Westerbeke Law Firm, PLLC

03/14/2025

Happy Pi Day! The Grand Rapids office had a delicious caramel apple pie from Horrocks. We opted to eat pie instead of reciting Pi since the world record is 70,000 digits and we don't have the time for that.

03/12/2025

We’ve always said we have the best clients. It’s nice though to get feedback from them too. Roy had this to share about their experience: “I would recommend Westerbeke Law Firm in a heartbeat. Do yourself a favor and give them a call if you have any questions or needs.” You can give us a call at 616-965-2060 for Grand Rapids office and 269-906-9782 for the St. Joseph office.

02/28/2025

Are you missing money? About one in every seven Americans has unclaimed cash or property. States returned more than $5.4 billion to their rightful owners from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 and in Michigan, more than $600 million has been returned in the last 5 years. There isn’t one central database for all unclaimed funds and property. Many are by state since they often are the guardians of the funds. A great article “Show Me the Money: How to Find Unclaimed Assets” is a great article by AARP and linked here

From forgotten 401(k)s and bank accounts to safe deposit boxes, you could be entitled to a lot of cash

02/17/2025

We take pride in providing the best service possible. That doesn’t happen simply by stating we offer comprehensive estate planning services and vital elder care law. We provide the best service when we know our clients. By listening to you, we can offer the best plan for where you are in the continuum of life. We can then help avoid probate, protect assets, make informed health and elder care decisions, and provide for the security of loved ones.

02/13/2025

It’s not too late to start long term care planning. Many seniors and their families don’t understand that most insurance plans don’t cover non-medical personal care services. Assistance with activities such as personal grooming, meal prep and household tasks can take a huge toll on retirement savings, pensions, and social security income. Westerbeke Law Firm is a member of the Life Care Planning Law Firm Association. Bill has vast experience in all aspects of elder law and the staff include a paralegal, care coordinator, and Medicaid specialist. Contact us for your planning needs.

02/06/2025

With the lack of sunshine and cycles of snow this winter, it’s easy to say we’re depressed. Many older adults don’t get help for depression because they think it’s a normal part of aging. Some symptoms can include change in weight, trouble sleeping, lack of energy or interest in activities, trouble concentrating or being easily frustrated. The National Institute on Aging has this infographic on the subject.

01/14/2025

We love getting feedback from the clients we serve. This is what Carol told us last month: 'I appreciate your thoroughness for explaining trusts to me. I am grateful for your help in getting my husband on Medicaid and moved into Pine Ridge. Your help in going through all the steps of everything this past year has been beneficial and given me peace of mind.”

01/03/2025

Bill Westerbeke spoke at eleven different senior centers in west and southwest Michigan last year. We are always amazed at the vitality of the seniors attending and impressed by the variety of programs the dedicated staff offer. In the US, more than 11,000 senior centers serve more than 1 million older adults every day. Seventy-five percent visit 1-3 times a week and spend an average 3.3 hours. Research shows that participants experience measurable improvements in physical;, social, emotional, mental and economic well-being. We look forward to partnering with senior centers and aging agencies again in 2025. Discover a senior center near you!

12/18/2024

Christmas isn’t just a season; it’s a time to cherish family and friends. Do you have time honored traditions, a recipe passed down over the years, a cherished decoration? While everyone is together, share these stories with your loved ones. These gatherings can also be the time to let them know what you want your legacy to be. Please give them the gift of peace of mind by knowing you have a current estate plan in place that takes care of your needs and desires.

12/12/2024

Santa attended the annual Westerbeke event today. We appreciate his attending since we know this is his busiest season. The reindeer safely delivered him on this snowy day with weather advisory and poor roads. We hope he learned about law updates and new services. If you missed the event in Grand Rapids, St. Joe or Cass, feel free to reach out for an appointment.

12/10/2024

Bill Westerbeke and Heather Bier are active participants with TRIAD (The Right Information and Direction) which aligns with our firm philosophy and the vital elder care services we provide. The group includes public safety personnel, government agencies, and non-profit providers that provide services to seniors. Their mission is to work together to provide education and awareness of current frauds, scams and safety issues; how to avoid criminal victimization and handle abuse; and provide volunteer opportunities for active seniors. Westerbeke is proud to serve alongside these other dedicated members in striving to advocate for southwest Michigan seniors.

12/06/2024

The weather was snowy and windy and the Annual Review Event in Grand Rapids and Cass Library were cancelled. They are now rescheduled for Thursday, December 12. If you are able to attend now, please let Melissa know. You can call 616-965-2060. We would love to see you. Refreshments and door prizes included.