Estate Planning

Kathryn and Matt  advise clients in the important, yet frequently uncomfortable, process of planning for life, death, and asset distribution. Kathryn and Matt encourage the use of transfers and designations to avoid the need for probate court involvement following death.  Matt and Kathryn also encourage clients to designate agents and describe preferences concerning health care decisions, financial control, and transfer of wealth to intended beneficiaries.

Probate and Trust Administration and Litigation

Matt and Kathryn assist fiduciaries with the administration of probate estates and trusts.  Matt and Kathryn's involvement ranges from legal guidance to managing all aspects of the administration.  Kathryn and Matt have taken primary responsibility for the administration of estates and trusts, including:  winding down of an individual’s business, sale of business and residential real estate and personal property, handling of creditor’s claims, and distribution of assets to family members. 

Matt and Kathryn also practice before probate courts and have represented both parties in disputes relating to capacity of the individual and the validity of their estate plan, undue influence of beneficiaries, and appropriate distribution under wills and trust agreements.

Kathryn and Matt advise business owners on the formation, governance and operation of their business entities.  They also guide businesses with succession planning relating to the transfer of business interests to the next generation.  Matt and Kathryn also assist with commercial transactions including asset sales and stock transfers

Kathryn and Matt assist clients in the purchase and sale of commercial, agricultural, and residential real estate.  They also guide clients with issues relating to commercial and residential leasing, landlord-tenant disputes, and financing transactions.

Matt and Kathryn represent municipal entities in Monroe and Lenawee Counties, including municipal governments, authorities and commissions. They provide ongoing legal services to these organizations and also provides representation to others on an as-needed basis.  Kathryn and Matt have also assisted and advised organizations supporting economic development in Southeastern Michigan.  Matt and Kathryn's representation in the area of municipal law includes responses to Freedom of Information requests, compliance with Open Meeting Act requirements, contracting and agreements, and litigation and administrative proceedings relating to land use, blight, nuisances, and claims against municipalities.

Kathryn and Matt work with farmers and other parties in matters relating to agriculture, farmland, land use, leasing and easements, including in the areas of oil & gas, pipeline and solar leasing.