Personal Planning · Novi, Michigan
Estate Planning Attorneys in Novi, Michigan
Make informed decisions about your wishes, your loved ones, and your future. Start a conversation with Tilchin & Hall about a plan that reflects your circumstances.
Serving Clients Since 1978
Based in Novi, serving the Ann Arbor area and clients throughout Michigan. Learn more about the firm.
Our Approach
A Thoughtful Plan Starts with Your Priorities
Your plans should reflect the people, responsibilities, and wishes that matter to you. Whether you are starting a conversation or revisiting earlier decisions, Tilchin & Hall takes time to understand your circumstances and explain possible next steps.
Since 1978, the firm has helped Michigan individuals and families put practical plans in place. We listen to what you are trying to accomplish, explain the relevant documents in plain terms, and help you weigh the choices in front of you—without pressure and without jargon.
The goal is a plan you understand and feel confident in: clear guidance you can act on, and documents that reflect your priorities.
Planning Services
Estate Planning Services
Five focused service areas covering the planning documents and conversations individuals and families bring to the firm.
Wills & Trusts
Planning documents built around individual wishes and circumstances, from simple wills to tailored trusts.
- Wills
- Revocable trusts
- Testamentary trusts
- Beneficiary planning
Financial Powers of Attorney
Planning for assistance with financial affairs by naming someone you trust to act on your behalf when needed.
- Durable financial powers
- Agent selection
- Scope and limits
- Effective timing
Health Care Designations
Documenting appropriate decision-making arrangements for health care so your wishes are known.
- Patient advocate designation
- Living wishes
- Health care proxy
- Care instructions
Reviewing & Updating Plans
Revisiting existing documents as circumstances change so your plan continues to reflect your wishes.
- Document review
- Amendments
- Restatements
- Plan updates
Estate-Related Tax Planning
Discussing relevant tax considerations within the firm's confirmed service scope as part of your plan.
- Tax considerations
- Gifting questions
- Asset transfer planning
- Coordinated review
Understanding Your Options
Understanding the Documents in an Estate Plan
A starting point for thinking about common documents. The right combination depends on your circumstances—there is no single plan that fits everyone.
| Document or Arrangement | General Purpose | Questions to Discuss |
|---|---|---|
| A Will | Names who receives your property and can name a personal representative to carry out your wishes after your death. | Who should serve as personal representative? Are guardians needed for minor children? How should specific property be distributed? |
| A Trust | Can hold property for the benefit of named beneficiaries and may continue after your death, with a trustee managing the assets. | Who should serve as trustee? What should the trust provide for beneficiaries? Are there conditions or timing to consider? |
| A Financial Power of Attorney | Names an agent to handle financial matters on your behalf, which can be effective immediately or upon incapacity. | Who should serve as agent? What authority should the agent have? Should it take effect now or only if you become unable to act? |
| A Health Care Patient Advocate Designation | Names a patient advocate to make health care decisions if you become unable to participate in those decisions. | Who should make health care decisions? What care preferences should be documented? Should it address end-of-life care? |
A Will
- General Purpose
- Names who receives your property and can name a personal representative to carry out your wishes after your death.
- Questions to Discuss
- Who should serve as personal representative? Are guardians needed for minor children? How should specific property be distributed?
A Trust
- General Purpose
- Can hold property for the benefit of named beneficiaries and may continue after your death, with a trustee managing the assets.
- Questions to Discuss
- Who should serve as trustee? What should the trust provide for beneficiaries? Are there conditions or timing to consider?
A Financial Power of Attorney
- General Purpose
- Names an agent to handle financial matters on your behalf, which can be effective immediately or upon incapacity.
- Questions to Discuss
- Who should serve as agent? What authority should the agent have? Should it take effect now or only if you become unable to act?
A Health Care Patient Advocate Designation
- General Purpose
- Names a patient advocate to make health care decisions if you become unable to participate in those decisions.
- Questions to Discuss
- Who should make health care decisions? What care preferences should be documented? Should it address end-of-life care?
These descriptions are general and not legal advice for your specific situation. Michigan terminology and requirements can affect how each document works. For current consumer information, see the State Bar of Michigan estate planning guide and the Michigan Courts patient advocate designation form. A document does not automatically eliminate probate, taxes, or every potential dispute. Please discuss your circumstances with our office.
