Grosse Ile Elder Law Lawyers

Former Assistant Prosecutor. I am also a landlord. UM Law graduate.

John B. Payne, Attorney, established his practice in 1983, becoming a full-service general practice and litigation firm in 1988, when John received his LL.M. in Taxation. John lectures on estate planning and other topics to groups interested in legal issues. He is the author of Michigan Probate and Counseling the Elderly Client in Michigan, plus numerous articles and seminar manuals. Experienced in appellate matters John has appealed many criminal, civil rights and tax cases in state and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

My training taught me to be a detail oriented, analytical thinker, problem solver and effective communicator. My experience in diverse settings fostered that skill set. I have marketed my practice and businesses, mentored teams with high retention rates, and served businesses and consumers with a focus on empathy and integrity. I have substantive knowledge in the following areas of expertise: Estate planning, probate, employment, healthcare, real estate, banking, corporate, transactional, environmental and contractual law. My strengths include: - Mentoring, coaching and encouraging - Effectively communicating, both verbally and in writing - Accepting Responsibility and Accountability - Managing projects...

Aaron Shahan focuses his practice on the areas of probate and trust law. He assists his clients with a broad range of disputes involving probate, trust, and fiduciary matters. Aaron Shahan also helps individuals, couples, and families create estate plans, private foundations and charitable trusts. Prior to forming ATLAS LAW, PLC, Aaron practiced with a premier estate planning and probate litigation firm. He has extensive litigation experience and is proficient in advanced estate planning and asset protection techniques. Aaron is licensed to practice in Michigan, Florida, and Arizona. He is also an accredited attorney with the Veterans Administration. ...

Since 1989, I have been an attorney licensed by the State Bar of Michigan. In my decades of general practice, I have served thousands of clients. Among the first-50 attorneys in Michigan to complete the Family Law Certificate program offered by the Institute for Continuing Legal Education in Ann Arbor, MI, I have completed more than 1000 divorces from start to finish. In addition to family law, I have a robust criminal law practice, representing clients in jury trials and appeals across Michigan. A roster attorney for the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System for 3-years, I...

"Attorney Joe Dallo embarked on a legal career with a profound desire to make a difference in people's lives. His genuine passion lies in not only representing his clients but also in assisting them in charting a course for the future. He firmly believes that his professional services can empower individuals to achieve their life aspirations while mitigating unexpected challenges. However, what truly resonates with Joe in his vocation is safeguarding his clients' most precious elements: their families, homes, assets, and dreams. Joe's unwavering commitment to nurturing dreams for the future led him to establish Dallo Estate Planning. In Joe's own words,...

Mara Kent (she/her/hers) is a life-long resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan and a licensed attorney since 1996. Mara’s practice areas include estate planning, probate and trust administration, elder law and long-term care planning, special needs planning, estate planning for surrogacy, same-sex adoptions and step-parent adoptions, and prenuptial agreements. Mara loves working with people and making personal connections with her clients, doing what she generally considers to be “happy law.” Mara counsels her clients on how to plan for major life events by anticipating common (and not-so-common) problems before they arise, so her clients can strategize about how to minimize court involvement,...

Matthew Ferri, J.D., M.B.A., is a Michigan estate planning attorney. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Life Care Planning Law Firms Association, ElderCounsel, WealthCounsel, the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, the Michigan Forum of Estate Planners, the Italian American Bar Association of Michigan, and the Purposeful Planning Institute. Mr. Ferri holds U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Accreditation. His practice focus and expertise includes: advanced estate planning, Medicaid planning, elder law, special needs planning, Veterans benefits planning, business formation, and business succession planning. He is the author of Keeping Control, a Game Plan to Protect Your...

I am the senior partner and shareholder at the firm, focusing my practice on estate planning and succession planning. I counsel individuals and business owners on various aspects of estate and wealth transfer planning. My experience includes sophisticated tax planning techniques such as dynasty trusts, life insurance trust planning, charitable trust planning, family limited partnerships, and limited liability companies. Additionally, I am well-versed in probate, trust administration, and the formation of private foundations. I have been licensed to practice law in Michigan since 1981. My transactional experience is extensive, particularly in the areas of commercial and residential real estate and business...

Helping Livingston County residents navigate the legal system for 30 years. I focus on Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning and Probate, with a significant portion of my practice also concerning Real Estate and general civil litigation. If you have questions or issues with your home, a cabin up north, or want to insure your family is cared for after you are gone, I'd be happy to meet with you, perhaps bust some myths, and certainly insure YOUR and your family's needs are met. Call for an appointment today!

Matthew J. Tavi is the Principal Attorney of Tavi Law PLC, a leading Michigan law firm proudly serving a select clientele both locally and nationally from its' principal office located in Birmingham, Michigan.

