As skilled Michigan Estate Planning Attorneys, we have vast experience in probate and Trust litigation, including challenges to Wills and Trusts and disputes over the administration of Wills and Trusts. We provide a full range of services related to estates, Trusts, probate and Conservatorships to clients in Oakland County and throughout Michigan, in the following practice areas:

• Probate administration and the handling of decedents' estates
  
• Drafting of Last Wills & Testaments and Trusts
• Preparation of Powers of Attorney and Patient Advocate Designations (Living Wills)
• Guardianship and Conservatorships for mentally incapacitated persons
• Will contest litigation
• Will preservation litigation
• Estate tax returns
• Private Annuities & Charitable Trusts
• Estate planning and administration

When representing probate litigation clients, whether fiduciaries or beneficiaries, we seek prompt, successful resolution to all probate disputes. We work hard to protect and advance each probate client's interests and rights in an efficient and professional manner.

We can also help you accomplish several critical tasks: eliminating the need for the probate court to administer your assets upon death (or if you become disabled or incompetent), reducing the risk of inexperienced or unskilled management of your property by allowing you to make your own choice about who will manage your assets in the future, appointing a person of your choice to handle your affairs if you are disabled, and choosing an individual to make decisions concerning your care, custody, and medical treatment if you are unable to participate in medical treatment decisions.

As experienced Michigan Estate Planning Attorneys, we provide all the legal services necessary for the proper administration of a decedent's estate. We also litigate contested Wills (when the title or legality of a Will or jointly owned asset, or its execution, is questioned), Trusts, and Joint Accounts, as well as tying title to Real and Personal Property.

With substantial experience with estates valued in excess of $100,000, we focus on representing clients in the administration of estates in probate court. This includes decedent’s estates, with or without Wills (i.e. testate or intestate), guardianships, and conservatorships.  We are particularly adept at assisting executors, personal representatives, guardians, and conservators in handling the affairs of their loved ones, both before and after death.  We also perform probate litigation, particularly as to Will contests and Trust administration.

In addition to our reputation as premier probate attorneys, we also offer solid estate planning services to clients. These services include the drafting of Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Patient Advocate Designations (i.e. medical powers of attorney a/k/a “Living Wills”).

With new laws being passed on a regular basis, the guidance of an experienced estate planning lawyer is critical in assuring that your unique estate planning goals are understood and carried out. Proper estate planning can ensure that your invaluable legacy is not wasted, and that loved ones are cared for according to your wishes.  Avoiding probate costs, expensive court proceedings and unnecessary taxes are important elements in preserving the integrity of your estate.

For more than a quarter century, the lawyers of Berkley Mengel PLC have protected people's interest by offering a wide range of legal services involving the drafting of Wills and Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Patient Advocate Designations, also known as Living Wills. We have assisted families in the probating of their deceased loved-one's estates, and have created Guardianships and Conservatorships for families of persons who are not capable of handling their own financial or day-to-day affairs. The mission of our Firm is to offer professional, personal and affordable services to satisfy our clients' legal needs.

If you or someone you know needs the assistance of an experienced Michigan Estate Planning Attorney, call Berkley Mengel PLC today at 866-733-6073, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your initial consultation.