Daniel R. Shemke

Estate Planning & Probate Attorney in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Creating an estate plan allows you to decide who will receive your property, who can make financial and healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated, and how your family will manage your affairs after your death. A thoughtful plan can reduce uncertainty and provide clear instructions for those you trust.

Daniel R. Shemke helps individuals and families with estate planning, probate, and related legal matters as part of a broad legal practice serving the Ann Arbor area. His experience in business law, real estate, contracts, and litigation also allows him to assist clients whose estate matters overlap with other legal issues.

What Documents Should Be Part of an Estate Plan?

Estate planning is about more than preparing a will. It also involves planning for situations in which you may be unable to make financial or medical decisions for yourself.

Daniel Shemke prepares estate planning documents that may include wills, trust agreements, financial powers of attorney, and durable powers of attorney for healthcare decisions. Together, these documents help clients identify trusted decision-makers and provide instructions for managing assets and personal affairs during life and after death.

What Happens During Probate?

After someone dies, the personal representative is responsible for carrying out the legal requirements of settling the estate. This may include gathering assets, paying valid debts, working through probate court procedures, and distributing property to beneficiaries.

Daniel Shemke assists clients with probate proceedings and estate administration, helping personal representatives understand their legal responsibilities and guiding them through each stage of the process.

What About Assets That Do Not Go Through Probate?

Not every asset becomes part of a probate estate. Property held jointly, accounts with beneficiary designations, and other nonprobate assets often transfer under different legal rules.

Daniel Shemke assists clients with both probate proceedings and the transfer of nonprobate assets, helping families understand which property requires court involvement and which assets may pass outside of probate.

What If Someone Challenges the Estate?

Probate does not always proceed without disagreement. 

Questions may arise about the validity of a will, creditor claims against the estate, or whether a guardian or conservator should be appointed.

Daniel Shemke represents clients in contested probate matters, including will contests, creditor claims, guardianships, and conservatorships. Having litigation experience can be valuable when estate administration becomes more complex or family members disagree about the proper course of action.

How Do Real Estate and Business Interests Affect an Estate?

Many estates include more than personal belongings and financial accounts. Real estate, business interests, and contractual obligations may require additional legal attention during planning or estate administration.

Because Daniel Shemke also practices business law, contract law, and real estate law, he is able to help clients address legal issues that often overlap with estate planning. Coordinating these matters before problems arise can make future administration more straightforward for family members and fiduciaries.

An Ann Arbor Attorney Providing Practical Legal Guidance

As a solo practitioner, Daniel R. Shemke works directly with clients throughout the planning and probate process. His practice emphasizes explaining legal issues in understandable terms, helping clients evaluate their options, and preparing for potential issues before they become larger problems.

Based in Ann Arbor, Daniel Shemke assists individuals and families with estate planning, probate, guardianships, conservatorships, and related legal matters throughout the surrounding communities.

Practice Areas

• Estate Planning

• Wills

• Trust Agreements

• Financial Powers of Attorney

• Durable Healthcare Powers of Attorney

• Probate Administration

• Estate Administration

• Nonprobate Asset Transfers

• Will Contests

• Creditor Claims

• Guardianships

• Conservatorships

• Real Estate Law

• Business Law

• Estate Plan Reviews