Marilyn A. Knak, Attorney at Law

Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney in Sterling Heights and Port Huron, Michigan

Planning for the future often becomes more urgent when a loved one begins experiencing health problems, requires long-term care, or can no longer manage financial or personal affairs independently. Having the appropriate legal documents in place before a crisis develops can help families make important decisions with greater confidence and reduce the need for court intervention.

Marilyn Knak assists clients with estate planning, elder law, Medicaid planning, probate, guardianships, conservatorships, disability planning, and long-term care issues. Her practice focuses on helping individuals and families prepare for the legal and financial challenges that often accompany aging, illness, and the administration of an estate.

Planning Ahead for Life's Unexpected Changes

An effective estate plan does more than distribute property after death. It also identifies who can manage finances, make healthcare decisions, and carry out a person's wishes if they become unable to act for themselves.

Marilyn Knak prepares wills, trusts, financial powers of attorney, healthcare powers of attorney, and related estate planning documents. She also assists clients who need to review older estate plans after changes in family relationships, health, or personal circumstances to ensure those documents continue to reflect their wishes.

Helping Families Navigate Long-Term Care Decisions

Many families first seek legal guidance after a parent is hospitalized, diagnosed with dementia, or begins needing assistance with everyday activities. Questions about nursing homes, assisted living, in-home care, and paying for long-term care often arise quickly.

Marilyn Knak advises clients on elder law and Medicaid planning, helping families understand available planning options before care becomes immediately necessary. She also works with clients exploring Medicare benefits, veterans benefits, long-term care planning, and strategies that may help prepare for future care expenses.

Guardianships, Conservatorships, and Disability Planning

Sometimes advance planning documents are unavailable or no longer sufficient to meet a family's needs. In those situations, court-appointed decision makers may be necessary.

Marilyn Knak represents clients in guardianship and conservatorship matters involving individuals who are no longer able to manage personal, medical, or financial decisions independently. She also assists families with disability planning, including special needs trusts designed to help provide long-term financial support for loved ones with disabilities.

Probate Administration After the Loss of a Loved One

Administering an estate can involve numerous legal and financial responsibilities, particularly for someone serving as a personal representative for the first time.

Marilyn Knak assists families through the Michigan probate process, helping with estate administration, guardianship matters, and related probate proceedings. She also advises clients on planning strategies intended to reduce the need for probate whenever appropriate.

Meeting Clients in Sterling Heights, Port Huron, and at Home

Marilyn A. Knak meets with clients in Sterling Heights and Port Huron and also offers home visits for individuals whose health or mobility makes travel difficult. Her practice serves families who are preparing for the future, caring for aging relatives, or navigating the legal responsibilities that follow illness, incapacity, or the death of a loved one.

Practice Areas

• Elder Law

• Estate Planning

• Wills

• Trusts

• Financial Powers of Attorney

• Healthcare Powers of Attorney

• Medicaid Planning

• Probate Administration

• Guardianships

• Conservatorships

• Disability Planning

• Special Needs Trusts

• Nursing Home Planning

• Assisted Living Planning

• In-Home Care Planning

• Veterans Benefits Planning