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Michael G. Lichterman

Estate planning Attorney at Grandville, MI

5.0   53 reviews
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  • Licensed for 15 years
    State MI
    Acquired 2007
    Status
    Active in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Fantastic Estate Planning Attorney
Katie
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Excellent Estate Planner
Michelle
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Estate planning
    70%
    Will, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Powers of Attorney for Healthcare, and Probate

    15 years

  2. Elder law
    15%

    13 years

  3. Probate
    10%

    15 years

  4. Business
    5%
    Business formation, governing documentation, contracts, leases, general counsel, sale, acquisition, collections, and any other issues that may come up in day-to-day business operations

    15 years

A relationship approach to providing peace of mind for your family and your business. That says it all. Michael Lichterman, Esq. strives to provide families and businesses with access to their own personal lawyer. It is my passion to help families and businesses make the best decisions possible throughout their lifetime or existence. And it my privilege to do so as part of the great legal team at Bolhouse, Baar & Lefere, P.C. 

I like to know my clients as people, not just clients. I consider it a privilege to have many client families as friends, not just clients.

In estate planning I work diligently to ensure that your wishes and hopes are followed and that your family members (including young children) are cared and provided for how you want. And I like to focus on "whole family wealth," not just your tangible assets. It's important to share and pass on your values, insights, stories and experiences too . . . that is what creating a legacy is all about.

For businesses I bring a unique background as a former VP of a local leasing company and a business undergraduate degree. I can walk alongside you and work towards your goals both from the practical and legal side.

