Leo Law

Estate Planning Attorneys in Troy, Michigan

Leo Law is a Troy law firm that provides estate planning alongside family law and bankruptcy services. The firm's estate planning practice is designed to help individuals and families prepare for the future by documenting their wishes, protecting loved ones, and providing legal guidance when an estate must be administered after someone's death.

Attorney Cassandra L. Leo focuses on creating practical estate plans that address both lifetime decision-making and the transfer of assets after death. Whether a client is preparing a first will, establishing a trust, or helping settle a family member's estate, the firm's approach centers on making the legal process understandable and helping clients put important decisions in writing.

Choosing Who Will Make Decisions if You Cannot

Many people think of estate planning as something that only applies after death, but unexpected illness or injury can create equally important legal questions during a person's lifetime.

Leo Law helps clients prepare durable financial powers of attorney and healthcare directives so trusted individuals are authorized to manage financial matters and make medical decisions if the client becomes unable to do so. Planning for incapacity can reduce uncertainty and provide family members with clear legal authority during difficult situations.

Making Sure Your Family Knows Your Wishes

Without an estate plan, important decisions about property and personal affairs may ultimately be determined under Michigan law rather than according to an individual's own preferences.

The firm prepares wills that allow clients to specify how property should be distributed, nominate guardians for minor children, and identify the individuals they want to administer their estates. By documenting these decisions in advance, clients can provide guidance for their families and reduce uncertainty after their death.

When a Living Trust Is the Better Option

For some families, a revocable living trust may provide advantages beyond a traditional will. Assets that have been properly transferred into the trust can generally pass according to the trust's terms without going through probate.

Leo Law assists clients with revocable living trusts and explains the importance of properly funding the trust by transferring appropriate assets into it. The firm also advises clients regarding successor trustees who will eventually be responsible for carrying out the trust's instructions.

Providing for a Loved One With Special Needs

Leaving an inheritance to a family member who cannot independently manage financial affairs or who receives certain government benefits may require additional planning.

The firm's trust planning includes options that allow clients to provide financial support while taking into account the beneficiary's individual circumstances. Careful planning can help families provide long-term assistance without overlooking important legal considerations.

Helping an Executor Through the Probate Process

Being named as a personal representative often means handling legal responsibilities that most people have never encountered before.

Leo Law assists personal representatives throughout the Michigan probate process, including preparing the initial court filings, identifying and valuing estate assets, notifying interested parties and creditors, paying valid debts and taxes, completing required court reports, and distributing estate property to beneficiaries. The firm guides clients through each stage of probate so they understand both the process and their responsibilities.

Serving Clients in Troy and Surrounding Communities

Located in Troy, Leo Law assists individuals and families with estate planning and probate matters throughout the surrounding area. The firm's practice emphasizes practical planning that helps clients prepare for life's unexpected events while providing guidance when loved ones are called upon to administer an estate.

Practice Areas

• Estate Planning

• Wills

• Revocable Living Trusts

• Probate

• Durable Financial Powers of Attorney

• Healthcare Directives

• Guardianship Planning

• Transfer Deeds