Business Details
Expert Estate Planning & Probate Services in St. Joseph, MI
Legacy Counsel is a boutique trusts and estates law firm dedicated to providing personalized legal solutions for estate planning, probate, and elder law in Southwest Michigan. With a focus on preserving family legacies and protecting assets, we combine over 25 years of legal expertise with a client-centered approach to address complex legal challenges. Our team prioritizes clear communication, proactive planning, and tailored strategies to ensure clients' wishes are honored while minimizing future conflicts.We specialize in avoiding probate through trusts, safeguarding minor children's futures, and offering Medicaid planning for seniors. Our commitment extends beyond legal documents, fostering long-term relationships to adapt plans as clients' lives evolve. By integrating advanced technology and flexible service options, we deliver efficient, transparent, and compassionate representation to families across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Trust Administration
Elder Law
Asset Protection
Business Succession
Wills
Power of Attorney
Medicaid Planning
Highlights and features
- We offer 3-year estate plan reviews at no additional cost
- Our team provides e-signature capability and virtual consultations
- We specialize in complex family dynamics and asset protection strategies
- Our attorneys hold certifications in probate and estate planning
- We guarantee clear pricing with no billing surprises
What people say
Step-by-step process
Minimize stress
Efficient probate services
Peace of mind
Clear communication
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create comprehensive strategies to protect assets and ensure proper distribution. We develop customized wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents tailored to individual family needs. Our approach combines tax-efficient strategies with clear legal frameworks to minimize future conflicts and administrative burdens.
Probate Administration
We guide personal representatives through Michigan's probate process with clear timelines and legal compliance. Our services include asset inventory, debt settlement, tax filings, and distribution guidance. We specialize in resolving complex estate matters while maintaining family harmony during transitional periods.
Trust Administration
Our trust administration services ensure proper management and distribution of trust assets according to grantor intentions. We assist trustees with investment decisions, beneficiary communications, and legal compliance. We provide ongoing support for revocable and irrevocable trusts across Southwest Michigan.
Elder Law
We offer comprehensive elder law solutions including Medicaid planning, long-term care strategies, and guardianship arrangements. Our services protect seniors' assets while ensuring quality healthcare and living arrangements. We address unique challenges through personalized legal frameworks that maintain dignity and independence.
Asset Protection
Our asset protection strategies safeguard clients' financial legacies through legal structures like trusts and LLCs. We implement proactive measures against creditors while maintaining Medicaid eligibility. Our approach balances protection with accessibility for clients' ongoing financial needs and family security.
People
Gwendolyn Powell Braswell
Founding Partner
With over 25 years of experience, Gwendolyn specializes in estate planning and probate law. She holds certifications from the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the State Bar of Michigan, focusing on personalized client solutions.
Emma Fitzgerald
Paralegal
Emma brings extensive paralegal experience to streamline estate planning processes. She ensures efficient document preparation and client communication, focusing on making complex legal procedures accessible and understandable for all clients.
Heather McKinnies
Client Services Director
Heather manages client interactions with empathy and professionalism. She stays current with estate law developments to provide informed support, ensuring every client feels valued throughout their legal journey.
Questions
Why is estate planning important for Michigan residents?
Estate planning ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, minimizes tax burdens, and provides clear instructions for healthcare and financial decisions, protecting your family from probate court complications.
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Michigan?
While not legally required, an experienced probate attorney simplifies complex legal processes, ensures compliance with state laws, and helps resolve disputes efficiently during emotionally challenging times.
What's the difference between a trust and a will?
Trusts avoid probate and offer greater asset control, while wills require court validation but are simpler for basic estate distribution needs.
How does Medicaid planning work in Michigan?
Our attorneys help protect assets while qualifying for Medicaid benefits through legal strategies that comply with state and federal regulations for long-term care needs.
What services does Legacy Counsel offer?
We provide comprehensive estate planning, probate administration, trust management, elder law services, and asset protection strategies tailored to Michigan families' unique needs.
How much do estate planning services cost?
We offer flat-fee packages for estate plans with transparent pricing, while probate and trust administration services are billed hourly with advance cost estimates provided.
