Sumner Probate Lawyers

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,...

"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,...

Mr. Kendal offers a unique program of flat-fee rapid and effective estate planning, including wills, trusts, and related documents. Mr. Kendal can take care of helping you assure your family’s future is legally secured and your wishes for how you would want your estate, that you have worked for and built up over your lifetime, is distributed according to your wishes. Mr. Kendal’s extensive background in probate, computer and E-law, commercial transactions, commercial litigation, trademarks and copyrights, and firearms law, gives him the experience needed to protect your business’ interests and help you achieve your business goals. With over 19 years...

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...

Lisa D. Stern is a dedicated family law attorney, providing comprehensive representation for couples involved in various aspects of domestic relations, including pre-nuptial agreements, divorce, custody cases, and post-judgment proceedings. Her expertise extends to managing the equitable division of assets, with a particular focus on closely held businesses and substantial marital estates. Recognized for her assertive advocacy, Lisa collaborates closely with local psychologists, mediators, drug and alcohol assessors, private investigators, and other reputable professionals to ensure her clients receive optimal representation. Understanding the intricate financial and business complexities that accompany marital dissolution, Lisa offers valuable guidance on decisions related to the...

Ms. Underwood focuses her practice in a wide variety of estate and tax planning, probate and trust administration, contested probate and trust matters. Ms. Underwood is a the former Chair of the Probate and Estate Planning Council of the State Bar of Michigan, past editor of the Probate Journal, member of the Real Property, Trust Law and Taxation Sections of the American Bar Association; the Taxation Section of the State Bar of Michigan, and the Oakland County Bar Association. She has written several articles and been a contributing author for the ICLE publication Michigan Estate Planning Handbook....

Since 1976, Zeigler Townley P.C. has handled a wide variety of challenging and complex business and personal matters both in and out of Court. As a Vietnam Veteran, Matt has a very long view of all business litigation, employment and transactional matters, knowing what matters, and what does not.

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.

He has represented a variety of clients ranging from private persons to international corporations. He is especially proud of working extensively with the Hispanic, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic and Asian communities within the State of Michigan.

Ken Gold is an experienced and dedicated estate planning and probate attorney. He has the knowledge and skills to help you with every element of estate planning along with your real estate and business needs.

Benjamin J. Herbert, a partner with Herbert Machnik Law Firm in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is committed to helping people understand their rights and plan for their future. His practice focuses on competent, knowledgeable advice and representation in the areas of estate planning, probate, Medicaid planning and real estate law as well as elder law, estate and trust administration, and guardianship and conservatorship matters. Attorney Herbert’s client base includes young professionals, senior citizens, retirees, and entrepreneurs among others. Attorney Herbert is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is licensed to appear before the United States District Court for...

Attorney Allison Greenlee Korr practices in Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Allegan, St. Joseph and all surrounding counties. She handles Family Law, bankruptcy, foreclosure and probate matters.

She holds a B.A. in Business from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She is admitted to practice in both the Western and Eastern Districts of Michigan and holds a certificate as a civil mediator issued through the Michigan State Court Administrative Office. Allison also holds Certificates in the areas of Family Law and Probate and Estate Planning issued by the Institute of...

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...

Estate Planning Attorney – Biography Matthew V. Piwowar is the founder of Legacy Architects PLLC. His practice focuses on Estate Planning, Trusts and Wills, Special Needs Children, Business Succession, Long-Term Care, and Probate. He has over 30 years of experience advising on estate planning, business law, mergers & acquisitions, finance, and international law. Mr. Piwowar was born in Marquette, MI and grew up in West Michigan. He provides services to his clients statewide, from Grandville and Grand Rapids, south to Three Rivers and Kalamazoo, north to Boyne City and St. Ignace. Experience Piwowar’s background includes such transactions as: the sale of a...

The best part of being a lawyer is helping others with their legal issues. I don’t pay for TV advertisements or premium on-line placements. Instead, I do the best I can at a fair price for my valuable clients who in turn pay me the ultimate compliment by referring me to others who may need legal services. Here are a few things I ask you to consider.

