Cherf and Greenup

Estate Planning Attorneys in St. Clair Shores, Michigan

Planning for the future means more than deciding who will receive your property. Families often need to prepare for changing circumstances, such as welcoming a new child, caring for an aging parent, providing for a loved one with disabilities, or protecting family relationships during difficult times. Cherf and Greenup, P.C. helps Michigan families address these issues through estate planning, trust planning, guardianships, and estate litigation, offering legal guidance both before and after problems arise.

Founded in 1973 by attorneys Ronald J. Cherf and Edward R. Greenup, the firm has spent decades helping clients develop practical estate plans while also representing individuals involved in contested estate matters. This combination of planning and litigation experience provides valuable perspective when creating legal documents designed to withstand future challenges.

Estate Planning Designed Around Your Family

No two families have the same goals or concerns. Cherf and Greenup works with clients to develop estate plans that reflect their individual circumstances, whether they are creating their first will, updating an existing plan, or preparing for retirement.

The firm prepares wills, revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, and patient advocate designations. By carefully coordinating these documents, the attorneys help clients plan for both the management of their affairs during incapacity and the orderly distribution of assets according to their wishes.

Estate planning is also an opportunity to address changing family dynamics. Parents may wish to nominate guardians for minor children, account for blended families, or ensure that inheritances are distributed according to each beneficiary's individual needs.

Planning for Loved Ones with Disabilities

Families caring for a child or other loved one with disabilities often face unique estate planning challenges. An inheritance that is structured improperly may affect eligibility for important government benefit programs.

Cherf and Greenup assists families with special needs planning, including the preparation of special needs trusts designed to help provide long-term financial support while preserving eligibility for programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income when appropriate. By incorporating these considerations into a broader estate plan, the firm helps families provide for loved ones without overlooking important legal and financial issues.

Guardianships and Conservatorships

Sometimes legal authority is needed to protect someone who cannot manage personal or financial affairs independently.

Cherf and Greenup represents clients in guardianship and conservatorship matters involving both minors and adults. These proceedings may become necessary when a child requires a legally appointed guardian or when an aging parent or other vulnerable adult is no longer able to make informed decisions regarding healthcare, finances, or daily living. The firm helps families understand the legal process while seeking solutions that protect the individual's best interests.

Estate Litigation and Will Contests

Even with careful planning, disagreements can arise after a person's death. Cherf and Greenup represents clients involved in estate litigation, including disputes concerning wills, trusts, and estate administration.

These matters may involve allegations of undue influence, questions regarding the validity of estate planning documents, disagreements among beneficiaries, or conflicts involving the administration of an estate. The firm's experience in both estate planning and estate litigation allows it to understand how planning decisions may later become the subject of legal disputes and to advocate for clients when those disputes occur.

Practical Guidance Through Life's Transitions

Many estate planning decisions arise because of significant life events rather than financial concerns alone. The birth of a child, caring for an aging parent, supporting a family member with disabilities, or helping administer a loved one's estate all present legal questions that benefit from careful planning.

Cherf and Greenup works with clients to develop practical solutions tailored to their family's circumstances, while explaining legal options in straightforward language so clients can make informed decisions about their future.

Serving St. Clair Shores, Michigan

Cherf and Greenup, P.C. serves individuals and families from its office in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. The firm assists clients with estate planning, trust planning, guardianships, estate litigation, and related legal matters designed to help families protect their loved ones and prepare for the future.

Practice Areas

• Estate Planning

• Wills

• Revocable Living Trusts

• Irrevocable Trusts

• Special Needs Trusts

• Durable Powers of Attorney

• Patient Advocate Designations

• Guardianships

• Conservatorships

• Estate Litigation

• Will Contests

• Trust Litigation