Dealing with the legal issues of death and incapacity can be frustrating, confusing and intimidating. Getting the right help is critical at every stage.
Planning and Administration: In the planning stage we can walk through your goals and wishes for your specific circumstances and provide a plan that will meet your needs in the most efficient manner, giving you peace of mind that your estate will be protected.
If you are in the position of administering an estate in probate or a trust, we can advise you and guide you on what the law requires you to do to protect yourself and to administer the assets in the most efficient way.
If you or a loved one are facing issues of legal incapacity, we can help you take pro-active steps to avoid court involvement, or we can help you navigate the process of guardianship and conservator proceedings.
Litigation: Unfortunately individuals and families find themselves in a contested matter (ie. ligation) in the probate court, either disputing a will or trust, or fighting for their rights as an heir or beneficiary. These contests are unique from other types of litigated matters, even involving a separate chapter in the Michigan Court Rules. We can help you understand the process and provide advocacy for you in these highly emotional matters Even if you had other counsel in the original probate matter, we can handle your case in the appellate process as well.
Mediation: Whether you are anticipating litigation or in the middle of a contested court case, we can provide mediation services for your case. Sally is a court approved mediator for both domestic relations and general civil cases in multiple counties. While she can provide mediation services for any matter, she has enhanced experience in probate and family law cases.
Trustee Services: In some situations an independent professional trustee is needed to manage a trust, whether during the grantor’s lifetime or after their death. However, if the trust assets do not include a large amount of investments it might not make sense to use a financial institution as the agent or trustee. Farms are the best example of this where the majority of the value of the trust is in the land. We can offer cost-effective solutions to trust management in these situations. Contact our office to discuss your specific situation and find out if we are the right team for you.
Regardless of your stage or role in legal matters involving death or incapacity, we can help you see clearly and share the burden. Remember that even if you don’t have a will or trust, the State of Michigan has created a plan for you. Do you think it reflects your wishes?
Executive Coaching Services. Separate from our legal services, we offer personal and professional coaching services with our Certified Professional Coach. Coaches work one on one with clients to develop goals and strategies to improve the clients’ work/fun balance, research and implement job or career changes, discover ways to “bloom where they are planted,” and any other issues that clients want to improve in their personal or professional life. If you are ready to align your life with your priorities, coaching is right for you.
Unlike legal services, coaching can be done on a contract or subscription basis, instead of the typical hourly-fee billing system that lawyers use.
Coaching is a fun and positive way to assess your priorities, and then craft an overall plan to align your life with your priorities. With coaching, you are in control of the direction of your sessions at all times. Typical coaching relationships start with an initial in-person meeting, and then progress with weekly follow-up coaching calls and emails. This is truly a customized service.