Atty. Frank D Willis
Frank D. Willis is the former Chief Judge of the Van Buren County Probate Court.
Profile Summary
About Frank D Willis at a glance
Frank D Willis is a Chief Senior Counsel based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, practicing at Willis Law. They have 53+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1973. Their practice focuses on wills, trusts, probate, estate planning, and poa. Admitted to practice in Michigan (1973) and Florida (1973). Educated at University of Florida J.D. (—) and Western Michigan University B.A. (—). Serands clients in Kalamazoo, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Frank D. Willis is the former Chief Judge of the Van Buren County Probate Court
- He served in that role for 38.5 years, making him the longest standing judge in Michigan Probate Court history
- Frank Willis began his career as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Van Buren County
- In just three years, he was appointed to Probate Judge by then Governor Miliken
- Over the next 38 years, Judge Willis honored his position and tirelessly served his community, winning reelection every 6 years
- During his tenure as Chief Judge, Judge Willis maintained a very efficient court
- His court policies and systems are used as a model statewide for other probate courts to strive for
- During his tenure, Judge Willis found cost saving measures to help the county save up to $600,000 per year since 2004
- At the same time, under his tenure, juvenile crime in Van Buren decreased by 50%
- In 1981, Judge Willis appeared on the Phil Donahue Show to share information on adoptions
- He was an instructor at MJI on the subject of Juvenile Code
- Through his leadership, the Juvenile Department was recognized by DHS and SCAO for their innovative approach to place children in permanent homes
- Judge Willis also received the "Hon
- Robert E. Weiss Award for Excellence in Court Improvement
- Judge Willis has been an integral member of the court system and a leader in Van Buren County
- He is an invaluable asset to Willis Law and brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge
- Frank Willis is the father of Managing Partners and Co-Founders, Michael and Shaun Willis, was born and raised in Marshall, Michigan and is a long-time resident of Paw Paw MI
- He graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Business Administration and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Florida
- He and his wife, Roberta (Bobbi) Kelly Willis, are extremely involved in their community and their local church, have five children and thirteen grandchildren
Practice Areas Explained
Frank D Willis's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Frank D Willis handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Frank D Willis is one of 34,541 wills attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wills attorneys in Michigan →
Frank D Willis is one of 104,172 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Michigan →
Frank D Willis is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Michigan →
An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.
Frank D Willis is one of 226,537 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Michigan →
Frank D Willis is one of 33,188 poa attorneys indexed nationally. Browse poa attorneys in Michigan →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Michigan
Practicing law in Michigan. Legal matters in Michigan are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Kalamazoo are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Michigan state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Michigan brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Michigan courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Kalamazoo or all attorneys in Michigan.
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