×

Please be aware that contacting us via e-mail does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the firm. Do not send confidential information to the firm until you have spoken with one of our attorneys and receive authorization to send such materials. Until an attorney-client relationship has been established, we cannot consider information you send us as confidential.

I understand and wish to proceed

Katie Hogan Aguilar

"Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Key Service Areas

  • Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, and Special Needs Planning
  • Estate Planning and Administration
  • Cottage Succession Planning

616.233.5134

Legal Assistant - Debi Vigliarolo

About Katie

What types of clients do you serve?

I have a broad practice that allows me to serve many different individuals and families. I create estate plans of all types – from those with estate tax issues and succession planning for business owners to young families planning to protect young children. I help families determine what steps to take after the loss or incapacity of a loved one and work through any probate, guardianship and conservatorship, or trust administration that may be required.

What sets you apart from other lawyers in your practice field?

I have significant experience in several niche areas that allow me to provide exceptional legal service to clients with unique issues. My elder law practice gives me the opportunity to work alongside seniors and their families to navigate the complex world of aging and long-term care. I assist with planning and applying for Medicaid and assessing the need for Veteran’s Aid and Attendance benefits. I am passionate about planning and advocating for individuals with special needs, including creating and administering Special Needs Trusts. In addition, I assist families in developing a succession plan for their cottages, lakeshore properties, and second homes that honors their family values, while minimizing tax consequences.

What did you learn in your first year of practice that you still utilize today?

Listen first. Each client that comes to me has a unique story and that story impacts any planning that we undertake. There are no one size fits all solutions and everything must be tailored to each person or family. By listening and understanding the background and family dynamics involved, I can make recommendations and create solutions that truly help my clients.

Education

University of Notre Dame Law School, J.D. cum laude, 2006

University of Notre Dame, B.B.A., 2003

Q: What is the most important ingredient to a positive legal experience?

A:

Far and away, good communication is the key to a strong attorney-client relationship. We have a much better chance to achieve a client’s goals if there is open, honest, and effective communication on both sides.

Associations

The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Member

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Member

State Bar of Michigan, Elder Law & Disability Rights Section, Member

National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), Member

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Board Member

ICLE Elder Law Advisory Board, Member

Council on Aging, Member

Western Michigan Estate Planning Council, Member

Grand Rapids Chamber, Member

Bar Admission

Michigan

Awards and Recognition

Best Lawyers of America®, Elder Law and Trusts/Estates

Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyer, Trusts & Estates

Super Lawyers® Estate Planning and Probate

Super Lawyers® Rising Star, 2016

Stay Informed

Join our mailing list today

+