Christopher J. "Chris" Caldwell

Christopher J. "Chris" Caldwell

recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013
Awarded Practice Areas
Trusts and Estates
Awarded Practice Areas
Trusts and Estates
Christopher J. "Chris" Caldwell
Christopher J. "Chris" Caldwell
Grand Rapids, MI
Works at
Varnum LLP

102 Best Lawyers awards

Varnum LLP logo

Biography

Chris works intimately with clients and their advisors to create estate plans that enable families to plan for today as well as for future generations. Chris regularly prepares sophisticated estate plans, emphasizing probate avoidance, estate tax planning, and business succession planning. In addition, Chris has an emphasis on helping families with cottage succession planning. Chris's practice also includes a significant focus on post-death planning and estate and trust administration.

Chris regularly makes presentations regarding estate planning, estate and trust administration, tax planning and cottage law. He has presented to professional groups such as the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants and the Michigan Bankers' Association.
Works at
Varnum LLP

102 Best Lawyers awards

Varnum LLP logo

Locations

Education

  • Hope College, B.A., cum laude, graduated 1998
  • University of Pittsburgh, J.D., graduated 2002

Bar Admissions

  • Michigan, State Bar of Michigan

Affiliations

  • ACLU of West Michigan Lawyers Committee - Member
  • Michigan State Bar Probate Council - Member
  • Fountain Street Church Foundation - Board member - former
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association - Member
  • Home Repair Services - Board member - former
  • Michigan Institute for Continuing Legal Education - Member
  • State Bar of Michigan - Member
  • West Michigan Estate Planning Council - Board - former

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2023 - Trusts and Estates
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Trusts and Estates, Grand Rapids (2023)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Trusts and Estates

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