Helping People In West Michigan Honor Their Wishes

Last updated on August 19, 2026

Wills can be a crucial component of any estate plan. However, people don’t always know what to put in their will or how to ensure the people in charge of them will conduct their requests.

Attorney Mike Toburen at Toburen Law PLC has extensive knowledge of last wills and testaments in Michigan. He can educate his clients and help guide them through the will creation process to ensure they understand everything clearly and that every detail of their request is documented and legally recognized.

What Is A Will?

A will, also known as a last will and testament, is a legal document that lets people determine who they want their assets to go to when they die, who the executor of their estate is, how any debts and taxes should be paid and who will be the legal guardian of their children should they be underage at the time of the person’s death.

To create a valid will in Michigan, the will creator, also known as the testator, must:

• Be a legal adult: The testator must be at least 18 years old.
• Be of sound mind: The testator has the mental ability to understand what they’re doing.
• Have witnesses: Michigan requires testators to present at least two witnesses when signing a last will and testament.

Michigan considers a will invalid if the testator created it against their will or felt forced to include requests in the will they did not agree to.

Michigan Will Requirements For Grand Rapids Residents

Michigan law sets clear rules for a valid will, and you must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. This means you must understand that you are making a will, know the property you own and recognize the people who may receive it. For a standard witnessed will, Michigan law also requires a written document, your signature and the signatures of at least two witnesses. These are Michigan legal requirements, not general estate planning tips for people in other states.

What Can Be Included In A Will?

Your will can explain who should receive property that passes through your estate. For example, you may leave a Grand Rapids home to your children, give jewelry to a relative or leave a specific cash gift to a friend or charity. You can also nominate a personal representative to manage your estate and name a guardian for minor children. In addition, your will can give directions about debts, taxes and other estate expenses, which can give your family clearer instructions when they need them most.

When A Grand Rapids Resident Should Make Or Update A Will

Your will should reflect major changes in your life. Marriage, divorce and the birth or adoption of a child can affect who you want to protect. Buying a home, receiving an inheritance or starting a business can also change what you own. If you move to Michigan from another state, you may want to review your will for compliance with Michigan law. Residents of Kent County and Ottawa County can also review their plans after major family, property or financial changes.

Why A Will Matters Even If You Have A Trust

A trust and a will can serve different purposes within the same estate plan. A trust may control assets placed into it, while a will can address property that remains in your estate. Your will can also nominate a guardian for minor children and name the person you want to oversee probate administration. Even if you already have a trust, reviewing your will can help you find gaps and keep your estate planning documents aligned.

When Does Someone Need A Will?

If Michiganders are wondering if they need to include a will in their estate plans, they must ask themselves the following questions:

• Do I know who will provide for the care and guardianship of my minor children in the event of my death?
• Do I know how my assets will be distributed?
• Do I know how to minimize or avoid probate costs?
• Can I protect my real estate or other assets to ensure I can hand them down to future generations?

If people feel unsure about any of these questions, a last will and testament can provide a sense of certainty and peace of mind should they pass unexpectedly. Attorney Mike Toburen encourages all his clients to create a will. He can guide them through the process step by step. Call 616-818-1842 to learn more about how the firm can help.

Create A Sense Of Certainty With A Last Will And Testament

As morbid as it may seem, no one can predict when they will die. Including a will in an estate plan can provide testators and their families with ease and peace of mind. Mike is here to help with every aspect of the will creation and modification process.

Schedule a consultation with him today by calling 616-818-1842 or completing the firm’s online contact form.

Mike’s office is based in Grand Rapids but also takes cases across West Michigan, including Kent County and Ottawa County.