Business Details
Your Trusted Estate Planning Attorney in Novi, Michigan
Karen L. Stewart is an experienced estate planning attorney and certified public accountant with over 30 years of expertise in crafting customized legal solutions. Our practice focuses on creating comprehensive estate plans that comply with Michigan and federal regulations, ensuring clients' assets are protected and their wishes honored. We specialize in revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and probate avoidance strategies, while prioritizing client education and personalized guidance. Our commitment to transparency and affordability extends to fixed-fee structures and complimentary consultations, eliminating hidden costs.With a deep understanding of complex family dynamics, including blended families and senior care needs, we provide tailored advice to secure clients' legacies. Our team's dual legal and financial expertise ensures clients receive technically sound, ethically grounded counsel. We serve communities across Southeastern Michigan, emphasizing accessibility and community-focused service. By combining meticulous attention to detail with compassionate support, we empower clients to navigate estate planning confidently, knowing their families' futures are protected.
Services
Estate Planning
Revocable Living Trusts
Durable Power of Attorney
Last Will and Testament
Probate Guidance
Trust Funding
Pet Estate Planning
Administering Estates
Guardianship Planning
Tax Minimization
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined legal and financial expertise in estate planning.
- Our fixed-fee plans ensure transparency with no hidden costs.
- We specialize in complex family structures, including blended families and senior care.
- Our plans comply with Michigan and federal estate laws, avoiding DIY risks.
- We provide complimentary 30-minute consultations to clarify your unique needs.
Associations and certifications
- Certified Public Accountant
- Licensed to Practice Law
What people say
Exceptional service
Made confusing process easy
Professional and patient
Personalized attention
Highly recommend
Services
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans to protect assets and ensure your wishes are honored. Our services include wills, trusts, and advance directives tailored to your family's needs. Clients receive expert guidance on minimizing taxes and avoiding probate through legally compliant strategies.
Revocable Living Trusts
Our revocable living trusts help clients avoid probate while maintaining control over asset distribution. We guide clients through trust creation, funding processes, and ongoing management. This service ensures seamless transitions during incapacity or after death.
Durable Power of Attorney
We draft durable powers of attorney to ensure your finances are managed by trusted agents during incapacity. Our documents comply with Michigan law while providing clear authority for financial decision-making.
Pet Estate Planning
Our pet planning services create legally binding arrangements for pet care after your passing. We help clients establish pet trusts, designate caregivers, and allocate financial resources for long-term animal welfare.
Administering Estates
We guide executors through probate processes and trust administration. Services include asset inventory, debt settlement, tax filings, and distribution guidance to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
People
Karen L. Stewart
Attorney & Counselor
Karen Stewart combines 30+ years of legal and accounting expertise to create customized estate plans. She specializes in senior care, blended families, and probate avoidance. Her approach prioritizes client education and community service.
Questions
What documents are included in a basic estate plan?
A basic estate plan typically includes a Last Will and Testament, Revocable Living Trust, Durable Power of Attorney, and Patient Advocate Designation. Additional documents may be needed based on individual circumstances.
How does a revocable living trust avoid probate?
Assets held in a revocable living trust bypass probate court since the trust, not the individual, owns the property. This allows for private, efficient asset distribution according to your wishes.
Can I create an estate plan without an attorney?
While DIY options exist, professional guidance ensures legal compliance and addresses complex scenarios. Our practice helps clients avoid common pitfalls in self-prepared documents.
How do I plan for my pets' care after my death?
We create pet trusts or include specific provisions in your estate plan to ensure proper care. This includes designating caregivers, allocating funds, and establishing long-term care arrangements.
What happens if I don't have an estate plan?
Without a plan, Michigan's intestacy laws determine asset distribution. This may result in unintended beneficiaries and lack of guardianship provisions for minor children.
Do I need estate planning if I'm not wealthy?
Estate planning benefits everyone by protecting assets, establishing healthcare directives, and ensuring wishes are followed. It's not solely for wealthy individuals.
