LEGACY COUNSEL PLC
A boutique trusts and estates law firm serving Southwest Michigan for those seeking steadfast counsel & impeccable estate planning, probate, & elder care representation.
GUIDING GENERATIONS, PROTECTING ESTATES.
UNIQUE LIVES DESERVE THOUGHTFUL CARE.
At Legacy Counsel, we approach the responsibility of preparing you and your family for whatever comes next with the same care and dedication as if it were our family’s future. Recognizing each client’s unique achievements and aspirations, we are committed to creating personalized estate and trust administration plans, bespoke probate solutions, and elder care guidance that reflects your needs and values.
Our process begins with a comprehensive discussion and understanding of your goals and concerns. Then, we’ll employ various tax and asset protection strategies to craft a plan that safeguards your interests and honors your wishes so you can confidently live, knowing your legacy will endure.
Estate planning means more than writing a will or setting up a trust. A well-considered estate plan ensures your assets are distributed as intended, and your wishes are carried out. No matter the size or worth of your estate, we create the right plan for you.
IF YOU HAVE MINOR CHILDREN, ASK ABOUT OUR KIDS PROTECTION PLAN.
What We Do for You
Probate is the Michigan court process to settle an estate after the owner’s passing. If the owner had a trust, settling the estate involves a non-court process controlled by the trust. Our probate lawyers can help resolve claims, move assets through probate or trust administration, and allow for a smooth distribution.
We Can Help With
Elder law is a specific aspect of estate planning, focusing on the needs of families and individuals as they age. Our team will advise you and your loved ones about appropriate medical care, protecting financial interests, and ensuring quality of life.
We’ll Assist With
The significance of preserving and passing on your legacy and the assets you’ve worked a lifetime for is at the core of what we do. At Legacy Counsel, we provide legal advice and artful representation throughout SW Michigan, focusing on delivering your desired outcome while simplifying the complexities of estate planning. We’re dedicated to making the process smooth and conflict-free, keeping your family’s best interests at the forefront.
Our approach extends beyond legal services. We believe in nurturing relationships and keeping you out of court and conflict. Estate planning with us is the beginning of an enduring partnership. From the moment you sign your documents, we commit to being with you and your loved ones every step of the way. Regularly reviewing and adapting your plan, we ensure it evolves alongside you and your family, reflecting your goals and securing your legacy for generations.
More About Our Firm
The experience was great! The step-by-step process greatly assisted us in getting our estate in order. What a relief to know that this will minimize the stress our children will not have to go through after we pass
PERSONALIZED ESTATE SERVICES
CLEAR & UPFRONT PRICING
3 YEAR ESTATE PLAN REVIEWS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST
OPEN & HONEST COMMUNICATION
E-SIGNATURE CAPABILITY, VIRTUAL CONSULTS & EXPEDITED SERVICES
QUICK & EFFICIENT PROBATE AND TRUST SERVICES
EMPATHETIC PROFESSIONALS EXPERIENCED IN COMPLEX FAMILY DYNAMICS
Contact Legacy Counsel today to book a consultation. We’ll answer all your questions and address your concerns.
Schedule A Consultation
GWENDOLYN POWELL BRASWELL
With over 25 years of experience, Gwendolyn Powell Braswell excels in resolving complex legal issues. Holding a certificate in probate and estate planning by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the State Bar of Michigan, she combines a proactive approach with a commitment to making a meaningful impact in her clients’ lives.
EMMA FITZGERALD
A key member of Legacy Counsel, Emma brings a wealth of paralegal experience to your estate plan. She leverages this to streamline and simplify the estate and probate process and strives to ensure our clients’ plans are put in place as efficiently as possible.
HEATHER MCKINNIES
In her role at Legacy Counsel PLC, Heather excels in supporting legal staff and enhancing client interactions with warmth, information, and empathy, ensuring every client feels valued from the first encounter. Her dedication to learning and staying abreast of changes in estate and probate law showcases her commitment to client service excellence.
