputation in the community and is known to deeply care for his clients."
"I have know Chris through legal groups and forums and I've found his insights and dedication to his field of law extraordinary. I highly recommend his work."
"I have the pleasure of being in a national group of estate planning attorneys with Chris. I have found him to be both helpful and knowledgeable and he is always willing to take the time necessary to make sure someone understands the law that applies to their situation."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Chris works with many of my clients and always does a fantastic job."
"I've enjoyed getting to know Chris personally and professionally. His dedication shines through whether it comes to his duties as a volunteer or as an estate planning attorney. He is knowledgeable, compassionate, caring, and dedicated. I am confidant in my referrals to Chris and his partners at Witzke Berry."
"Having known Christopher for some time now as a fellow Detroit-area attorney, I wholeheartedly recommend him for your estate-planning needs. Christopher is a truly knowledgeable attorney who will work hard to deliver the estate plan that best fits your needs."
"I have worked with Christopher on several estate planning and gun trust issues and he has always done a great job in communicating and setting proper expectations with clients. Christopher deals with both estate planning and elder law so he offers a unique prospective on planning for the elderly."
"I respect and value Christopher Berry's work ethic, thoughtful approach, and his wealth of knowledge especially related to matters involving elder law, probate, estate planning and claims concerning Veteran's Benefits."
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Experience
Honors
2015
Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers
2013
Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), National Elder Law Foundation
2013
Estate Planning Top Lawyer, DBusiness
2012
Top Lawyer, DBusiness Magazine
2010
Certificate of Recognition, Society of Financial Service Professionals
2008
VA Accredited Attorney, Veterans Administration
2008
Certificate of Completion, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
2007
Spirit of Detroit, Detroit City Council
2007
Certification of Completion for Estate Planning and Probate, Institute of Continued Legal Education
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Attorney, The Elder Care Firm
Associations
2010 - Present
Oakland County Bar, Probate CommitteeMember
2010 - Present
ElderCounselMember
2010 - Present
Elder Care AllianceCharter Member
2010 - Present
Michigan Business and Professional AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Michigan Forum of Estate PlanningMember
2010 - Present
Oakland County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Michigan WealthCounsel Document Drafting CommitteeMember
2010 - Present
National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember
2010 - Present
Leadership OaklandMember
2010 - Present
PVM Village of Oakland WoodsBoard of Trustees
2010 - Present
Ion Strategic PartnersMember
2010 - Present
Oakland County Senior Service LBNVice President
2009 - Present
Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of CommerceAmbassador
2009 - Present
National Care Planning CouncilMember
2008 - Present
Society of Financial Service ProfessionalsMember
2007 - Present
WealthCounselMember
2005 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Lafarge Corp. v. Altech Environment USA, 220 F.Supp.2d 823, 827-28 (E.D.Mich.2002)
Favorable
Education
2004
Michigan State University College of Law
Juris Doctorate
2001
Grand Valley State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2011
Traverse City VFW
Veterans Benefits
2011
Seminar to Clients
Veterans Benefits Planning
2011
Open House
Legal Issues Effecting Seniors
2011
Financial Planning Association Annual Symposium
Veterans Benefits Planning for Financial Professionals
2010
Oakland County Senior Services
Michigan Elder Law
2010
Oakland County Senior Service Local Business Network
The Need for Powers of Attorney
2010
Oakland County Senior Service Group
Estate Planning & Elder Law
2010
Oakland County Senior Service Group
VA Benefits
2010
Local Business Network
Elder Law
2010
Horizons RDI Parent Teleseminars
Legal Planning for Children with Special Needs
2010
Financial Workshop for Ford Employees
Estate Planning
2010
Financial Workshop
Trust Based Estate Planning
2010
Estate Planning at the Fountains
Estate Planning and Probate
2010
Estate Conservation
Estate Conservation Concepts
2010
ElderCare Solutions Quarterly Conference
Issues in Elder Law
2010
Client Appreciation Event
VA Benefits
Publications
2011
NAELA Journal
Why a VA Practice
2010
Michigan Estate Planning Blog
Federal Estate Tax Deal Falls Apart
2010
Michigan Estate Planning Lawyer Blog
Michigan Veterans Benefits Planning Information
2010
Wealthcounsel Estate Planning Blog
What You Need to Know About Veterans Benefits Planning
2009
Estate Planning Strategies
Testamentary Capacity
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
If one has to go into assisted living, can Veteran’s benefits cover some of the costs even if you have savings and investments?
08 Oct 2018
Q&A
Will a revocable trust protect my fathers home if he needs assistance from Medicaid to go into assistance living for dementia?
27 Feb 2018
Q&A
I'm want to get a prenuptial agreement in place before I get Married. How long does this take how much does this cost?
07 Sep 2017
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
3 Reasons You May Want a Castle Trust as Part of Your Estate Plan
26 Sep 2018
Legal Guide
The Four Ways Assets Are Transferred Out of Your Name in Michigan
20 Oct 2010
Legal Guide
What is Michigan Estate Planning?
25 Sep 2010