Reviewing Your Plan
When Your Life Changes, Your Plan May Need Another Look
Life events can affect existing documents. These are conversation starters—not a checklist of required updates.
Whether any change calls for an update depends on your individual situation and your existing documents. We can review what you have and discuss whether a revision fits your circumstances.
Changes worth a conversation
- Marriage, divorce, or changes in family relationships.
- The birth or adoption of a child.
- Changes in financial circumstances or property ownership.
- A move to another state.
- Changes involving people named in existing documents.
- Changes in personal wishes or care preferences.
The relevance of any change depends on your situation. Call 248-349-6203 or use the form below to request a review.
Our Attorneys
Meet Attorneys with Estate Planning Experience
Direct communication and personal attention are part of how the firm works. These attorneys handle estate planning and administration matters.
Steven E. Hall
Steven E. Hall brings decades of Michigan experience to the firm's estate planning practice, helping individuals and families put practical plans in place and work through administration matters.
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Corene C. Ford
Corene C. Ford advises clients on estate planning and related disputes, helping them evaluate their options and the considerations behind each decision.
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Adam Randall
Adam Randall works with clients on estate planning documents and administration, reviewing the details that shape a plan and the steps that follow a loss.
View profileBefore You Call
Preparing to Discuss Your Estate Plan
A little preparation helps us understand your goals more quickly. You do not need everything organized before reaching out—the list below is a starting point.
After learning about your circumstances, we can help identify which materials are relevant. Please share existing documents through the firm's approved intake process rather than attaching sensitive files to an initial message.
Information that often helps
- A short description of what you would like to discuss.
- Names of family members or others involved in your plan.
- A list of major assets and how they are owned.
- Existing planning documents you already have.
- Names of people you may want to name in your documents.
- Any upcoming deadlines or important dates.
Insights
Estate Planning Insights from Tilchin & Hall
Practical reading on property and planning topics from the firm.
Firm NewsThe Importance of Written Agreements for Co-Owned Property
Owning property with others, whether family members, friends, or business partners, can be a practical way to acquire real estate. But without a clear agreement in place,…
Firm NewsHow to Protect Yourself from Wire Fraud in Michigan Real Estate Closings
Real estate transactions have become increasingly digital over the last several years. Purchase agreements are signed electronically, documents are exchanged through email and…
Firm NewsAction Without Meeting in Community Associations
Most actions by community associations require a vote, either by the Board of Directors, or by the full membership. The basic forum for casting votes is at a meeting: an annual…
FAQs
Estate Planning Questions
Answers to common questions about the firm's estate planning practice. For your specific circumstances, please contact our office.
The firm prepares and reviews wills and trusts, financial powers of attorney, and health care patient advocate designations; helps clients review and update existing plans; and advises on estate administration. See the planning services above for the areas we cover.
Not necessarily. The documents that fit your circumstances depend on your goals, your assets, and how you want them managed. We discuss your options and explain the considerations behind each so you can decide what is right for you—no single document is right for everyone.
A financial power of attorney names an agent to handle financial matters, while a health care patient advocate designation names someone to make health care decisions if you become unable to participate. They address different kinds of decisions and are often prepared together.
Yes. We review existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care designations and discuss whether updates fit your current circumstances. You can request a review through the appointment form below or by calling our office.
Yes. We guide personal representatives and trustees through the steps of administering an estate or trust, including probate filings, asset inventory, notices, and final distribution. See the estate administration section above.
Yes. Based in Novi, the firm serves the Ann Arbor area and clients throughout Michigan. Service coverage extends beyond the physical office location.
Call 248-349-6203 or use the appointment request form below. You can ask our office about consultation arrangements and fees when you reach out; we do not assume a particular fee structure here.
Our Novi Office
Take the Next Step on Your Estate Plan
Tell us the general nature of your concern and how to reach you. Contact our Novi office to request an appointment and discuss how the firm may be able to assist.
Tilchin & Hall, P.C.
39500 High Pointe Blvd
Ste 470
Novi, MI 48375
Based in Novi, the firm serves the Ann Arbor area and clients throughout Michigan. Visit the Novi office page.
Request an Appointment
Tell us the general nature of your concern and how to reach you. Contact our Novi office to request an appointment and discuss how the firm may be able to assist.