Jonathan J. David

Jonathan ("Jay") David is an experienced attorney whose practice focuses on estate planning, trust and estate administration, probate matters, business law, family business planning, and real estate. He represents individuals, families, business owners, trustees, personal representatives, and closely held businesses throughout West Michigan.

Jay understands that legal issues often arise during significant life events, business transitions, and family decision-making. Whether helping a client create an estate plan, administer a trust or estate, buy or sell real estate, start or operate a business, or navigate a complex family business matter, he is committed to providing practical advice, responsive service, and high-quality legal representation tailored to each client's unique goals and circumstances.

His practice includes:

Estate Planning

Advising clients on and preparing a wide range of estate planning and lifetime planning documents, including Wills, Revocable Trusts, Irrevocable Trusts, Pet Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney, Patient Advocate Designations, Living Wills, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, and trust funding documents. Jay works with clients whose planning needs range from straightforward family planning to sophisticated wealth-transfer and business-succession strategies.

Probate & Trust Administration

Representing personal representatives, trustees, beneficiaries, and families in the administration of probate estates and trusts. Jay helps fiduciaries understand their responsibilities, comply with legal requirements, and efficiently navigate the practical and legal issues that arise during administration.

Business Law & Family Business Planning

Advising entrepreneurs, business owners, and closely held businesses on entity selection and formation, governance matters, contracts, ownership transitions, buy-sell agreements, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, liquor licensing matters, and ongoing operational issues. Jay frequently assists family-owned businesses in coordinating business planning, estate planning, and generational transitions.

Commercial & Residential Real Estate

Representing buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, investors, and business owners in commercial and residential real estate matters. His work includes purchase and sale transactions, leases, title and ownership issues, financing arrangements, conveyancing documents, business-related real estate transactions, and real estate planning as part of broader estate and business planning strategies.

Representative Clients

Jay's clients include:

• Family-owned businesses and closely held companies
• Restaurants and hospitality businesses
• Retail businesses
• Real estate owners, investors, and professionals
• Physicians and other health care professionals
• Automobile and boat dealerships
• Manufacturing companies
• Dentists and dental practices

In addition to his legal practice, Jay is a published author and long-time legal columnist. For more than thirty years, he authored Legal Ease, a nationally syndicated estate planning question-and-answer column that helped seniors and their families better understand legal issues affecting their lives.

In response to the many questions he received from readers, such as "How can probate be avoided?", "How can I protect my pets?" and "How can I protect my family if something happens to me?", Jay authored the e-book Estate Planning: You Have to Start in Order to Finish, which is available for free download below.

A lifelong Grand Rapids resident, Jay is an avid reader, writer, runner, and sports enthusiast. He and his wife, an animal lover and advocate, have two adult children.

Best Lawyers in America®, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), (2025-2027)

Best Lawyers in America®, Trusts and Estates, (2024-2027)

Legal Affiliations:

• Grand Rapids Bar Association
• Justice Foundation of West Michigan
• State Bar of Michigan

Industry & Professional Associations:

• West Michigan Estate Planning Council
  • Past Board Member
• RunGR.com, Past Board Member
• ALS of West Michigan., Past Board Member