Service Areas
- Litigation + Trial
- Probate + Trust Administration
- Individuals + Families
- Marriage + Relationship Planning
- Estate Planning
- Wealth Transfer Planning
- Probate + Trust Administration
Education
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D.
- Western Michigan University, B.A.
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
Court Admissions
U.S. District Courts
- Western District of Michigan
- Eastern District of Michigan
Named as one of the top 100 estate planning attorneys in the country by Worth magazine in 2005, John G. Van Slambrouck takes a personal interest in each of his clients. For over 20 years he has been helping clients minimize taxes, increase income, avoid probate and create estate plans that meet their personal estate planning goals and objectives. John also represents trustees and personal representatives by efficiently and cost-effectively guiding them through the legal requirements of trusts and estate administration. He also represents clients in will and trust litigation and assists families with guardianship and conservatorship matters.
“I believe in providing excellent service that exceeds my clients’ expectations, whether it involves preparing a simple will or advising the client on cutting edge, sophisticated tax planning.”
John G. Van Slambrouck
Experience
John assisted a family with a significant net worth that wanted to make gifts to their children totaling several million dollars. The problem was that the clients had already used their gift tax credit, which meant that the desired gift would cost the clients millions in taxes. After some creative thinking, John was able to come up with a plan that allowed his clients to transfer several million dollars worth of stock to their children tax free.
“It was very gratifying to be able to help these clients accomplish their goals, while at the same time helping them save millions of dollars in taxes.”
Professional Activities
- American Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
- State Bar of Michigan, Probate and Estate Planning Section
- Kalamazoo County Bar Association, Past Chairman, Probate Practice Committee; Past Member, Legislative Committee; Past Chairman, Professional Responsibility Committee
- Western Michigan Planned Giving Group
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
- West Michigan Estate Planning Council
Honors + Awards
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Editor, Law Note Section, Michigan Bar Journal
- Top 100 Attorneys in the U.S., Worth Magazine 2005
- Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates 2010-2011; Litigation-Trusts & Estaates and Trusts and Estates 2012
Civic, Cultural + Social Activities
- Park Club, Board of Directors 2012
- Western Michigan University Foundation, Past Member
- YMCA Youth Basketball, Coach
- Teen Heart, Board of Directors
- Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Kalamazoo 1998
- Milwood Little League Baseball, Coach
- The Navigators, Member
- National Ski Patrol, Former Member
- Third Reformed Church, Former Board Member; Chairman Endowment Committee
- Kalamazoo Christian School Association, Former Secretary Board of Directors
- Kalamazoo Christian School Foundation, Board of Directors 2002-present; Board President 2003-2006; Finance Committee Chair 2009-2010
- South Christian Grade School, Former President Board of Directors
Publications
“Have Your Cake and Eat it Too! Family Limited Partnerships Reduce Tax Liability, Preserve Control over Assets,” Hot Points, November 1996
Speeches
Frequent lecturer on various estate and gift tax planning matters and frequent commentator for the Michigan State Bar Association continuing legal education.
“Estate Planning Strategies for Avoiding Probate, Eliminating Estate Taxes, and Maximizing Charitable Giving,” Presented to donors and members of 16 various nonprofit organizations, November 8, 1997
“Estate Planning,” Consumer’s Credit Union, South Haven, Michigan, November 17, 1997
“Tax Payer Relief Act of 1997,” Institute for Continuing Legal Education, November 12, 1997
“Understanding Estate Planning and Charitable Giving,” Third Reformed Church of Kalamazoo, January 14, 1995
“Understanding Estate Planning and Living Trusts,” John Hancock Financial Services, Kalamazoo, Michigan, January 10, 1995
“Estate and Gift Tax Planning,” Lion’s Club Cabinet Meeting, October 30, 1994
“Accessing Legal Services,” Regional Conference on Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Related Issues, Western Michigan University, October 28, 1994
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