Dellenbusch & Ryan, PLC

Dellenbusch & Ryan, PLC Dellenbusch & Ryan, PLC provides clients quality, personalized Estate Planning and Elder Law services

Dellenbusch and Ryan Law is a specialized law firm dedicated to Estate Planning, Elder Law, Trusts, and Guardianship. With a deep commitment to personalizing legal solutions, they provide expert guidance to safeguard assets, plan for the future, and ensure the well-being of clients and their families through meticulous planning and compassionate representation. Their expertise is centered on creating tailored strategies for each unique situation, offering peace of mind and legal security.

Did you know a Personal Representative or Trustee may have to settle disagreements between beneficiaries? ⚖Families ofte...
06/23/2026

Did you know a Personal Representative or Trustee may have to settle disagreements between beneficiaries? ⚖

Families often assume estate administration is simply “splitting things up,” but real-life situations can become more complicated:
• Who gets certain personal belongings?
• Should a home be sold or kept?
• What if one beneficiary wants to buy out the others?
• What happens if family members disagree?

If the estate planning documents don’t specifically address these issues, those decisions may fall to the Personal Representative or Trustee.

Clear planning today can help reduce conflict and uncertainty later.
📞 Call our office today - (616) 451-4242

Father’s Day is a reminder to appreciate the people who have helped shape our lives with patience, wisdom, humor, and un...
06/21/2026

Father’s Day is a reminder to appreciate the people who have helped shape our lives with patience, wisdom, humor, and unconditional support.

To all the dads and father figures who continue showing up for their families in big ways and small ones alike - thank you!

Today, we honor the men who have helped guide, support, and strengthen their families in countless ways. Happy Father’s Day!

“Can a Trustee or Personal Representative make decisions on their own?” 🤔Sometimes - but they also carry legal responsib...
06/18/2026

“Can a Trustee or Personal Representative make decisions on their own?” 🤔

Sometimes - but they also carry legal responsibilities called fiduciary duties. That means Personal Representatives and Trustees are legally required to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, not themselves. They must follow the instructions laid out in the will or trust and handle assets responsibly and fairly.

This can include decisions like:
🏠 Selling a home
📦 Dividing personal property
💰 Managing financial accounts
📋 Keeping records and accountings

These roles involve far more responsibility than many people realize.
📞 Need guidance for your own family? Call us today (616) 451-4242.

06/16/2026

Losing a loved one is already overwhelming enough. ❤ For many families, figuring out what needs to happen next can feel confusing and stressful.

In this video 🎥, Nick discusses some of the very first steps a successor Personal Representative or Trustee should take after someone passes away. He shares practical guidance families may not immediately think about, as well as one of the biggest differences between a Personal Representative and a Trustee ⚖

Understanding these differences can help families feel more prepared and avoid unnecessary confusion during estate administration.

👉 Follow along this month as we continue answering common estate planning questions
📞 Have questions about your own estate plan? Call our office today - (616) 451-4242

If someone has a will, their Personal Representative typically works through probate court to carry out their wishes. If...
06/13/2026

If someone has a will, their Personal Representative typically works through probate court to carry out their wishes. If someone has a trust, the Trustee administers the trust privately outside of probate. So why does that matter? ⚖📁

For some families, avoiding probate may allow for:
✔ More privacy
✔ Faster administration
✔ Fewer court proceedings
✔ Quicker access to certain assets

Every family’s situation is different, but understanding how these systems work can help people make
more informed planning decisions.

👉 Curious whether a trust or will makes sense for your situation? Call our office today - (616) 451-4242

“A Personal Representative and Trustee basically do the same job.”That’s one of the biggest myths in estate planning. Wh...
06/10/2026

“A Personal Representative and Trustee basically do the same job.”

That’s one of the biggest myths in estate planning. While the roles can overlap, the timing and authority are often very different ⏳

● A Personal Representative named in a will usually cannot immediately access accounts, pay bills, or distribute assets after someone passes away. In most cases, probate court must officially appoint them first.
● A Trustee, on the other hand, may be able to step in and act almost immediately - depending on the terms of the trust.

That timing difference can have a major impact on how quickly a family can handle finances, manage property, and move forward during an already difficult time.

Understanding the distinction now can save families stress, delays, and confusion
later.

👉 Need more understanding of your options? We’re here to help - (616) 451-4242

Who handles the house after someone passes away? 🏡The answer depends on how it’s owned.If it’s part of a will, a Persona...
06/08/2026

Who handles the house after someone passes away? 🏡
The answer depends on how it’s owned.

If it’s part of a will, a Personal Representative usually works through probate court.
If it’s held in a trust, a Trustee may be able to step in and manage things right away.
One property. Two very different legal processes.

If you have questions about wills, trusts, or how these roles work, our office is here to help provide clarity and guidance.

🤝📞 Call us today at (616) 451-4242 to get the conversation started.


“I’ve been named Trustee… now what?”Being named as a Trustee or Personal Representative can feel overwhelming, especiall...
06/06/2026

“I’ve been named Trustee… now what?”

Being named as a Trustee or Personal Representative can feel overwhelming, especially while grieving the loss of a loved one. Many people don’t realize how many responsibilities come with these roles until they’re suddenly navigating them in real life.

From handling financial accounts to communicating with beneficiaries and managing property decisions, Trustees and Personal Representatives carry important responsibilities during emotionally difficult times.

👉 You don’t have to navigate the process alone
📞 Contact our office to schedule a consultation at (616) 451-4242

Summer tends to bring families together more often, and those moments sometimes spark important conversations about the ...
06/04/2026

Summer tends to bring families together more often, and those moments sometimes spark important conversations about the future. ☀ Estate planning isn’t just about documents - it’s about making things easier for the people you love when they need it most.

Understanding the difference between a Personal Representative and a Trustee can help families feel more confident when planning ahead. These roles handle similar responsibilities, but they operate in very different legal processes.

👉 If you’re unsure which is right for your situation, we’re here to help. (616) 451-4242


06/02/2026

June is National Homeownership Month - a great reminder to think about how your home and other assets would be handled in the future. 🏠✨ For many families, real estate is one of the most significant - and emotional - parts of an estate.

In this month’s video 🎥, Nick answers a common question: what’s the difference between a Personal Representative and a Trustee, and how does that impact your estate plan?

Understanding these roles can help families feel more prepared and confident when planning ahead. If these terms have felt confusing, this video is a helpful starting point for how estate administration works.

Follow along this month as we break down key estate planning topics to help you plan with confidence 🤝

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