Top best Estate Planning Lawyers Near me in ZIP 48104

Peter was born and raised in Ann Arbor and deeply values his ties to the local community. In 2018, Peter merged his Ann Arbor law firm, The Law Offices of Peter C. Clark, PLC, into Ferguson Widmayer & Clark PC where he now operates as a Principal/Shareholder. Peter practices in the areas of estate planning (to include high-value taxable estates), trust and estate administration, business planning, and real estate. Peter also devotes a large amount of time to special needs estate planning, both in the representation of families with members who have special needs and also through educating other professionals involved in special needs services. Peter is a highly skilled and trusted counselor who chose his areas of practice based on his love for building relationships with clients, helping to simplify complicated situations, and providing clients with peace of mind.. Prior to entering private practice in 2015, Peter was a commissioned officer/attorney in the United States Army Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG Corps). As an active duty JAG attorney, Peter served in a multitude of roles to include Chief of Legal Client Services-Fort Bliss, TX, Senior Trial Counsel-Fort Bliss, Military Magistrate- Fort Bliss, Special Assistant United States Attorney- Western District of Texas, El Paso, and the sole active duty JAG attorney for the State of Michigan. Peter has also worked in the Office of General Counsel of the Army- Pentagon, the United States Attorney’s Office- Detroit, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office- Detroit. Before becoming an officer in the Army and an attorney, Peter owned a multifaceted music business in downtown Ann Arbor that included a retail store, recording studios, a recording label, and event management.. In addition to practicing law in Ann Arbor, Peter enjoys being involved in numerous local organizations. He serves as Co-Chair of the Washtenaw County Bar Association’s Solo and Small Firm section and is a member of the Estate Planning, Business, and Real Estate sections. Peter is also heavily involved in several local charitable organizations to include serving as a Director for Ann Arbor’s Community Action Network (a large non-profit organization operating multiple community centers in Ann Arbor) and membership in Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation’s Network of Professional Advisors.. Peter lives in Ann Arbor with his wife Leah, a special education teacher, and their two daughters. When not practicing law or spending time with family, Peter indulges in his love for art and music.. “I find great satisfaction in serving people within my community and helping them obtain the peace of mind that a well-designed estate plan provides. I love getting to know my clients and providing them with effective and efficient solutions to their concerns. When difficult times arise, I find it meaningful to be there to help people through what I know can be a very stressful experience.  I’m mindful of that and want to help my clients navigate the whatever legal issues they are facing so they can focus on what is most important in life- family and other loved ones.”

Noah Harden concentrates his practice on estate planning, trust and estate administration, business planning and non-profit and charitable organizations. He is an ICLE contributor and a frequent lecturer and published author on topics surrounding estate planning, trust administration and tax planning.

Mara Kent is an attorney who specializes in estate planning, probate, trust administration, prenuptial planning, adoption, elder law and long-term care planning, as well as business and contracts law.  Mara is a 1993 graduate of the University of Michigan and a 1996 graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, where she graduated summa cum laude and second in her law school class.  Mara is also a Senior Professor Emerita at Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley School of Law, and she continues to teach there as a visiting professor.  Mara and her husband Tom are natives of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they raise their two daughters.  Mara enjoys running, painting, and being outside in nature.

I obtained my Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in 2003 and my juris doctor from Michigan State University College of Law in 2006.  I am currently a member in good standing in the Michigan State Bar and a member of the Washtenaw County Bar Association.  I am a partner at Cramer, Minock & Sweeney, P.L.C. in Ann Arbor, Michigan where I work as a general practice attorney with my primary focus in Family Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Business law.

I love what I do and I enjoy life!  Having chosen to focus my practice on estate planning and probate law, I have the privilege of being instrumental in processes that help individuals resolve life concerns through estate planning and probate assistance.  I believe that proper planning produces peace of mind.  My goal is to give that gift to each client of mine.. Personally, I love my family.  I also enjoy all sports involving the University of Michigan.  Go blue!  I look forward to speaking with you.

I am Paul Fessler, founder of Fessler Law, P.C. I am dedicated to assisting you with your legal issue, whether it involves family law, business law, real estate law or probate and estate planning. I serve clients in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and all surrounding areas.. Your goals are my goals, and I will work diligently to help you achieve your best possible outcome. Additionally, I am committed to straightforward, open communication. The advice I offer is always candid and realistic, and I will let you know exactly what is happening in your case — enabling you to make prudent decisions at every step of the way.. Clients take comfort in my accessible, straightforward approach to the law. I am not interested in scorched-earth litigation; rather, I seek practical solutions that are satisfying and reasonable.. When you are looking for a lawyer, it is essential to find someone with a deep knowledge of the law. I have more than 15 years of experience helping clients achieve satisfying legal solutions, and I place a strong focus on continuing education. Therefore, you can take comfort in the fact that my knowledge is not only thorough but also up to date.

I am an Estate Planning Attorney with substantial experience in the related areas of Elder Law, Tax Planning, and Nonprofits. My holistic philosophy focuses on:• big picture goals and family dynamics,• the needs of individual beneficiaries,• detailed guidance in planning for all types of assets, and• tax efficiency.. The most rewarding part of my job is helping clients fulfill their goals and create their own legacy. I have helped clients put protections in place for minor children, adult children, spouses and unmarried partners, animal companions, aging parents, and loved ones with disabilities. I have helped clients navigate and plan for harmony within the context of blended families, share the family cottage with extended family for successive generations, and protect the inheritance of loved ones who may need assistance with managing finances. With a master's degree in Tax Law, I approach all planning with an eye towards tax efficiency, and being active in the nonprofit sector myself, I appreciate the importance of charitable legacy.. I am active within the estate planning community, including as a member of the adjunct faculty at Wayne State University Law School, a member of the Probate & Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan, and as a contributor to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education.. A significant portion of my practice involves crafting Trusts for animal companions ("Pet Trusts"), and I frequently speak and write on this topic for community groups, law students, and other lawyers. I also enjoy assisting animal-related charities with qualifying for and maintaining tax-exempt status. I'm proud to be an "Animal Friendly Attorney" and devote substantial time to serving as vice president of Attorneys for Animals and a board director of Barn Sanctuary. I was named to Crain's list of Notable Women in Nonprofits in 2018 for my work in the nonprofit sector, and also serve on the Council of the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. While I am licensed to practice in Michigan and Florida, I am also available for consultation to assist with Pet Trust provisions for estate planning attorneys nationwide.. I have been recognized for these contributions to the legal and wider communities by Michigan Lawyers Weekly (Up & Coming Lawyers), Super Lawyers (Rising Stars), and the National Law Review (Go-To Thought Leader).

Call my office with your legal needs and if I can't help I'll find you someone who can!