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Trent Harris
Attorney at Law Office of Trent Harris
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Biography
Hello! My name is Thomas Trent Harris and I go by my middle name, Trent. I was born and raised in Jackson, Michigan and went to the Jackson Public Schools, graduating from Jackson High School in 1995. I earned my bachelor's degree from Albion College in 1999 and my juris doctor degree from Chicago Kent College of Law in 2008. I am licensed to practice in Michigan and Illinois, and my law practice focuses helping clients in the areas of estate planning, probate, and real estate transactions.
Practice Areas
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
- Probate
- Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
- Real Estate Law
- Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Residential Real Estate, Water Law
Fees
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Free Consultation
Free telephone consultation up to 30 minutes - Credit Cards Accepted
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Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
Payments by credit or debit card will include a 3% surcharge to cover card processing fees.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- Illinois
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- Michigan
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Languages
- English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
- Attorney
- Law Office of Trent Harris
- - Current
- Founded small law firm to represent individuals in the areas of estate planning, probate, and real estate transactions.
- Collections Attorney
- American 1 Credit Union
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- I represented the credit union in collections and consumer bankruptcy matters in courts throughout Michigan.
- Attorney
- Law Office of Trent Harris, PLC
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- I represented clients in estate planning, probate, real estate, and small business matters, mostly for transactional/drafting matters, but also some litigation.
- Legal Intern
- Allegiance Health
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- Worked as a legal intern supporting the Associate General Counsel of a mid-size regional hospital system. Worked mostly on contract and compliance matters.
- Paralegal
- Scarpelli & Brady, LLC
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- Worked as a paralegal for a five-attorney insurance defense litigation firm in Park Ridge, Illinois.
Education
- Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
- J.D. (2008)
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- Albion College
- (1999) Dual major in Economics & Management and Philosophy
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- Honors: Cum Laude
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Awards
- CALI Award
- Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
- Received CALI Award for Law 273 - Evidence from professor Justice David A. Erickson for spring semester of 2007.
- Dean's List
- Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
- Recognized on Dean's List - spring 2007 and fall 2007 semesters.
- Dean's List
- Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
- Recognized on Dean's List - Fall 2006 semester.
Professional Associations
- State Bar of Michigan # P73799
- Member
- Current
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- Chicago Bar Association
- - Current
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Speaking Engagements
- Bylaws are Mylaws, Nonprofit Network 2011 Governance Workshop, Community Action Agency, Jackson, MI
- Nonprofit Network
- Presentation discussing the role, relevance, and importance of bylaws to the board of directors and management of nonprofit organizations.
Websites & Blogs
- Website
- Crossroads Legal, PLLC
Legal Answers
261 Questions Answered
- Q. My sister died intestate. Can your lawyer represent her destitute son to settle her estate?
- A: Yes, a lawyer can represent a person with diminished mental capacity, if the person consents. Under the rules of ethics a lawyer should take whatever steps are necessary to allow a person with diminished capacity to participate in the representation as much as they are capable of doing. A lawyer who would represent one of the sons will probably want to meet with him before agreeing to represent him, so the lawyer can get a feel for what the son's mental and communication abilities are. The lawyer will also want to make sure that the son actually wants to hire the lawyer, understands what the lawyer will do, understands what the lawyer will need from him so the lawyer can do his or her job, and also understands how the lawyer will be paid. The lawyer will probably want him to sign a written engagement agreement. If that is something you think one of the sons would want to do, then I recommend that you have one of the sons contact a local probate lawyer for an in-person consult.
- Q. Must a simple trust be closed within 2 years of the grantor's death? I saw a question about this on the IRS form 1041.
- A: No, a simple trust does not have to be closed within 2 years of the grantor's death. But it appears you may have misread the question on IRS Form 1041. On 2022 IRS Form 1041 page 3, at question 8, it asks "If the decedent’s estate has been open for more than 2 years, attach an explanation for the delay in closing the estate, and check here" Note that this question asks about a decedent estate, and not a trust. A decedent estate is a separate legal entity and separate issue from a trust. This is really a tax question, and this is something you should not be trying to do for yourself. I recommend that you hire a tax attorney or CPA to assist you with properly completing trust and estate income tax returns.
- Q. Can we transfer deceased fathers mobil home title in Michigan to heirs if value is over 10 thousand no will
- A: I agree with Mr. Zichi. In the situation you describe you may be able to go to the Secretary of State and use Form TR-29, Certification from Heir to a Vehicle. But it would be wise to do a brief consult with a local probate attorney just to be sure you aren't missing anything.
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