The Barkho Law Firm

Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys in Troy, Michigan

The Barkho Law Firm is a Troy practice that focuses primarily on estate planning for individuals and families. Founded by sisters Donna Barkho-Habbo and Dahlia Barkho, the firm helps clients prepare legal plans that address what happens if they become incapacitated, how assets will pass to loved ones, and how important family decisions can be made without unnecessary court involvement.

Its estate planning practice is centered on helping families organize their affairs before a crisis occurs rather than resolving disputes afterward.

When Your Child Becomes a Legal Adult

Many parents are surprised to learn that once a child turns 18, they no longer automatically have the legal authority to receive medical information or make financial decisions on that child's behalf—even if the child is still living at home or attending college.

The Barkho Law Firm discusses planning specifically for young adults by preparing healthcare powers of attorney, HIPAA authorizations, and durable financial powers of attorney that allow trusted family members to assist during a medical emergency or other unexpected situation.

Planning for Incapacity Before It Happens

An accident, illness, or sudden medical event can leave someone unable to manage finances or communicate healthcare decisions. Without advance planning, loved ones may need to ask a court to appoint someone to act on their behalf.

The firm prepares financial powers of attorney, healthcare powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives so clients can choose who will make important decisions if they become unable to do so themselves.

Choosing Between a Will and a Living Trust

Many families are uncertain whether a simple will is enough or whether a revocable living trust would better fit their goals. The answer often depends on how they want assets transferred and whether avoiding probate is an important consideration.

The Barkho Law Firm helps clients understand the practical differences between wills and living trusts, including how a properly funded trust may allow trust assets to pass outside probate while providing greater privacy for the family.

Protecting Children and Future Inheritances

Estate planning often involves more than deciding who receives property. Parents may also want to determine who will raise minor children and how inherited assets should be managed until those children reach an appropriate age.

The firm assists families with guardian nominations and trust-based planning that allows inheritances to be distributed according to the client's instructions instead of requiring immediate lump-sum distributions.

Helping Families Preserve What They Leave Behind

Some clients want their estate plan to include safeguards that help protect inherited assets under certain circumstances rather than transferring everything outright.

The Barkho Law Firm also prepares estate plans that may incorporate asset-protection strategies when appropriate, allowing families to consider how property will be managed and preserved for future beneficiaries.

Meeting Families Where They Are

Legal planning does not always happen under ideal circumstances. A serious illness or declining health may make it difficult for someone to travel to an attorney's office.

Client testimonials on the firm's website describe situations in which legal documents were prepared quickly and meetings took place at a residence or care facility when necessary. While every situation is different, these experiences suggest the firm makes efforts to accommodate clients facing urgent or mobility-related challenges.

Serving Families Throughout Michigan

Located in Troy, The Barkho Law Firm serves individuals and families throughout Michigan. Its practice focuses on helping clients prepare for incapacity, protect loved ones, avoid unnecessary probate when appropriate, and create estate plans that reflect each family's personal circumstances.

Practice Areas

• Estate Planning

• Wills

• Revocable Living Trusts

• Probate Avoidance Planning

• Financial Powers of Attorney

• Healthcare Powers of Attorney

• Advance Healthcare Directives

• HIPAA Authorizations

• Guardian Nominations for Minor Children

• Asset Protection Planning