Probate Litigation and Family Disputes

Disputes over wills and trusts often bring out or aggravate tension in the family. I do mediation, and it’s often a good place to start. But if diplomacy fails, I will help you fight in court to pursue your interests and goals. Probate litigation can also involve an elderly or disabled relative that you think may be abused. In litigation, as in all types of law, time may be of the essence. Contact me so we can discuss what I can do for your case.

Elder Law and Medicaid Planning

As we age, our legal needs change. I will help you face the future. We can discuss your needs and the variety of legal documents that can help, and what should go in those documents. See the Estate Planning section of my website for more detailed information.

Medicaid is a complex web of laws, regulations, and at times, confusion. I help Michigan seniors and their families navigate the maze. Long-term care planning, crisis planning, health care directives, and powers of attorney can be important parts of Medicaid planning. Please contact me to discuss your family’s situation.

Estate Planning

I design comprehensive estate plans that meet your specific needs. I will listen to your needs, ask the right questions, and help you plan an estate to suit you. Some people need no more than a simple will; or others, a trust is an important tool. I can help you with a will, living will, trust, revocable trust, irrevocable life insurance trust, grantor-retained annuity trusts, charitable trusts, generation-skipping trusts, and qualified personal residence trusts.

Estate planning goes far beyond just wills and trusts - there are other things that may help you and your family, such as durable powers of attorney, patient advocate designations, family business and business succession plans, gifting, asset protection, advanced directives, and health care directives. We will discuss your situation and figure out what you need, and what you don’t need, so that you and your family can be assured you are prepared.

Guardianships and Conservatorships

A guardianship is a legal right given to a person that gives that makes that person responsible for necessities, like housing, food, and basic care, of an individual who cannot provide those things for him/herself.

A conservator is a person who has the legal right to be responsible for another’s assets or finances. This, too, comes about when a person is incapable of providing those this management for him/herself.

If you believe you or someone in your family may need a guardianship or conservatorship, please contact me so that we can discuss your needs. I will help you determine what is right for you, and, if need be, represent you in court.

Real Estate

Is your real estate matter routine or complex? Is it a transaction, or is it litigation? I handle all types of real estate matters. My clients are individuals, families, builders, contractors, landlords, tenants, and real estate professionals.

I can help you with:

~Purchasing, leasing, or subleasing property

~ Landlord tenant issues, assignments

~ Options to purchase, Rights of First Refusal

~ Condominium Issues

~ Zoning, planning, and use

~ Restrictive covenants, easements

~ Titles

~ Compliance with environmental and other regulations

~ Water and mineral rights

~ Financing solutions, including mortgages and land contracts

Land Conservation

I can help you protect and preserve natural resources. Whether you are a government entity looking to maintain Michigan’s untouched land for everyone to enjoy or an individual hoping to do the same, my experience in land conservation law can help you meet your needs. Additionally, Northern Michigan is rich in resources; if you have timber, you need to make sure your interests are protected; if you have land with wildlife, or swamps, streams, or lakes, you need to make sure you comply with national, state, and local laws while pursuing your interests. Contact me today to get started.