Contact Michael

Similar lawyers nearby

Baar & Lichterman, PLLC
3140 Division Ave. SW, Suite A
Grandville, MI, 49418
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  53 customer reviews
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Posted by Katie | July 25, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic Estate Planning Attorney
Mike was so helpful to us in handling our estate planning. The process was so organized, smooth, and easy to complete. He and his staff were so attentive to every detail to make the process easy on us! Mike is personable, knowledgable, and professional, and put us completely at ease as we talked and worked through the challenging topics included in estate planning. We would highly recommend Mike and his office to anyone!
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Posted by Michelle | July 3, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Estate Planner
Mike helped us with our estate planning. He was wonderful to work with and took time to make sure we understood everything. The process was well organized and a positive experience. I would highly recommend Mike.
Posted by Bill | February 21, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Estate Plan with a caring approach.
My wife and I met Mike at two DFCU Financial seminars which he presented. Mike is very personable with a disciplined eye for detail. Mike has been great answering our questions and advising us on the pros and cons of some specifics we had asked for. We have already recommended Mike. Having our estate plan in place is very reassuring. Knowing that it is very well done adds another layer of comfort.
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Posted by Missy | February 12, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Does great work and makes it an enjoyable experience
Estate planning isn't something that I would call "fun" but Michael's joyful spirit made it an enjoyable experience for us. He made the process easy to understand and work through. Having our Estate Plan completed has provided great peace of mind. We are thankful for Michael and the time and effort he devoted to our needs.
Posted by Stephen | February 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Trust creation review
Michael was easy to talk with from our first introduction. He took time to get to know us and our family background. He asked relevant questions pertaining to our estate planning. He made suggestions to us, but wasn't pushy about our wishes. He responded quickly to phone calls and e-mails.
Posted by anonymous | January 30, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
1/30/2018
We have just completed an easy complete scenario with Michael. No hype, good judgement and fair cost. No "We do it all for you" which gives me the uncomfortable feeling that my personal stuff would be public knowledge with other attorneys. Mike is undertanding and flexible. One size does NOT fit all! He gets that.
Posted by Trenton | January 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent estate planning
Mike was incredibly helpful with our estate planning. He was very thorough, but also down to earth and easy to talk to. Estate planning touches on many difficult topics, but Mike walked us through them with great care.
Posted by Dr. Abiade | October 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional/Relational
As a Christian Family Therapist, I am keenly aware of the cumulative synthesized effect of professionalism and personal touch. The former promises academic or concrete results which compliment desire official outcomes. The latter produces the warmth of meaningful relationships, the sense that you worth requires Attorney Lichterman’s uncompromising dedication and attention to you and details. Prior to hiring this attorney, my image of used car salespersons and attorneys were of a kindred spirit. The entirety of my paradigm shifted from bitter sour to amazingly sweet in the span of sixty fruitful minutes. If I were pressed to expose my self-perceived constructive criticism as it pertains to this person we hired, I would advance this ill apperceive reality. I would say he would do the institution of legal processes a grave disfavor if he chose to not write a book or teach in an advanced academic institution. He radiates excellence in such a natural expression.
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Posted by anonymous | September 1, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Planning
Doesnt miss a detail, fun sense of humor. Most of all helping us create Estate Plans for a blended family.
Posted by Terry | May 30, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Planning
Very cordial - anxious to learn as much about us as possible so that he has better information in the event it is necessary. He did a great job of explaining things that he thought we might not understand - - without forcing us to ask questions and feel ignorant.
Posted by Julie | May 26, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate planning
Michael did a great job. Answered all our questions till we completely understood the answer.
Posted by Dale | April 18, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Great Experience
My wife and I recently set up a trust with the help of Mike. He is extremely detailed, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. I would highly recommend him if you are considering a trust or will.
Posted by Dustin & Jessica | February 20, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thorough & Knowledgable!
We worked with Mike to do our Estate Planning. We are in our 30's and trying to throughly plan in order to have peace of mind as our family grows. He kept things light and personable, getting to know us before we dove into "business". Mike was incredibly helpful, thorough and super knowledgable of how to work with people in our situation (and I'm assuming just about every situation that he encounters). Would definitely recommend Mike!
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Posted by Jeff | December 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Family Trust
Mike is extremely knowledgeable and did a great job explaining all the steps necessary for creating a Trust for my family. I would highly recommend him for anyone interested in creating or updating their estate plan
Posted by Anna | November 21, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Efficient and Helpful!
My husband and I searched for a credible Estate planning attorney and were referred to Mike. With a young family and potentially more children along the way, we wanted to ensure that our assets and wishes were properly planned and organized. Mike and his team worked promptly and efficiently to fulfill our needs. He was very personable and took the time to answer all of our questions with no pressure. Communication was great and we also feel the price was fair for their services. We would definitely recommend Mike to any other individuals or families looking for Estate Planning!
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Posted by Paul | October 25, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helpful, Friendly, Informative Estate Planning
We went into Mike's office with little understanding about wills and trusts, and he was extremely helpful. He offered low-pressure but high-information guidance on how to set up our estate plan. Furthermore, he did so with evident kindness and friendliness. His office has promptly and professionally responded to all our communications. In the end, we are very satisfied.
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Posted by Chris | October 24, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thorough, personable
We hired Michael for our will/trust. He did an excellent job. He also created an emergency contact list for any family or babysitters taking care of our child. Now feel very reassured knowing that we have a plan in place and a trust to pass on to our child. Thanks!
Posted by Jeff | February 4, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Planning Made Easy
From the first email I sent to Mike to the last meeting we had together, the process of planning my estate was clear and easy. Mike (and his team) communicated clearly and walked us through every step of the process. I was referred to Mike by a work colleague and will continue to refer friends, family and colleagues to Mike for their planning needs.
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Posted by anonymous | August 3, 2015
Estate Planning
Michael Lichterman was hired by us to review and recommend a new trust situation for our ongoing estate planning. This he did very thoroughly explaining the pros and cons of different asset allocations and came up with the best scenario for our future benefit. Michael was extremely efficient and personable in our meetings. He is extremely motivated and we would recommend him for estate planning and wills.
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Posted by marilyn | May 1, 2015
Very Nice Guy!
Mike is very friendly and easy to talk to! He is very available between appointments and is quick to answer any questions. He is very knowledgeable about estate planning!
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 250-250 per hour
Payment methods
Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.5 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Baar & Lichterman, PLLC
  • 2018 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Bolhouse, Baar & Hofstee, P.C.
  • 2013 - 2018
  • Attorney / Member
  • Lichterman Law, PLC
  • 2009 - 2013
  • Vice President & Asst. Counsel
  • Peninsular Leasing, Inc.
  • 2006 - 2009
View all work experience