- I deal directly with my clients. I do not pass you on to a junior associate; I do the actual work, which I continue to find interesting and rewarding.

-I work...

Patrick Derkacz grew up in Warren, Michigan where he attended public school. He graduated from Warren Mott High school in 1984 where he played football. He then went to Eastern Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry in 1988. After graduation he worked as an analytical chemist for the Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division in Ann Arbor, Michigan for several years.

Mr. Derkacz went back to law school at the Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University Law School) in 1990. He graduated from DCL with Honors in 1993. While in Law School he participated in the...

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 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...

Mr. Serra concentrates his practice on tirelessly representing the needs of Michigan businesses and business owners. Reese Serra has counseled businesses ranging from a wide variety of industries with an expertise in representing technology clients of all sizes.
As a civil litigator, Mr. Serra has procured victories for his clients at all levels of State and Federal courts, including numerous successful appeals.

Mr. Serra focuses his practice in the areas of real estate matters, business and financial transactions, including: mergers, acquisitions and reorganizations of business entities; complex commercial and real estate lending and restructuring transactions; international business transactions; real estate sale...

Welcome to the Law Firm of Thav, Ryke and Assoc. We are Michigan Probate, Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts, Probate and Trust Administration Attorneys located conveniently in Southfield, Michigan and Grand Rapids, Michigan. We have achieved a reputation for solving complex probate matters and as a result, practice and have clients throughout the great state of Michigan. Further, we represent many out-of-state clients who have had family members who pass away in the State of Michigan.

We are here to assist you in all areas of wills and trusts, estate planning, and probate law in the State of Michigan. Our...

Since establishing his own practice, Mr. Patrick has personally counseled hundreds of individuals in legal matters and has educated thousands throughout Michigan as a speaker and author.

Sean P. Murphy is an Attorney and Member of Head Murphy Law. Sean was voted the 2023 Best Lawyer in Metro Detroit in the Community Choice Awards presented by the Detroit Free Press. Sean has also been selected as a Super Lawyers' Rising Star since 2019, and he has also been selected as a DBusiness top lawyer on multiple occasions. Sean is a lifelong resident of the Metro Detroit area. After graduating first in his class and summa cum laude from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Sean worked as a Judicial Law Clerk for Justice Stephen J. Markman...

Shawn is the owner of The Head Law Firm, PLC. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He represents individual and business clients throughout the Detroit Metro Area, including Livonia, Westland, Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Novi, Troy, and other surrounding areas.

Shawn has been repeatedly recognized as one of Metro Detroit’s Top Lawyers in the areas of criminal defense and commercial litigation by DBusiness Magazine. He has also been selected as a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers every year since 2015.

Shawn graduated...

Gary E. Tibble has been helping clients in Kalamazoo and throughout Southwest Michigan in the areas of: Residential and commercial real estate Estate planning Probate Wills and Trusts Criminal Record Expungements Mr. Tibble received his Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University in 1977; a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University in 1980; a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1990. He was admitted to practice in Michigan in 1990 and the United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit in 1990. Mr. Tibble is a member of numerous organizations, including: Michigan Bar Association, Kalamazoo Bar...

Born in the small town of Hart, Anna is a lifelong Michigan resident. She moved to Muskegon to practice law, joining Parmenter Law in 1997—fulfilling her goal of staying close to Lake Michigan. Anna enjoys helping people which is reflected in her legal practice that focuses on elder law, estate planning and trust and estate administration.

In helping clients and their families, Anna takes a solution-oriented approach that goes far beyond addressing the immediate problem. Her comprehensive, integrated strategy includes a full evaluation of the client's and family's needs and goals, both short-term and long-term. In addition to providing the right...

Brett is a Certified Elder Law Attorney and has been helping his clients for over 20 years. He is the owner of The Elder and Estate Planning Law Firm, P.L.L.C. located at 8285 S. Saginaw Street in Grand Blanc. As the firm name suggests, his practice is dedicated exclusively to assisting clients with their estate planning and elder law needs, such as Medicaid planning, trusts, wills, Veterans Benefits planning, guardianship, conservatorships and probate estate or trust administration.

