Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning Services in Marshall
Housley Peters Law Office is a dedicated estate planning attorney committed to helping individuals and families secure their legacies. With over 25 years of experience since graduating from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1995, she specializes in crafting personalized legal solutions for both immediate and future needs. Her practice focuses on empowering clients to make informed decisions about asset distribution, healthcare directives, and guardianship for minor children. Diane emphasizes clarity and compassion, guiding clients through complex legal processes with professionalism and ease.Her office in Marshall, Michigan, serves as a trusted resource for estate planning, probate administration, and trust execution. Clients consistently praise her meticulous approach, responsiveness, and ability to simplify difficult topics. By prioritizing client education and tailored strategies, Diane ensures families achieve peace of mind through comprehensive planning. Her work reflects a deep commitment to ethical practice and community well-being, rooted in her personal values and professional expertise.
Services
Estate Planning
Wills
Trusts
Power of Attorney
Patient Advocate Designation
HIPAA Privacy Waiver
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of specialized estate planning experience
- Our team provides personalized guidance through complex legal processes
- We prioritize client education and clear communication
- Our meticulous approach ensures legally sound documentation
- We deliver responsive support during critical life events
What people say
Pleasant and professional
Painless process
Peace of mind
Responsive to questions
Meticulous and professional
Services
Estate Planning
Comprehensive estate planning creates legally binding documents to manage your affairs during life and distribute assets after death. Our process ensures your wishes are honored while minimizing family conflict. We help clients navigate complex decisions about guardianship, healthcare directives, and asset protection strategies.
Wills
Wills establish how your assets will be distributed after death and name guardians for minor children. Our attorneys ensure your will complies with Michigan law while clearly communicating your intentions. We help clients understand probate requirements and coordinate wills with other estate planning documents.
Trusts
Trusts provide flexible solutions for asset management and distribution outside probate court. We design revocable and irrevocable trusts tailored to clients' unique needs, including tax planning and special needs provisions. Our guidance ensures trusts are properly funded and maintained.
Power of Attorney
Durable Power of Attorney documents designate someone to manage financial affairs if you become incapacitated. We create customized documents that meet Michigan legal standards while protecting your interests. Our attorneys explain the scope and limitations of these critical planning tools.
Patient Advocate Designation
This document appoints someone to make medical decisions when you cannot communicate. We help clients understand healthcare proxy requirements and coordinate these documents with HIPAA waivers. Our process ensures advocates have clear authority to act in emergency situations.
People
Housley Peters Law Office
Attorney
Estate planning attorney with 25+ years experience in Marshall, MI. Graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1995. Specializes in wills, trusts, and probate administration. Committed to helping families create comprehensive legacy plans while maintaining a personal approach to client care.
Questions
What documents are included in basic estate planning?
Basic estate plans typically include a Will, Durable Power of Attorney, and Patient Advocate Designation. These documents address asset distribution, financial management, and healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated.
How does a Trust differ from a Will?
Trusts manage assets during life and after death without probate, while Wills only take effect after death and require probate court involvement. Trusts offer more privacy and control over asset distribution timelines.
What happens if I don't create an estate plan?
Michigan's intestacy laws will determine asset distribution if you die without a plan. This may not align with your wishes and could create additional stress for surviving family members navigating probate court.
Can I update my estate planning documents?
Yes, we recommend reviewing documents every 3-5 years or after major life events. Changes require formal amendments called codicils for Wills or restated documents for Trusts to maintain legal validity.
How do I start the estate planning process?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals, family situation, and asset portfolio. We'll explain available options and create a customized plan that addresses both immediate needs and long-term legacy considerations.
