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