Christopher J. "Chris" Caldwell

Christopher J. "Chris" Caldwell

Grand Rapids, MI recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013
Varnum LLP

102 Best Lawyers awards

Varnum LLP logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Trusts and Estates

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.
Varnum LLP

102 Best Lawyers awards

Varnum LLP logo

Overview

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

  • Michigan, State Bar of Michigan

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

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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