Garmo & Kiste

Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Attorneys in Troy, Michigan

Garmo & Kiste is a Troy law firm that assists individuals, families, and business owners with estate planning, probate administration, probate litigation, trust litigation, guardianships, business succession planning, and related real estate matters. The firm also maintains a broad practice that includes business law, real estate, family law, debt resolution, mediation, and civil litigation.

One of the firm's distinguishing characteristics is its ability to handle every stage of an estate matter—from preparing an estate plan before death to administering the estate afterward and representing clients if disputes arise. Its background in real estate, business law, and mediation is particularly valuable when an estate involves family property, closely held businesses, or disagreements among beneficiaries.

Planning Before a Crisis Occurs

Estate planning is about more than deciding who inherits property. A well-prepared plan can allow trusted individuals to manage financial affairs during incapacity, provide healthcare decision-making authority, and reduce delays for surviving family members.

Garmo & Kiste prepares wills, revocable living trusts, living wills, medical directives, durable powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents tailored to a client's circumstances.

Helping Families Avoid Common Probate Problems

When someone dies without proper planning, surviving family members may find themselves unable to access bank accounts, manage real estate, or pay important expenses while waiting for probate authority.

The firm's educational materials specifically discuss how unpaid mortgages, property taxes, and other obligations can create unnecessary financial problems during estate administration. Planning ahead can help reduce those risks and provide families with a clearer path forward.

Guiding Executors Through Probate

Serving as a personal representative often involves gathering assets, paying creditors, preparing inventories, filing court documents, and distributing property according to Michigan law.

Garmo & Kiste assists executors and families throughout the probate administration process, helping them meet legal requirements while working toward the orderly settlement of an estate.

Resolving Estate and Trust Disputes

Not every estate administration proceeds without conflict. Questions may arise regarding the validity of a will, disagreements among beneficiaries, or the administration of a trust.

The firm represents clients in probate litigation, contested wills, and trust litigation when disputes require negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.

Planning for Michigan Real Estate

For many Michigan families, the home is the largest asset in an estate. Decisions about how property is titled can significantly affect whether probate will be necessary.

The firm advises clients regarding Lady Bird deeds and other real estate planning strategies that may allow property to transfer outside probate while allowing the owner to retain control during life. It also assists with deeds, ownership issues, and other real estate matters that frequently arise during estate planning and estate administration.

Protecting Families From Financial Abuse

Choosing an agent under a durable power of attorney requires careful consideration. An improperly selected agent may have access to significant financial authority during someone's lifetime.

The firm's educational materials discuss fiduciary responsibilities and the safeguards built into Michigan's power of attorney laws, helping clients better understand the importance of selecting trustworthy decision-makers.

Business Succession Planning

Business owners often need an estate plan that addresses more than personal assets. Ownership transitions, retirement, disability, or death can affect employees, family members, and the future of the business.

Garmo & Kiste assists business owners with succession planning, coordinating business interests with broader estate planning objectives.

Serving Families Throughout Southeast Michigan

Located at 100 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 110, Troy, Michigan, Garmo & Kiste serves clients throughout Southeast Michigan in estate planning, probate administration, probate litigation, trust litigation, business succession planning, guardianships, and related real estate matters.

Practice Areas

• Estate Planning

• Wills

• Revocable Living Trusts

• Living Wills

• Medical Directives

• Durable Powers of Attorney

• Probate Administration

• Probate Litigation

• Trust Litigation

• Contested Wills

• Guardianships

• Business Succession Planning

• Lady Bird Deeds

• Real Estate Planning

• Charitable Giving