(231) 714-4501Trusted Elder Law Services in Grand Traverse and Surrounding Counties
Medicaid, Long-Term Care, Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Patient Advocate Designations, Guardianships, Conservatorships, and Probate Law Firm.
Let us help you take care of the most important thing in the world to you, your family. We will help to quickly and efficiently achieve your goals. Client service to you and your family is our mission.
We're Grand Traverse Elder Law
Our Mission
Dealing with the medical needs — or the loss — of a loved one is hard enough. Our passion is helping people take the steps needed to prepare for those challenges.
Grand Traverse Elder Law’s practice focuses entirely on elder law. We help individuals and families achieve peace of mind by planning for incapacity and eventual passing. Our approach is comprehensive and client-centered, so that our clients’ wishes are carried out and their loved ones are not left with unnecessary — and preventable — challenges.
- Medicaid
- Long-term care
- Powers of attorney
- Patient advocate designations
- Wills
- Trusts
- Guardianships
- Conservatorships
- Trust administration
- Probate
Michigan Grown and Committed to Service
Founding attorney Ryan Hulst was born into a military family. He lived in Virginia and Japan before his parents settled back in Michigan.
After high school, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. He commissioned as an infantry officer, graduated from U.S. Army Ranger School, and deployed to combat in Afghanistan, where he was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Bronze Star.
He then went on to law school at Michigan State, graduating summa cum laude. After law school, he served as a Judge Advocate in the 4th Infantry Division.
Ryan now lives in Traverse City with his family, multiple pets, and assorted livestock. Life is good.
- ◆ United States Military Academy at West Point
- ◆ U.S. Army Ranger School — graduate
- ◆ Combat Infantryman’s Badge & Bronze Star — Afghanistan
- ◆ Judge Advocate, 4th Infantry Division
- ◆ Michigan State University College of Law — summa cum laude
Our Team
The People Behind Your Plan
Every client works with a team — not just an attorney. Here’s who you’ll be working with.
Ryan Hulst
Attorney & Founder
West Point graduate and former Army infantry officer and Judge Advocate. Graduated summa cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law.
J. Lindsey Dood
Attorney
Graduated with honors from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1995, and brings three decades of professional experience to the firm and its clients.
Michelle Sands
Legal Assistant
The first person you’ll meet when you walk through our door. Michelle greets every client at the front desk, and has a lifelong passion for animals.
Maylin Elizondo
Legal Assistant
A remote member of our team, Maylin keeps client matters moving from her desk — usually with her beloved cat close by.
Miné Graaff
Legal Assistant
Miné works with our team remotely, balancing client files with a young child at home.
Shelby Teeter
Legal Assistant
Shelby works a hybrid schedule, splitting her time between our office and home — where she keeps up with a houseful of young children.
Kyrsten Nitzh
Law Clerk
A second-year law student at Michigan State University College of Law, Kyrsten supports our attorneys with research and drafting, and helps with case management.