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The Benefits of Setting up a Trust for Out-of-State Heirs
Managing an inheritance can be challenging, especially for heirs who live in a different state from the one where the estate is being administered. Trusts offer a practical and efficient way to simplify the process. By setting up a trust,...
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Estate Planning for Snowbirds and Frequent Travelers
For snowbirds who divide their time between Michigan and warmer states in the winter, or frequent travelers who are often on the move, estate planning brings unique challenges. These individuals typically own property in multiple states, face complex tax rules,...
Read MoreABOUT ESTATE PLANNING
Who Should Employ an Estate Planning Law Firm?
Everyone should have an estate plan, regardless of age or wealth. However, those with significant assets need strategic planning to ensure their estate is managed and distributed according to their wishes. An experienced attorney is crucial for designing a comprehensive plan that includes trust setup and administration, tax planning, and asset protection. For those with more considerable wealth and the desire to pass it on, the right estate plan is not just a recommendation—it’s essential.
How Do I Get Started?
To begin, simply schedule a consultation with our firm. We'll discuss your needs and goals, gather the necessary information, and create a tailored plan. Reach out today to secure your legacy.
Is Legacy Counsel Better Than DIY Services?
Absolutely! Our firm offers the peace of mind that only comes from working with licensed and experienced estate planning attorneys who can provide personalized legal advice and ensure that your documents are legally sound and fully enforceable, which DIY services cannot guarantee. We also preserve harmonious family relationships by helping navigate the complex and time-consuming probate process in a fair and efficient manner.
ABOUT PROBATE LAW
Do I Need an Estate Planning or Probate Law Firm?
An estate lawyer’s primary role is in planning and documenting your wishes before death, including trusts, wills, and healthcare directives, whereas a probate lawyer handles the legal process following someone's death, managing estate administration and court proceedings. However, working with a law firm that does both estate planning and probate can offer a seamless transition when the time comes, ensuring that your estate is not only prepared accordingly, but also administered efficiently and in compliance with the law.
What Services Does Legacy Counsel Provide?
We are a boutique trusts and estates law firm serving SW Michigan. We handle matters related to wills and trusts, probate, financial powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney/advance healthcare directives, living wills, collection and management of insurance proceeds payable to estates, decedent’s property appraisals, guidance for settling debts, elder law, and more.
ABOUT LEGACY COUNSEL
What Should I Look for From a Trusts & Estates Law Firm?
Look for lawyers with specific experience in estate planning and probate law, a good track record, and client testimonials. They should offer clear communication, a client-centered approach, and a willingness to understand your unique situation and goals.
Why Hire Legacy Counsel?
Legacy Counsel provides the experience, resources, and personalized attention you need to create a comprehensive and effective estate plan and successfully navigate probate. We also offer various innovative services, including our Kids Protection Plan, College Care Plan, and the exclusive Legacy Membership Program.
How Much Do Your Services Cost?
The cost of estate planning and probate services can vary depending on the estate's complexity, the attorney's experience, and more. While some firms charge hourly rates, Legacy Counsel charges a flat fee for its estate planning services. These are agreed to in advance, so there are never any billing surprises. Hourly rates billed for probate and trust administration cases are also clearly disclosed up front. View our packages.
Once you have scheduled your initial appointment, we will begin communicating about our firm’s process and what you can expect. Whether you’re preparing for our Life & Legacy Planning Session for an estate plan or a trust and probate consultation, you can start by gathering current wills, trust documents, deeds, life insurance policies, death certificates, and a list of assets and liabilities.
Also, consider your goals, such as who will inherit your assets or act as guardians for any minor children. Reflect on any questions or concerns you may have about the process. This preparation will allow the consultation to be as productive and informative as possible.
Read More About Starting Your LegacyPRESERVE YOUR LIFE’S WORK & PASS ON PEACE OF MIND.
Based in St. Joseph, Legacy Counsel PLC is a trust and estates law firm serving Southwest Michigan, including Berrien County, Cass County, Van Buren County, and more.