Education

  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.)
  • 2007
  • Grand Valley State University
  • Bachelor of Business Administration
  • 2002

Associations

  • State Bar of Michigan, Probate and Estate Planning Section
  • Council Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Wealth Counsel
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • West Michigan Estate Planning Council
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • Southeast Ottawa Community Foundation
  • Board Member
  • 2011 - 2013
  • Family Hope Foundation
  • Board Member
  • 2011 - 2015
  • Grand Rapids Young Professionals
  • Member
  • 2009 - 2012
  • Grandville Rotary
  • Member
  • 2009 - 2017
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Rising Star - Estate Planning & Probate
  • Michigan Super Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Rising Star - Estate Planning & Probate
  • Michigan Super Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Rising Star - Estate Planning & Probate
  • Michigan Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Certificate in Probate and Estate Planning
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education
  • 2011
  • Commentator Attorney
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education
  • 2011
  • Magna Cum Laude
  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  • 2007
  • Honors Scholarship
  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  • 2005
  • Faculty Academic Scholarship
  • Grand Valley State University
  • 1998
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • 55th Annual Probate & Estate Planning Institute
  • Estate Planning for Digital Assets
  • 2015
  • Estate Planning seminar
  • Estate Planning: Showing Your Family How Much You Care
  • 2009

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (9)
Endorse Michael
Andrew Sterling Longcore headshot
Andrew Longcore
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked with Mike on a couple of different matters. He is easy to work with and really knows what he is doing. He also cares for his clients more than any attorney I know."
Rania S. Combs headshot
Rania Combs
Estate planning Attorney | Sep 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I became acquainted with Mike professionally through social media and reading articles on his blog. His articles about estate planning are always informative and highlight his commitment to educating his clients and making sure his clients' legal needs are met."
Danielle G. Van Ess headshot
Danielle Van Ess
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have had the pleasure of getting to know Mike professionally over the past four years or so. I am confident in his legal abilities and highly recommend his legal counseling and services for individuals, families, and businesses in his community."
Eric J. Guerin headshot
Eric Guerin
Estate planning Attorney | Dec 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike's combines first rate estate planning skills with an understanding of what matters most to families."
Christopher J. Berry headshot
Christopher Berry
Estate planning Attorney | Sep 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have had the pleasure to interact with Michael on numerous occasions and am impressed with his passion for helping clients with their estate planning needs."
Maura Susan Curran headshot
Maura Curran
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 23
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mike is a kind, caring individual and attorney - an asset required from an attorney when helping people plan today so their family is taken care of when you cannot be there."
Ellen A. Victor headshot
Ellen Victor
Estate planning Attorney | Jul 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Michael for some time through a national listserv we both belong to. Michael has shown himself to be very knowledgeable and is always quick to offer his insights to any lawyers who seek advice. He not only gets the job done, but cares about his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend Michael to folks in need of a Michigan lawyer to help with their aviation, estate planning or business needs."
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Joseph E. Seagle headshot
Joseph Seagle
Real estate
Andrew Sterling Longcore headshot
Andrew Longcore
Business
Michelle Marie Mclean headshot
Michelle Mclean
Divorce and separation
Rania S. Combs headshot
Rania Combs
Estate planning
Danielle G. Van Ess headshot
Danielle Van Ess
Trusts
Eric J. Guerin headshot
Eric Guerin
Environmental and natural resources
Christopher J. Berry headshot
Christopher Berry
Elder law
Maura Susan Curran headshot
Maura Curran
Estate planning
Ellen A. Victor headshot
Ellen Victor
Estate planning
Grandville Estate planning Lawyer Michael G. Lichterman
Michael G. Lichterman
Estate planning Attorney
Grandville, MI
Licensed for 15 years
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