Lawrence J. Buckfire earned his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Michigan in 1986 and his juris doctor degree from Wayne State University School of Law in 1989. He is admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan and the State of Ohio. He was recently named a "Best Personal Injury Lawyer" by a Detroit business magaizne. Lawrence is a highly skilled trial attorney with a reputation for meticulous trial preparation and presentation. Mr. Buckfire has achieved the highest possible rating for ability and integrity in the legal profession. He specializes in child lead paint poisoning, wrongful...

I have been practicing for over thirty-five years. My practice is limited to specializing in issues concerning disability, estate, probate, long term care, nursing home, Veterans, Medicaid and special needs planning. I am the immediate past President/Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Michigan Chapter (after having served for the last 6 years) and member of the Association's executive committee and an Assembly Delegate to Alzheimer’s Association – National Chapter, Chicago, Illinois. I am also a Member of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and have been listed since 1991 in...

Rachel M. Sexton has spent her entire career as an attorney representing people who find themselves in difficult financial situations. Rachel’s passion is helping people get out from underneath crushing debt and harassing creditors. She has helped hundreds of clients find solutions through bankruptcy. Whether that is saving their homes from foreclosure, getting their cars back after repossession, lowering their car payments, eliminating credit card debt, or dealing with overwhelming IRS debt. Rachel chose to practice bankruptcy because she enjoys helping people in some of the most stressful times of their lives. Rachel’s goal is to help clients move toward...

Phil was admitted to practice law in 1991 and he is now in his 28th year as an attorney. Phil is one of the founding partners of Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz and Associates, P.C. and he focuses his practice in the areas of personal injury, automobile accident claims, no-fault claims also known as personal injury protection benefits, third party automobile negligence claims, slip and fall injuries, motorcycle injuries, trucking accidents and general civil litigation. Phil grew up in St. Clair Shores and Royal Oak and he has been fortunate to return to Macomb County to practice law.

From 1995 to present, Phil...

I am the founder of the Michigan Law Center, P.L.L.C. located in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The practice focuses on elder law, special needs planning, Veteran’s Administration planning and settlement planning, including a national practice establishing Qualified Settlement Funds. I am involved in several national organizations. I am an Advisory Board Member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners (ASNP), served as Chair of the 6th Annual conference, in addition to being a frequent presenter at their annual conferences and webinars. I am also a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and I am serving my...

One of the founding partners of Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz and Associates, P.C., Jeff focuses his practice in the areas of elder law, estate planning, trust administration, probate administration, and corporate law. Jeff grew up in Sterling Heights and is happy to have returned to Macomb County to practice law.

Prior to establishing Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C., Jeff worked with a large regional accounting and business consulting firm, an insurance defense law firm and a business law firm specializing in corporate law, business formation, business consulting and private equity matters. After working with an elder law and estate planning firm...

Estate Planning and Elder Law is not an area for a “generalist.” Your quality of life and your life’s work is more important than that. It is important to work with a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA). The CELA designation is the GOLD STANDARD in estate planning and elder law. The clients that we work with value the peace of mind, that their goals are being met with the absolute latest in legal strategies to protect assets and preserve quality of life and care. These are only available when working with a Certified...

Benjamin Schock is a skilled, experienced elder law attorney who successfully assists seniors in passing their hard earned assets on to their loved ones while allowing them to receive additional benefits that help them offset the cost of long term care.

Thomas N. Economy received his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 1996, and his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 1999. His practice is devoted to representing seriously injured persons in cases involving no-fault insurance, automobile negligence and premises liability. He has successfully handled numerous important cases before the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court. He is an active member of both the American Association for Justice and Michigan Association for Justice. Email: tom@buckfirelaw.com

David D. Sprague is the firm's principal partner. His practice includes Business Law, Probate and Estate Planning, Elder Law and Medicaid Planning, Family Law (domestic relations/divorce/prenuptial agreements) and Real Estate Law. David has experience working as an attorney at two nationally recognized law firms: Raymond & Prokop, P.C. and Pepper Hamilton LLP. In addition, David has helped clients to successfully complete applications with the Michigan Minority Business Development Council and has defended claims made by the Business Software Alliance. Prior to practicing law, David had nearly 10 years of experience working in the automotive industry and the field of information technology...

Located in Troy, Michigan (near Detroit), I am a litigation attorney with an emphasis on probate litigation (will and trust contests, guardianships, beneficiary rights, estate administration, undue influence, fraud, elder abuse and related litigation), as well as commercial litigation, business planning, real estate, and personal injury. I am co-author of Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights!

Attorney Symantha Heath has practiced law for over 23 years. She earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Law School in 1993 and is licensed to practice in Michigan and U.S. Federal Court. She is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association, Oakland County Bar Association, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, and Wayne County Family Law Bar Association.

Symantha is a past president of the Wayne County Family Bar Association and was an executive board member for six years. She is also a past County Chairwoman of the WCRC and the Northville Township Trustee. She currently serves on...