You have questions- I have answers. Call now for a free consultation. (810) 516-5116. Many law firms say that they offer personalized service, but their actions don't always reflect that when it comes to dealing with their clients. I'm David McCleary, and at my law firm, McCleary & Associates, P.C., I take those words to heart. I want to be your family's trusted adviser for all your estate planning needs. I meet with all my clients myself, one-on-one. This means I can offer a true individualized service to the people in the Grand Blanc and...

Stacey Brancheau established the Brancheau Law Firm to pursue her passion for helping individuals and their families navigate the often overwhelming process of wealth planning. In addition to her experience as an attorney, Stacey holds her Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) designations. With 20 years of experience in the wealth planning industry, serving as an attorney, financial planner, fiduciary advisor and senior trust officer for a regional bank, she is uniquely qualified to assist her clients in developing a comprehensive plan to ensure that their loved ones have the information, guidance and...

Benjamin Stoltman focuses on Adult and Minor Guardianships, Wills, Trusts and Estates, Adoptions, Non-Profit Formation, Business Transactions, and Appeals.

Ben graduated magna cum laude from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. While in law school, Benjamin served as a member of Law Review and was the recipient of numerous awards for academic merit, including top marks in civil procedure, military law, and the professional responsibility seminar.

Benjamin was also inducted as a member of the Justice Frank Murphy Honor Society, an honor reserved for students graduating in the top ten percent of their class.

Prior to starting...

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...

Established in 1982, Keenan & Austin, P.C. is a firm of Attorneys/Lawyers located in Redford Township, Michigan; serving Wayne and Oakland counties. Attorneys, Jan Keenan and John J. Keenan, graduated from the University of Michigan (undergrad), and the University of Detroit - Mercy School of Law. Both are dedicated members of the Redford community, serving the Township in many capacities over the years as Coaches and Sponsors of Little League and RTJAA teams, serving on the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Downtown Development Authority, and Parks Commission, on Citizens Input Boards, and in various leadership positions with St. Valentine...

Julie A. Gafkay graduated from Michigan State University in 1992 with a dual major in criminal justice and political theory. She graduated from Whittier Law School in 1995 with honors. Her first position was in Flint, Michigan focusing on civil rights and employment discrimination. In 2003, Attorney Gafkay opened her own statewide practice in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The practice's attorneys provide a general practice to the local area providing legal services in Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Business Planning, contract review, landlord/tenant issues, real estate, employment issues and other general practice areas. Attorney Gafkay has...

Laura believes in compassionate estate planning and estate administration and focuses on the unique needs of each client. She also values mediation for resolving disputes efficiently and cost-effectively for clients. Since 2020 Laura has been with Herbert Machnik assisting clients with their trust and estate needs along with business formations and litigation among other areas of the law. To give back to her community, Laura has served as a court-appointed attorney or guardian ad litem for clients in Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties, and as a judge for several student moot court competitions. Laura is a member of the LGBTQA, Agriculture,...

Amir practices Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, VA Planning, Probate, Estate Planning, and Business Transactions. He has an extensive background of helping the elderly through his family-owned Licensed Assisted Living Homes. At Serenity Assisted Living, Amir assisted the elderly in their medical needs. Now, he hopes to help even more elderly in their legal and planning needs.

Raymond C. Barry & Associates, PLLC advises clients in matters of creating effective estate plans, wills, powers of attorney, deeds and medical patient advocates. We handle all aspects of probate administration so you don't have to. We also effectively defend clients who have found themselves charged with traffic offenses, misdemeanors or felonies.

Michigan Attorney Kathryn Wayne-Spindler has built a full-service law firm that is pleased to be successfully helping clients with all their divorce, family law, adoption, child custody, change of domicile, estate planning, minor criminal defense and probate needs. She is an experienced and aggressive fighter in the courtroom. She is also known for being a compassionate counselor to her clients. She understands that her clients' cases are not just legal battles to be won, but life-changing events that can potentially be emotionally traumatic. She listens and advises with her client's best interests in mind. Years ago, Wayne-Spindler realized that...

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...