Jay Roadarmel, Founding Attorney
Two life observations led me to start this law practice.
First, I observed that when a family member dies, the grief process takes many forms. For family members whose loved one had a life plan, the inevitable sadness is often accompanied by celebration, fond memories, and an overall sense of peace. For family members of a loved one without a life plan, sadness is often accompanied by frustration, doubts, anger and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
Second, I noticed that most of us are good at planning for future events, but few of us apply this to planning for our death. Said another way, few of us have a plan to help our loved ones avoid frustration, doubts, anger, and feeling overwhelmed upon our death. We plan birthday and dinner parties, vacations, and home remodels. We save for retirement. However, the one inevitable thing in life (other than taxes), 70 percent of people never plan for.
My mission is to help you have a plan. And to make your life plan simple, easy and fill you with the good feelings that come from preparing for your family's future.
Peter Hatz, Associate Attorney
From a young age, I was instilled with a number of interests and lessons by my family.
Two of the most recurrent themes were a love of Michigan Football and taking care of the people you love. My grandfather took great pride in encouraging a passion in both. Leading by example, he was also my first introduction into the world of Estate Planning.
By ensuring he had a life plan in place, he saved his family from countless hours of frustration, uncertainty, and confusion. He took the time to meet with his attorney to craft a plan that ensured we had a clear and easy path to administration of his affairs. While he didn’t know it at the time, his plan was also a pivotal part in helping US take care of HIM in the final stages of his life.
Experiencing first hand the benefits of establishing a life plan, I knew that I wanted to follow my grandfather’s lead and do what I could to help not only my family, but the families within my community, navigate the same path.
I have been a licensed attorney in Michigan since 2009 and (more recently) a licensed attorney in California since 2022. My focus revolves exclusively around helping clients build a life plan to help navigate the turmoil that comes with end of life care, asset management and distribution, and helping safeguard their families.
Debbie Roadarmel, Office Manager
I am the Office Manager of LifePlan Lawyer, PC where I have worked with my husband, Jay since 2016. I enjoy talking with clients about what they need and answering questions. I often notarize documents for our clients during the signing process. I work on many behind-the-scenes support tasks, such as pulling deeds, ordering supplies for the office, handling personnel matters and payroll. I enjoy helping people go through the estate planning process to protect their family's future.
Prior to working at LifePlan Lawyer, PC, I taught students with special needs for 28 years. Jay and I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, wine tasting, and watching live music. I am a mother of two daughters and five grandchildren in Michigan and a stepmother to two sons. I play the harp and sing in the choir at my church.
Susan Gillaspy, Administrative Assistant
I am Susan Gillaspy, the Administrative Assistant at LifePlan Lawyer, PC. You’re most likely to interact with me when you call our office or come in for a signing.
I joined LifePlan Lawyer, PC in December 2019 when Debbie needed coverage while she was on a trip. I then realized that I was ready for a part time job as my sons were grown and did not need me at home as much.
Working at LifePlan Lawyer, PC is meaningful to me because we are helping people handle complicated processes such as probate, trust administration, and end of life decisions. I enjoy my job because I love the sense of accomplishment I get from office work. Getting to see my best friends, Debbie and Jay, everyday is a huge motivator as well!
Andrea Klooster, Paralegal
As a Paralegal at LifePlan Lawyer, PC, I work primarily with our probate and trust administration clients. My favorite part of my job is taking on the challenges that our clients face after the loss of a loved one and making the process as smooth and easy as possible. Whether meeting with clients, preparing court documents, or coordinating with financial institutions, my goal is to handle the details so you don’t have to worry about them.
I joined LifePlan Lawyer, PC in January 2023 when I saw a job posting that looked too good to be true, but turned out to be exactly as described. I love being part of a small family business that treats employees and clients as family. I’m not a member of the Roadarmel family, but I feel like I am, and like our clients are too. I am especially pleased to be able to work with a family member of my own, since my son Jeremy joined us as Marketing Coordinator and Legal Secretary.
In addition to Jeremy, my husband and I have another adult son and daughter-in-law, a daughter in high school, and two rescue dogs.
Laurie Walker, Receptionist
As the receptionist at LifePlan Lawyer, PC, I’ve had the pleasure of working with our clients for over a year. I’m often the first point of contact—whether it’s over the phone or in person—and I strive to make everyone feel welcome and cared for from the moment they reach out. I assist with client communications, scheduling, and notarizations, helping to ensure the estate planning process runs smoothly.
I truly enjoy connecting with people and supporting them as they take important steps to secure their future and protect their loved ones. It’s rewarding to play a part in helping families put the right plans in place.
Outside of work, I’m a proud parent of three children—two of whom have already graduated from college, with my youngest currently pursuing his degree.
Jeremy Klooster, Marketing Coordinator & Legal Secretary
I joined LifePlan Lawyer, PC in May 2025 after graduating from Albion College with a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and Psychological Science. I was originally hired as Marketing Coordinator, where I focus on marketing through social media and online resources. I now also work as a legal secretary, which consists of working with our probate and trust administration clients. My favorite part of working with LifePlan Lawyer, PC is bringing a fresh perspective and valuable technological and social knowledge to help reach as many prospective clients as possible, and to provide the best service while doing so.
I love the small feel and flexibility of working at LifePlan Lawyer, PC, and it is a dream first job after graduating from college. I am not a part of the Roadarmel family by blood, but I have always felt welcomed and respected, which is representative of how our clients feel as well.
I am currently engaged to my wonderful fiancée, and looking towards starting our new life as college graduates with our cat.