Tull & Laubach, Attorneys and Counselors at Law
Utica, Macomb County, Michigan
Tull & Laubach, Attorneys and Counselors at Law helps individuals and families with estate planning, probate, and trust matters in Utica and throughout Macomb County.
Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration Attorneys in Utica, Michigan
Tull & Laubach is a Utica law firm that represents individuals and families in estate planning, probate, trust administration, probate litigation, and related real estate and business matters. The firm's attorneys assist clients with preparing estate plans, administering estates after death, resolving inheritance disputes, and protecting family assets through thoughtful planning.
One characteristic that sets the firm apart is its combination of estate planning, probate administration, and litigation experience. Rather than focusing solely on drafting estate documents, the attorneys also represent clients when disagreements arise or when estates involve real estate, businesses, creditor claims, or other legal complications.
Creating Estate Plans That Fit Real-Life Needs
Estate planning is about more than deciding who inherits property. It also involves preparing for incapacity, choosing trusted decision-makers, protecting loved ones, and reducing unnecessary legal complications after death.
Tull & Laubach prepares wills, revocable living trusts, durable financial powers of attorney, patient advocate designations, and other estate planning documents. The firm also advises clients on trust funding and property ownership so estate plans function as intended.
Helping Families Navigate Probate
Many executors have never administered an estate before. Court filings, creditor notices, inventories, distributions, and legal deadlines can quickly become overwhelming during an already difficult time.
The firm guides personal representatives through Michigan probate administration, assisting with court filings, estate inventories, creditor claims, distributions, required accountings, and trust administration.
Unlike firms that present probate as something to avoid at all costs, Tull & Laubach explains that informal probate is often a manageable process and that court supervision can sometimes provide valuable protections for beneficiaries and fiduciaries.
Resolving Probate and Inheritance Disputes
Not every estate is settled without conflict. Family members may question the validity of a will, disagree about how property should be distributed, or raise concerns about the actions of a personal representative, trustee, guardian, or conservator.
The firm's probate litigation practice includes will contests, competing estate documents, disputes among heirs, challenges involving guardianships and conservatorships, and other contested probate matters.
Planning for Michigan Real Estate
For many families, a home represents the largest asset in an estate. Decisions about ownership, trust funding, and property transfers can significantly affect whether probate is required.
Tull & Laubach advises clients on Michigan real estate planning, including Lady Bird deeds, trust funding, and other ownership strategies designed to help property transfer according to the client's estate plan. The firm's educational materials also caution against simply adding children as joint owners without understanding the potential legal consequences.
Helping Families With Out-of-State Probate Matters
A person may own Michigan property even though family members or the personal representative live elsewhere. That situation can create additional procedural requirements during estate administration.
The firm assists out-of-state executors and heirs with Michigan probate proceedings involving property located within the state, helping families navigate the local court process from a distance.
Business Succession Planning
Business owners often need an estate plan that addresses more than personal assets. Retirement, disability, or death can create uncertainty for employees, family members, and future owners if succession planning has not been completed.
The firm works with business owners to coordinate estate planning and business succession, helping prepare for the future transfer or continuation of closely held businesses.
Planning for Incapacity
An accident, serious illness, or cognitive decline can leave an individual unable to manage financial affairs or make healthcare decisions.
Tull & Laubach prepares powers of attorney and patient advocate designations to help clients plan ahead. When court intervention becomes necessary, the firm also represents clients in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings.
Serving Families Throughout Southeast Michigan
Located at 44841 Van Dyke Avenue, Utica, Michigan, Tull & Laubach serves clients throughout Southeast Michigan. The firm also offers evening and weekend appointments by request, as well as home visits for elderly clients and individuals with special needs who are unable to travel to the office.
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
Wills
Revocable Living Trusts
Trust Funding
Probate Administration
Trust Administration
Probate Litigation
Will Contests
Intestate Estate Administration
Lady Bird Deeds
Durable Financial Powers of Attorney
Patient Advocate Designations
Guardianships
Conservatorships
Business Succession Planning
Ancillary Michigan Probate for Out-of-State Estates