About Us

Objectives and Nature of the Council

The objectives of the Council are:

  • To promote cooperative efforts in the field of estate planning among the professions and businesses represented by its members.
     
  • To assist its members in keeping abreast of laws and other developments in the field of estate planning through meetings and the dissemination of information so as to continuously improve the estate planning services provided by its members.
     
  • To promote respect for, and an understanding of, the relationships and functions in the field of estate planning of the professions and businesses represented by its members.

Membership Qualifications

Members of the Western Michigan Estate Planning Council consist of persons who are interested in and actively practicing estate planning in Western Michigan, and who are actively practicing in one of the following professions or businesses:

  • Attorney
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Chartered Life Underwriter
  • Representative of a trust department of a financial institution
  • Certified Financial Planner/Chartered Financial Consultant
  • Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)

Associate Member: Persons who are interested in or have a background in estate planning or related matters and are actively practicing in one of the following professions or businesses:

  • Member of a planned giving department or a non-profit organization
  • Instructor at an institution of higher education
  • Individual whose primary profession is serving as fiduciary

Associate members shall be entitled to receive notices of and attend all meetings, but shall not be entitled to vote or hold office.

Application Process

Complete the membership application as directed. Your application will be reviewed by the Board of Directors at the next board meeting for approval. Approval is considered by the fact that membership must consist of persons from each of the five groups which include Attorneys, Certified Public Accountants, Chartered Life Underwriters, Chartered Financial Consultants, representatives of a trust department of a financial institution, and Certified Financial Planners, and that no one group may exceed 50% of the total membership. At that time you will be notified and invoiced for the $150 annual membership dues, which includes your admission to membership meetings throughout the year.