Jane A. Bassett has been practicing for over 20 years and is the principal of Bassett Law in Ann Arbor. Her practice focuses on probate, elder and disability law, LGBT law, and adoptions, including estate planning, special needs trusts, Social Security benefits, Medicaid, probate administration, vulnerable adult abuse and exploitation, and adoption. Ms. Bassett sits on council for the Elder Law and Disability Rights Section of the Michigan State Bar Association and is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Bassett Law is a firm of five attorneys, a full-time care manager, two masters...

Erin R. Solaiman (Erin Randall) is a senior partner at Schock Solaiman Ramdayal, PLLC, with several years of experience in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration, Wealth Preservation, and Veteran’s Benefits. Prior to founding Schock Solaiman Ramdayal, PLLC, Erin R. Solaiman earned her Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Erin’s career focuses on Elder Law and Estate Planning. For the past several years, she has been representing individuals and families while guiding them through some of the most difficult times of their lives. Erin’s...

At the Law Office of John V. Deku, PLC, I provide my clients with personal and dedicated attention directly from the attorney who will handle their case. I take the time to walk you through all of the steps of your case, give you advice about all of your legal options and make sure that any questions you have are adequately answered. Your best interests are the driving force behind my representation of you. If I am unable to provide you the representation your situation needs I will help find you a competent attorney who can.

Mr. Boroja focuses his practice on Probate Administration, Litigation, Estate Planning, and Elder Law. He prides himself on his comprehensive and detailed approach to each client. He works diligently to find solutions to every situation. Mr. Boroja was selected for inclusion in Michigan’s Super Lawyer list and as a Rising Star in 2016, and he has maintained this rating ever since. No more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in each state are selected by the research team to receive this honor. He performs best in high-risk, high-rewards, high-pressure systems, which makes him perfectly suited for the courtroom. Progressive,...

William A. Lamb is an estate planning and elder law attorney in Chelsea, Michigan. Bill and his wife Amy live in Chelsea with their three daughters.

Danielle B. Mayoras is a shareholder at Barron, Rosenberg, Mayoras & Mayoras. She is an estate, elder law and special needs attorney who is passionate about helping individuals and families plan for their future generations to come. She applies her considerable knowledge and experience (almost three decades) to help clients and their families. Danielle and her husband are co-authors of the best-selling book, Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights! and are co-hosts of the TV show Fortune Fights airing on the REELZ Channel as well as Trial & Heirs: Protect Your Family Fortune! airing on PBS affiliates. She is also a...

Ms. Arnold graduated with her Juris Doctor in 2008 from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning from Michigan State University. Prior to starting her own practice Ms. Arnold was an Associate Attorney at a boutique elder law firm, and also worked for several years in legal aid. In her current practice Ms. Arnold focuses in the areas of elder law, probate, and estate planning. She also regular presents and speaks on these issues.

David has practiced law for 15 years and specializes in estate planning, wills, trusts, probate and defense of medical malpractice and civil rights lawsuits. He is a shareholder of Chapman Law Group and is licensed in both Michigan and Indiana. David is a Special Fiduciary at the Oakland County Probate Court. He is dedicated to educating the public on issues in estate planning including providing assets and care to loved ones, limiting taxes, and establishing healthcare protocols. David strives to serve each individual clients estate planning needs, tailoring each plan to address wealth preservation and family financial security. David holds a Certificate...

Mr. Small is a transactional attorney specializing in strengthening business relationships through strategic counseling, legal risk analysis and contract management. He also serves as a FINRA Arbitrator assisting in the resolution of claims in the investment and financial industry.

He is experienced with Corporate Governance, as well as state and federal casework relating to Commercial Litigation. Mark has served as General Counsel for privately held corporation and LLC's., and as a Special Assistant Attorney General (SAAG) for the State Attorney General's Office. He previously served as a Pre-Hearing Attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Mike's passion is helping people. Whether it’s his career in estate planning, business coaching, or the gym he runs out of his garage, helping others gets him out of bed everyday (at 4:30am!). Mike’s legal career started in workers’ compensation insurance defense, where he would focus the majority of his practice until 2010, when many people in Mike’s life began having children. Out of this change, bore his love for estate planning, where he was able to use his skills as an attorney to help others plan for the future. From there, Mike’s passion expanded into Elder Law, where he...

I manage the business of life. A life well lived is a business. When I represent a client, I look at their life as a whole and put together a comprehensive plan to assure that they are better off after my representation of them. This applies to their divorce settlements as well as their estate planning.

Sanford J. Melder has helped thousands of people as an attorney. He was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1974. He graduated from Wayne State University with a Jurist Doctor in 1973, and Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in 1968. Sanford J. Melder has practiced law for over 30 years, representing clients in legal matters including Family Law, Divorce, Adoption, Real Estate, Debt Collection/Debt Collection Defense, Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning, Asset Protection, Criminal Defense, Traffic Matters, Drunk Driving, Business Law and Personal Injury. Areas of Practice: Family Law Divorce Adoption Real Estate Debt Collection/Debt Collection Defense Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Asset...