Craig S. Gerard, Esq.
Craig Gerard’s primary areas of practice are estate planning, probate and trust administration, estate litigation, and property tax appeals. Mr. Gerard’s practice focuses on effectively and efficiently administering estates of all sizes throughout Michigan. He represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in all aspects of probate court litigation. In addition to estate related matters, Mr. Gerard represents owners of commercial real estate with property tax matters before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
Representative Experience
- Has represented more than 1,000 Michigan individuals and families with estate planning needs.
- Successfully represented family members in denying the admission of a relative’s will based on the claims of lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence.
- Recovered $200,000 from an estate on behalf of a client who was informed by previous counsel that there was no recovery to be had.
- Represented a fiduciary in recoupment of $30,000 from a financial institution for release of funds from a restricted account.
- Represented a large financial institution serving as a fiduciary with regard to the conveyance of numerous oil and gas interests owned by an estate.
- Negotiated a property tax refund in excess of $75,000 for an owner of commercial real estate.
- Obtained a property tax refund in excess of $35,000 for an owner of commercial real estate.
- Represented purchaser in acquisition of well known outdoors television show.
Areas of Practice
- Estate Planning
- Probate, Trust, and Estate Administration
- Estate Litigation
- Tax Appeals
- Real Estate
- Business Planning: Entity Selection and Business Formation
Education
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D., Cum Laude
- Western Michigan University, B.A.
Professional Affiliations
State Bar of Michigan
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Member, Probate & Estate Planning Section
- Recipient of certificate of completion in the Probate and Estate Planning Program from the Institute of Continuing Legal Education
- Member, Business Law Section
Ingham County Bar Association
- Member, Probate and Trust Section
- Member, Young Lawyer Section
Greater Lansing Estate Planning Council
- President
- Board Member
Michigan Super Lawyers – Rising Star 2010
Admissions
- Michigan
Practicing: Probate Trust & Estate, Corporate and Property Tax Appeals
