Trent Harris
Estate planning, probate, and real estate lawyer in Jackson, MI
I'm an estate planning, probate, and real estate lawyer practicing in Jackson, Michigan. Born and raised in Jackson, Michigan, I've been a lawyer since 2008 and have spent most of that time in private practice as a solo practitioner. I also have worked several years working for a bank as in-house counsel handling debt collections and Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy matters.
I help individuals and families plan for and navigate legal issues in some of the most significant financial and legal events in their lives: births, deaths, marriages, divorces, job losses, illnesses, hospitalizations, long-term-care, and other major life events. My approach to clients features personalized attention, prompt communication, efficient service, and discretion at all times. I am admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in the State of Michigan.
Memberships:
Chicago Bar Association
Jackson Area Estate Planning Council
Probate and Estate Planning Section, Michigan State Bar
Education:
J.D., Chicago Kent College of Law, 2008
B.A., Albion College, 1999
Diploma, Jackson High School, 1995
- 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, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law
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Free Consultation
I offer free consultations by telephone. - Credit Cards Accepted
- Illinois
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- Michigan
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- English: Spoken, Written
- Attorney
- Crossroads Legal, PLLC
- - Current
- Founded consumer law firm to represent individuals in the areas of estate planning, probate, and real estate law.
- 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.
- 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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- 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.
- State Bar of Michigan # P73799
- Member
- Current
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- Chicago Bar Association
- - Current
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- 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.
- Website
- Crossroads Legal, PLLC
- Q. Can creditors put a lien on our home if my husbands social security money is secured in a different account?
- A: I agree with the above answer. But it would also depend on whether you own the home as tenants by the entireties with your spouse, and whether the judgment creditor's debt is a joint debt belonging to both spouses. As discussed by Ms. Lions, it would be best for you to get a consult with a bankruptcy attorney in your area.
- Q. Disabilty wages, unsecured debt, home in my name and spouse. Seperate bank accounts, Can creditor put lien on my home?
- A: Yes, a creditor who has a money judgment against you in Michigan can put a judgment lien on any real estate you own. The judgment lien is good for 5 years and can be renewed once for an additional 5 years. The judgment lien cannot be used to foreclose on the property but would need to be paid off before the property could be sold, mortgaged, or refinanced. You may have some protection from judgment liens if the property is owned tenancy by the entireties, but TBE ownership would not protect against creditors for you and your spouse's joint debts. This is just a general overview. It would be best for you to get a consult with a bankruptcy lawyer in your area so you can discuss and get advice on all the other factors that may affect this situation.
