ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY IN
NOVI MICHIGAN
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PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE WITH A CUSTOMIZED ESTATE PLAN
Welcome to our Website
Karen L. Stewart, an attorney and CPA, has 30 years of experience in estate planning. Karen’s estate plans are affordable, fixed fee plans that are in compliance with Michigan and Federal estate laws (a danger in using internet do-it-yourself forms). She works with each client to prepare a custom estate plan that meets the client’s goals, avoids probate and minimizes estate taxes. She educates clients on Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Ladybird deeds, and how to choose executors and other agents. Karen gives her clients the information needed to fund their trusts and protect their assets. After loved ones have passed, Karen assists families in administering estates.
Serving the following communities: Novi, Southfield, Livonia, Northville, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Commerce Township, West Bloomfield, Plymouth, Canton, Milford, South Lyon, Walled Lake, Waterford and Wixom.
Karen L. Stewart | Attorney & Counselor
Basic Facts About Estate Planning
To adequately protect you and your family in the event of disability or death, it is important to have a well thought out and comprehensive plan. There are four documents in a basic estate plan: Last Will and Testament, Revocable Living Trust, Durable Power of Attorney and Patient Advocate Designation. However, your individual needs may require more or less planning, or that other documents be prepared in addition to these basic documents.
Practice Areas
Revocable Living Trusts
What is a Revocable Living Trust and why would I need one? Click here to learn more
Administering an Estate
I am the executor of an estate. What are my duties and how do I get started? Click here for our Checklist
Funding a Revocable Living Trust
What assets do I transfer to my Trust and what steps do I take? Click here for our Checklist
What is Probate?
When is probate necessary and what are the different types of probate? Click here to learn more
Last Will and Testament
I have a Will so my estate won’t go through probate, right? Click here to find out why that’s not so
Patient Advocate and Funeral Representative
A Patient Advocate Designation is the means to ensure if you become disabled, your medical decisions are made by a person you trust. Click here to learn more
Durable Power of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney is the means to ensure that if you become disabled, your finances are managed by a person you trust. Click here to learn more
Considering Pets in Your Estate Plan
How do I make sure my pets are taken care of if my pets outlive me? Click here for some planning ideas
Complimentary Consultation
Testimonials
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Will I Get Stuck With Family Member’s Debt After They Die?
I often get asked by beneficiaries of a deceased family member’s estate if they are personally responsible for paying off the family member’s debt. The answer is generally “no” but it depends upon the debt and how connected you are to the family member’s finances. As...
Making Another Person Joint On Your Bank Account is NOT Good Estate Planning
I received a call the other day from a client who had made her bank account joint with her daughter so that her daughter could access the account on her behalf if needed. My client has a revocable living trust and a durable power of attorney, but chose not to use them...
WHAT’S NEW
Checklist for Funding your Trust
Estate Plan Questionnaire