Jack D Sytsma, Estate Planning Attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning and Probate
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Grand Rapids, MI
Practicing estate planning in Grand Rapids since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Jack D Sytsma?
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Quick answer
Jack D Sytsma is a morgan stanley smith barney based in Grand Rapids, MI. The practice focuses on Estate Planning and Probate. Jack has over 42 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Probate
- Handles Estate Planning and Probate matters from Grand Rapids, MI.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Jack D Sytsma: Jack D Sytsma is a morgan stanley smith barney based in Grand Rapids, MI. The practice focuses on Estate Planning and Probate. Jack has over 42 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Jack takes on
Jack concentrates on estate planning and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jack handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Jack takes estate planning matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jack agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Jack takes probate matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jack agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Jack D Sytsma — estate planning lawyer in Grand Rapids
Jack D Sytsma is a morgan stanley smith barney based in Grand Rapids, MI. The practice focuses on Estate Planning and Probate. Jack has over 42 years of legal experience.
Jack D Sytsma is a lawyer practicing probate & estate planning. Jack has been licensed for 42 years. Jack practices in Grand Rapids, MI.
Working with Jack on a estate planning matter
Jack D Sytsma is a lawyer practicing probate & estate planning. Jack has been licensed for 42 years. Jack practices in Grand Rapids, MI.
Clients Jack works with
Jack reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning and probate matters in Grand Rapids and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Thomas M. Cooley Law School Class of 1984
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Jurisdictions
Jack's state bar admissions
Michigan
1984 · ACTIVE
Jack studied at — in Thomas M. Cooley Law School Class of 1984.
Law school and academic background
Jack completed — in Thomas M. Cooley Law School Class of 1984. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jack runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Jack D Sytsma's office in Grand Rapids
Jack's primary office is at 1939 Millbank St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49508-2674. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Jack D Sytsma
Jack has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Jack D Sytsma — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jack usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jack charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jack's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Jack will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Jack
Jack discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Jack confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jack's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Jack D Sytsma
How much does it cost to hire Jack for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jack walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jack offer a free consultation?
Jack charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jack's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Jack's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jack gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jack take my case if I'm outside Grand Rapids?
Jack is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jack will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Jack?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jack will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jack accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Jack's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Grand Rapids, Detroit and Southfield in Michigan
Jack handles estate planning matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Jack's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Grand Rapids handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





