Jim Lance

Education:
- Michigan State University Detroit College of Law, J.D.
- Michigan State University, B.A. in Anthropology and Psychology
Community Involvement:
- City of Battle Creek Ward 5 Commissioner
- Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce (Board member)
- Mid-Michigan Junior Achievement (Past)
- Battle Creek Area Boys and Girls Club (Past)
- Battle Creek Rotary (Past)
- United Way of Battle Creek (Past)
Bar Admissions:
- Michigan
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
Memberships:
- Calhoun County Bar
- Title Insurance Litigation Committee of American Bar Association
- Elder Law Section of State Bar of Michigan
- Probate Section of State Bar of Michigan
Jim Lance expressly focuses his practice on helping clients plan for their distinct futures. His experience is both broad and deep and ranges from creating comprehensive estate plans that reflect specific client goals, to assisting seniors dealing with the complexities of Medicaid planning, to serving as an impressive and tireless advocate should a dispute or litigation ensue.
A resolute problem-solver who has closed transactions and resolved disputes valued into the tens of millions of dollars, Jim considers himself a general practice attorney with multi-dimensional skill in estate planning, probate, and elder law, as well as in real estate and business law planning and litigation. Because Jim believes representing clients is a privilege, he is committed to serving client needs every step of the way.
As a reasonable, candid, and practical people person, Jim acts as one-stop counsel to individuals, families, and businesses alike and thrives in the face of a challenge. A no-nonsense and candid communicator, he focuses on end-game-driven explanations and results while working with each client to realize the delicate balance between legal spending and the right outcome. Because Jim is fluent in the mechanics of wealth and business planning, he does not waste resources or time.
Born in Vietnam, Jim had the good fortune to be adopted by an amazing family from Michigan. His father owned an auto parts store, and his mother was a stay-at-home-parent, keeping order between Jim and his siblings. Jim credits his family with providing him with the foundation of humbleness and good moral character.
Posts by or including Jim Lance

Unlocking the Secrets of Cottage Succession
Cottage properties on Michigan lakes are expensive. So are Michigan real estate taxes. Passing a cottage property … Continue Reading

First-Time Michigan OWI Offenders Now Eligible for a Clean Slate
In August 2021, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer approved new legislation allowing first-time operating while intoxicated (OWI) offenders … Continue Reading

Two Lesser-Known Estate Planning and Financial Benefits of the CARES Act
As the pandemic continues to rage and many provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security … Continue Reading

Estate Planning for Families With Young Children: Choosing a Guardian
Which life event, more than any other, spurs people to get serious about estate planning? Having children. … Continue Reading

Three Kreis Enderle Attorneys Selected to 2019 Michigan Super Lawyers List
Kreis Enderle is pleased to announce that three of our attorneys were named to the 2019 list … Continue Reading

Using Care Contracts to Preserve Medicaid Benefits
As seniors live longer lives, their children often find themselves in the positions of becoming primary caregivers … Continue Reading

Adverse Possession in Real Property Boundary Disputes
Believe it or not, a person can become the rightful owner of a piece of real property … Continue Reading

The Benefits and Pitfalls of Real Estate Land Contracts
A land contract can be an attractive alternative to a traditional real estate transaction. Unlike a conventionally … Continue Reading

Three Kreis Enderle Attorneys Named to 2018 List of Michigan Super Lawyers
Kreis Enderle is pleased to announce that managing partner Steve Hessen has been included on the list … Continue Reading

5 Ways to Avoid Probate in Michigan
The Probate process is a slow, tedious, and at times, expensive and potentially contentious process, at least … Continue Reading
Indications of Financial Elder Abuse
Financial elder abuse is subtle, often repeated on the same individual and incredibly devastating. The unlawful depletion … Continue Reading
Lance to Be Honored for Elder Abuse Prevention Efforts
Battle Creek, Michigan – Kreis Enderle attorney Jim Lance will be honored at the First Annual Prevention … Continue Reading
Remember to Fund Your Trust
For most people, financial security is a constant goal. However, it can be difficult to balance current … Continue Reading
Forfeiture or Foreclosure: Two Land Contract Default Remedies
When a purchaser defaults on a land contract, the seller has two legal options, forfeiture or foreclosure. … Continue Reading