About EPLG

About Estate Planning Law Group

Meet Our Team.

We're small, but focused. 

Estate Planning Law Group is a small law firm with offices in Grand Rapids and Northville, Michigan. EPLG was started in 1994 by attorney John Tamboer after he served five years in the US Navy (JAGC). John has been practicing in the areas of estate planning and estate administration since that time. He is now joined by attorney Michelle Lupanoff, attorney Sandra O'Brien, and our paralegals Jade Gerweck, Lorén Schaubert, and Victoria Cooksey. We are a small group that is highly focused on what we do best -- protecting you, your family, and your property with estate planning and estate administration. 

John Tamboer

Managing Attorney


John started EPLG in 1994 after serving 5 years in the US Navy.  He has nearly 30 years of experience with estate planning, estate administration, and related areas of practice.  John has advised thousands of clients on a wide variety of legal topics.  


* Former US Navy JAG Attorney

* West Michigan Estate Planning Council Member

* Grand Rapids Kiwanis Member

* Kiwanis Foundation President

* Michigan State Bar Member

* State Bar Estate Planning & Probate Certificate

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Sandra Hughes O'Brien

Senior Attorney


Sandy is a Senior Attorney at EPLG who practices in our Northville office. She has over 20 years of experience with probate, trusts & estates and related areas of practice.  A trusted and skilled advisor, Sandy has helped both individual and business clients by providing thoughtful and creative solutions to suit their respective needs.  


Sandy is an active board member of the Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan and speaks frequently on the topic of women and minorities in law careers. She serves on numerous community and professional boards and committees.  Her hard work was formally recognized in 2019 when she was named “An Esteemed Woman of Michigan”.


Sandy is a graduate of the Michigan State University College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1998) and received her undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University.  


  • State Bar of Michigan Member
  • State Bar Estate Planning & Probate Certificate
  • Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan
  • National Hispanic Bar Association
  • Wayne State University Board of Governors, Governor Emeritus
  • Detroit Public Schools Community District, Bilingual Parent Advisory Council
  • Northville Public Schools, Curriculum Council
  • Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, Board Secretary

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Michelle Lupanoff

Associate Attorney


Michelle Lupanoff has been practicing law since 2009 and has extensive experience in a wide range of legal matters. She has been with EPLG since 2018 and now focuses on probate and estate planning. Prior to joining EPLG, Michelle worked on family law, estate planning, criminal defense, and child neglect cases. Michelle attended law school on an academic scholarship, graduated cum laude, was a senior editor of the Law Review where she received an award for making the most significant contributions for the publication of the Law Review. She clerked for the Honorable David Sawyer of the Michigan Court of Appeals for her law school externship. Before attending law school, Michelle received a Bachelors in Computer Science and worked as a computer programmer. Michelle also has years of experience in managing businesses, accounting, and tax preparation.

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Jade Gerweck

Paralegal


Jade joined EPLG as a paralegal. She has a bachelor of science degree in Legal Studies from Grand Vally State University and an ABA Certificate for Paralegal Studies. Jade is presently working with clients on estate planning and estate administration matters. She is preparing to attend law school.

Lorén Schaubert

Paralegal


Lorén is presently attending Grand Valley State University. She is pursuing a major in Legal Studies, and a minor in Philosophy. Lorén works with clients on estate planning and estate administration matters.  She also prepares materials for publication in print and online to help people understand their legal options. Lorén will graduate in 2024, and she plans to attend law school. 

Victoria Cooksey

Paralegal


Victoria began her career with EPLG as an intern. She adapted quickly to our practice and is now an essential part of our team.  Victoria handles numerous duties for us, and she is usually the first cheerful person that clients see when they come to the office. Victoria has earned a bachelor of science degree in Legal Studies and Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University. She plans to attend law school in the near future.

Why Choose EPLG.

  • Experience

    EPLG was started in 1994 by attorney John Tamboer.  Since that time, we have assisted thousands of people with estate planning and estate administration.  John Tamboer, Sandy O'Brien, and Michelle Lupanoff have personally advised and represented over 25,000 clients on a variety of matters. 

  • Integrity

    We value the relationship with each of our clients, and it is common for us to have served serve multiple generations in the same family.  Many accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals have also relied on us for many years to provide clear and objective guidance for their clients.  These long term relationships are proof that we always put our clients first. 

  • Value

    We continually work on our systems and processes to improve the quality of services while keeping costs low for our clients.  The use of do-it-yourself forms has lead to disastrous consequences for many people.  We can speak from years of experience when we tell our clients that estate planning is too complex to go it alone.  As a result, we strive to make our services affordable. 

  • Research

    We provide documents and services that you will not find anywhere else.  In fact, most estate planning attorneys use forms that they have purchased from a software company.  These documents are usually created by non-attorneys who are not familiar with the nuances of Michigan law.  We have reviewed numerous software packages, and found each one to be deficient in this regard.  We have even encountered forms "drafted" by attorneys that simply will not work for their intended purpose in Michigan.  For this reason, we spend countless hours to research and draft proprietary documents that are easy to understand, and comply specifically with Michigan law.  Our research and revisions never cease as the law changes.  

  • Focus

    We are dedicated to the practice of law as it relates to all aspects of estate planning and estate administration.  Our focus allows us to adjust quickly to new statutes, rules, and regulations.  We do not handle matters in any other area of law.  As a result, we constantly update and improve our processes to ensure that we are providing the best services possible.

  • Personal Service

    Our small size means that we provide you with personal attention.  Once you retain us, we want you to be a client for life.

Please call us with questions. We look forward to working with you.

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