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ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY IN
NOVI MICHIGAN

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Call Us Today!

I am working at home during the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Order, but I am available for telephone and video conferences. For information on video signings and why estate planning is important during this time, please see my blogs below.

ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY IN NOVI

Protect Your Family Tree

(248) 735-0900

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE WITH A CUSTOMIZED ESTATE PLAN

Welcome to our Website

Karen L. Stewart, an attorney and CPA, has 25 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.

Contact an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

Karen L. Stewart | Attorney & Counselor

Basic Facts About Estate Planning

A good estate plan provides for both what happens after our death and during a period of incapacity. You do not need to be wealthy to have an estate plan. In fact, there are a variety of reasons to have an estate plan.

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.

(248) 735-0900

Practice Areas

A good estate plan provides for both what happens after our death and during a period of incapacity. You do not need to be wealthy to have an estate plan. In fact, there are a variety of reasons and it is important to have a well thought out and comprehensive plan to adequately protect you and your family in the event of disability or death. The reasons for planning and planning tips are outlined below. At Stewart Law, we tailor your estate plan to meet your individual needs.

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

Karen Stewart Estate Planning Attorney in Novi Michigan

Complimentary Consultation

Come on in for a complimentary 30 minute consultation to meet Karen and learn about what you should be considering in your estate plan to fit your personal circumstances. If you fill out our estate plan questionnaire and bring it with you, it will make the meeting more productive.

SCHEDULE TODAY

Complete our questionnaire and bring to the meeting.

ESTATE PLAN QUESTIONNAIRE

Testimonials

“Karen, we really, really appreciate you! The better the planning we do, the luckier we have been, which is why I brought Aunt Betty to you 14 years ago, and we have sought your advice throughout. She is at peace knowing she doesn't need to worry about managing estate-related choices in her final days.“

Jay Smith

“Thanks for taking such good care of us and making it easy to ask questions. I appreciate not being made to feel stupid for asking questions. It was a lovely gift at a tough time.“

Charlie Patricolo

“Throughout the emotional roller coaster ride as my father’s Trustee, I am grateful you were there for me. You kept me grounded and focused on the job at hand, when I could easily have let my emotions take over. I am sure my Dad is smiling down on how everything came together, and happy I stayed with you as my legal counsel. I know I am certainly smiling. Thank you again.”

Lynn Speerschneider

“I would not hesitate to contact Karen in the future, or recommend her to friends and family, for estate planning needs. She made a confusing process very easy and painless.”

Linkedin.com
Top qualities: Personable, Good Value, On Time

“Karen is very personable and professional. Her method of determining my estate planning needs minimized the amount of time and effort on my part. She generated an estate plan that was fully customized for my special situation. It was a pleasure to work with her. I will continue to recommend her to my associates and friends.”

Lawyers.com
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0

“I’d like to start by saying THANK YOU! For the first time in my life I found myself in trouble. I spoke with you and realized that I was speaking to a warm and sensitive person. After our discussion, you referred me to someone you felt more appropriate or fitting to my situation. I am grateful to you both! If I need a Lawyer or a CPA again, I would want the support and guidance of the two of you! Thank you again, you have made a difference in my life!”

Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0

RECENT BLOG POSTS

Governor Allows Remote Signing/Notarizing Of Estate Plan Documents in Michigan

On May 5, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order No. 2020-74 “Encouraging the use of electronic signatures and remote notarization, witnessing, and visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic” until June 30, 2020. Before the executive order, the witnessing and...

Something Important To Do During The Coronavirus Crisis – Update Your Estate Plan

Many of us are staying at home due to COVID-19, including myself. I am working in my home office and am available for telephone or video conferences. This might be a good time to update your estate plan documents and certainly, if you or someone you know has no estate...

WHAT’S NEW

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Fall-winter Newsletter

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Checklist for Funding your Trust

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Checklist for Administering an Estate

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Estate Plan Questionnaire