Debra S. Keehn, Family Law Attorney & Counselor at Law
Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Michigan
Debra S. Keehn, Family Law Attorney & Counselor at Law helps individuals and families with estate planning, probate, and trust matters in Ann Arbor and throughout Washtenaw County.
Probate, Guardianship & Estate Planning Attorney in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Families often turn to probate court during some of life's most difficult circumstances. An aging parent may no longer be able to make decisions independently. An adult child with developmental disabilities may need ongoing legal protection. A loved one may have died, leaving family members to navigate the probate process while coping with grief.
Debra S. Keehn assists individuals and families with probate matters, guardianships, conservatorships, and simple estate planning. Her background as both an attorney and a licensed clinical social worker provides additional perspective when legal issues involve mental illness, developmental disabilities, aging, or other situations that affect family relationships.
When Is a Guardianship or Conservatorship Necessary?
Sometimes a family member reaches a point where they can no longer safely manage personal, medical, or financial decisions.
This may result from aging, dementia, mental illness, developmental disabilities, or another condition affecting decision-making capacity.
Debra Keehn represents clients in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, helping families understand the legal process and the responsibilities involved when a court appoints someone to make decisions on another person's behalf.
Legal Guidance for Families Facing Mental Health and Disability Issues
Legal matters involving mental illness or developmental disabilities often require families to balance legal responsibilities with long-term caregiving concerns. Court proceedings may also involve sensitive family relationships and difficult personal decisions.
Drawing on her experience as both an attorney and a licensed clinical social worker, Debra Keehn helps clients navigate legal matters involving vulnerable individuals. Her practice reflects an understanding that these cases often involve emotional, medical, and practical issues in addition to legal requirements.
What Happens During Probate?
After a loved one dies, family members may need to open a probate estate, identify assets, satisfy legal obligations, and distribute property according to a will or Michigan law.
Debra Keehn assists clients with probate proceedings and estate administration, helping personal representatives understand the probate process and fulfill their responsibilities while working through the legal requirements of settling an estate.
Do You Need a Simple Estate Plan?
Even a straightforward estate plan can help reduce uncertainty for your family. Planning ahead allows you to identify who should receive your property and who should make decisions if you become unable to act for yourself.
Debra Keehn provides simple estate planning services for individuals and families who want to prepare basic planning documents before a crisis occurs. Establishing these documents in advance can help loved ones carry out your wishes and provide guidance during unexpected situations.
A Thoughtful Approach to Family Decision-Making
Many probate and protective proceedings require families to make difficult decisions about a loved one's future. Questions involving capacity, independence, healthcare, finances, and family relationships often require careful communication as well as legal guidance.
Throughout her practice, Debra Keehn emphasizes listening to clients, explaining legal issues in understandable terms, and helping families make informed decisions while remaining prepared to advocate for their interests when court proceedings become necessary.
An Ann Arbor Attorney Serving Families Through Difficult Transitions
Debra S. Keehn's practice reflects the intersection of probate law, family law, and mental health. Her experience as both an attorney and a licensed clinical social worker provides a unique perspective for clients facing guardianship proceedings, conservatorships, probate matters, and other legal issues involving vulnerable family members.
Based in Ann Arbor, Debra Keehn represents clients throughout southeastern Michigan in probate, guardianship, conservatorship, and related family legal matters.
Practice Areas
Probate
Estate Administration
Simple Estate Planning
Guardianships
Conservatorships
Adult Guardianships
Adult Conservatorships
Mental Health Matters
Developmental Disability Matters
Family Law
Mediation
Parenting Coordination