To help our clients prepare for the transfer of their assets, the firm
maintains an extensive estate planning, probate and estate settlement
practice. We provide counsel in all of the areas required for an effective
estate plan, and we offer creative solutions to achieve each client's
objectives. Special emphasis is placed on practical estate, gift and
income tax-saving techniques and on the preservation of the estates
of those owning closely-held business interests. Our advice is based
on constant awareness of the complex state and federal taxation issues
involved in estate planning and administration.
We also have experience in all probate matters, including guardianships
and conservatorships, and can suggest strategies to help our clients
avoid the necessity for these procedures. A strong counterpart to this
practice is the assistance we can provide in planning for gifts to charity,
including the creation of annuity trusts, unitrusts and charitable lead
trusts; advice on gifts to community foundations; and the formation
and operation of private foundations. Our estate settlement practice,
which is available in Michigan and Florida, includes preparing and filing
estate tax returns and assisting fiduciaries with their responsibilities.
We have also developed a unique program offering estate planning services to
individual employees through arrangements with their employers, a program viewed
by many employers as a valuable fringe benefit.
Karen L. Kayes, the partner in charge of
this section, is frequently asked to speak to community and employee
groups on estate planning and probate topics. Ms. Kayes is supported
by Craig Monette, associate, and Cindy
Thielman, legal assistant.
David P. Covell, is also available to speak to the community
and other groups about estate planning and probate topics. In addition, he specializes in
Elder law and Medicaid planning
