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Practice Areas

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 1978

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
M.A. and B.A., with high distinction

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Estate Planning Attorney

Marilyn is an attorney on the Estate Planning Practice Team. Her practice includes estate planning, estate and trust administration, estate taxation and charitable giving. She was elected by her peers to be a fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Marilyn is semi-retired and is not taking on new clients or new matters.

Honors and Recognitions

American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, fellow

Best Lawyers in America®, Trusts and Estates, since 1993

Best Lawyers in America®, Women in the Law Spring Business Edition, Trusts and Estates, 2017

Grand Rapids Community Foundation Philanthropic Leadership Award

Grand Rapids Magazine, Top 10 Lawyers in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Trusts and Estates, 2019, 2020, 2023

Leading Lawyers, Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Women in the Law, 2012

Michigan Super Lawyers®, 2005 – 2020

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Top 50 Women, 2009

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Top 100, 2009

YWCA, TRIBUTE – Professions Award

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Michigan Estate Planning and Probate Council, 2003 – 2010; past treasurer

Michigan Uniform Trust Code Committee, one of the drafters of Michigan’s new Trust Code

Michigan Women Lawyers Association Western Michigan Estate Planning Council, past officer

State Bar of Michigan

Community Involvement

Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Board of Trustees, past chair

Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Professional Advisory Committee and LGBT Fund Advisory Committee

Leadership Grand Rapids

Planned Parenthood of West Michigan, past chair

Fountain Street Church, past chair

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