A lawyer in Traverse City, Michigan, Greg practices primarily in the areas of estate planning, Medicaid planning, probate, trust administration, elder law, special needs planning, and real estate law. As a legal counselor, he helps his clients plan for the future by preparing wills, trusts (including special needs trusts), durable powers of attorney, living wills, and health care proxies. In his real estate practice, he is regularly called upon to assist with the purchase, sale, and exchange of property. Greg also helps his clients effectively navigate the probate process following the death of a loved one.

As an elder law attorney, Greg has a special passion for helping families and individuals address legal issues facing aging family members. He listens to clients and their families to gain a full understanding of their situations and goals. He then guides them through the financial and legal implications of the options available to meet their needs. Greg's holistic approach to elder law focuses not only on the legal and financial issues related to maintaining independence, long-term nursing home or home-based care, assisted living, Medicare, and Medicaid, but he is always mindful of the emotional aspect of these decisions. He believes that fully understanding his clients' goals and the personal dynamics of the situation are key to achieving successful outcomes.

"The best part of my work is when people leave my office feeling better and carrying less stress than when they came in. By understanding the people, the problem, and the law, I can often set a client's mind at ease early in the process by helping him or her to understand the available options."

In his spare time, Greg enjoys spending time with family and friends, along with kayaking and other outdoor activities in northern Michigan. He and his wife, Kristen, have two children.

Education

• Central Michigan University (B.S., magna cum laude, 1998); University Honors Program
• Colorado State University (M.S., 2000)
• Michigan State University College of Law (J.D., summa cum laude, 2006); Dean Charles H. King Scholar, Jurisprudence Award in Basic Income Taxation.

Admitted to Practice

• State Bar of Michigan, 2007

Previous Professional Experience

• Attorney - Rizzo & Associates, PLC, Traverse City, Michigan
• Legal Assistant/Law Clerk - Michael R. Kluck & Associates, Okemos, Michigan

Smith Haughey Publications

News for Gregory R. Kish

3/17/2008
Kish Joins Smith Haughey

Professional Affiliations

• State Bar of Michigan
• American Bar Association
• Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association

Community Affiliations

• Board of Trustees member, Great Lakes Children's Museum 
• Volunteer, Third Level Crisis Center Legal Aid Clinic, 2008-present
• Past Member, Traverse City Optimist Club, 2009-2010
• Volunteer Attorney, Third Level Crisis Intervention Center