I help West Michigan families create clear, thoughtful plans for the future — so you can have peace of mind today. No confusing legal jargon. Just honest guidance from someone who genuinely cares.
Matthew D. Hantle
Estate Planning Attorney · Admitted 2010
"My goal is simple: make estate planning feel manageable and meaningful. You've worked hard for your family — let's make sure it's protected."
Estate planning covers more than just a will. Here's what I help West Michigan families with.
Clear, legally sound documents that reflect your wishes and protect your beneficiaries — without going through unnecessary complexity.
Revocable living trusts that help your family avoid probate, preserve privacy, and transfer assets smoothly when it matters most.
Financial and healthcare powers of attorney so trusted people can act on your behalf — protecting you if you're ever unable to act yourself.
Guided support through Michigan's probate court process to settle a loved one's estate efficiently and with as little stress as possible.
When you work with me, you work with me — not a paralegal, not a rotating associate.
I've spent my career helping West Michigan families navigate some of life's most important decisions. Estate planning isn't something most people think about until they have to — and by then, it can feel overwhelming. My job is to make it feel manageable.
I take a personal, unhurried approach. We'll sit down together, talk through your situation, and build a plan that actually reflects your values and your wishes. I'll explain everything in plain English, answer every question, and make sure you feel confident in every decision you make.
I'm proud to serve Grand Rapids and the surrounding West Michigan community. This is my home — and that matters to me.
Schedule a free consultationNo hourly billing surprises. You'll know exactly what you're paying before we start.
A solid foundation for individuals or couples with straightforward needs.
Comprehensive planning to avoid probate and protect your family's privacy.
Guided support through Michigan's probate process after a loved one passes.
Real feedback from people I've had the privilege of helping.
"Matthew made the whole process so much less intimidating than I expected. He took the time to really understand our family's situation and walked us through every option clearly. We left feeling genuinely confident about our plan."
"After my father passed, I didn't know where to begin. Matthew guided our family through probate with real patience and compassion. He was always reachable and made sure we understood every step."
"My husband and I had been putting off estate planning for years — it felt overwhelming. Matthew made it easy. He explained the difference between a will and a trust, helped us figure out what we actually needed, and had everything done quickly."
Testimonials are from actual clients. Individual results may vary. Past outcomes do not guarantee similar results.
Honest answers to what people ask most before their first appointment.
It depends on your situation. A will is a great starting point, but it must go through probate court — which takes time and becomes public record. A living trust avoids probate entirely, which can save your family months of waiting and keep your affairs private. We'll talk through which makes sense for you during your free consultation.
Michigan's intestacy laws will determine how your assets are distributed — and it may not align with your wishes. Your estate goes through probate, a court decides who gets what, and your family may face unnecessary delays and costs. Having even a simple will in place makes a significant difference.
For a simple will package, most clients have their completed documents within one to two weeks of our first meeting. A living trust typically takes two to three weeks. I move at whatever pace is comfortable for you.
Life changes — and your estate plan should too. Marriage, divorce, a new child, or significant changes in assets are all good reasons to revisit your plan. My living trust package includes free amendments for the first year, and updates after that are billed at a modest flat rate.
Yes, completely. We'll spend 30 to 45 minutes talking through your situation and goals. There's no obligation, no sales pressure — just a real conversation to help you figure out what you need and whether I'm the right fit for you.
I serve clients throughout West Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Holland, Kentwood, Wyoming, Grandville, and surrounding communities. Many meetings can also be arranged remotely for clients elsewhere in Michigan. Reach out and we'll find an arrangement that works for you.
Chat with the scheduling assistant below — it'll learn a bit about your situation and send you to Matthew's calendar to pick your time.
All initial consultations are free and take about 30–45 minutes. Matthew personally responds to every inquiry.
Have a quick question before booking? Reach out and Matthew will get back to you within one business day.
Matthew will reply to your email within one business day. In the meantime, feel free to book your free consultation above.
Matthew is happy to answer a quick question before you commit to anything. You can also book your free consultation anytime — no obligation.
Book a free, no-pressure consultation — I'd love to hear about your situation.