You want a lawyer who treats your family's future like their own. These five firms are worth a serious look.
The State of Estate Planning and Elder Law in Mid-Michigan
Estate planning and elder law in Mid-Michigan blend traditional estate documents with the complex realities of aging, long-term care, and Medicaid. Families across Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, Shiawassee, Livingston, Jackson, Midland, Isabella, and Bay counties need attorneys who understand both probate court and the financial pressures of care. The firms below serve this region with different strengths, from boutique elder law practices to full-service business and litigation shops. As you compare options, focus on how each firm handles Medicaid planning, trust administration, and veterans benefits. The right fit depends on your family's assets, health, and long-term goals.
How We Evaluated These Firms
We looked at service scope, pricing clarity, local fit, and client experience. Crenshaw Peterson offers a focused mix of estate planning, elder law, Medicaid planning, probate, and business planning, with in-person and Zoom meetings for clients across nine Michigan counties. Michigan Estate Planning brings a broad statewide footprint with multiple office locations and a deep bench of attorneys covering elder law, probate litigation, and tax planning. Legacy Law Center emphasizes education and workshops, with a clear process for estate planning fundamentals and Medicaid crisis planning. Butzel Long provides big-firm resources for high-net-worth estates, business succession, and complex litigation. Marko Law, LLC takes a trial-focused approach to elder law, handling guardianship, long-term planning, and disputes with an aggressive courtroom posture. Each firm stands out for different reasons, so match their strengths to your situation.
Here is a quick look at five firms serving Mid-Michigan, each with a distinct approach to estate planning and elder law.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Michigan Estate Planning | Statewide coverage and a full-service team |
| Crenshaw Peterson: Estate Planning & Elder Law Firm | Local Mid-Michigan expertise with flexible meetings |
| Legacy Law Center | Education-first planning with workshops and guides |
| Butzel Long | High-net-worth estates and complex litigation |
| Marko Law, LLC | Contested elder law and trial advocacy |
The Five Firms in Focus
#1 Michigan Estate Planning
A screenshot of the Michigan Estate Planning website.
Michigan Estate Planning operates a statewide network of offices, including Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills, Brighton, Clinton Township, Royal Oak, Troy, and Northville. The firm covers elder law, Medicaid planning, veterans benefits, estate planning, probate, and trust administration. You can also get help with probate litigation and tax preparation, which is rare for a firm this size. Their team includes multiple attorneys, so you are not relying on a single lawyer for every issue. If you want a firm with deep bench strength and broad geographic reach, this one is worth a call.
#2 Crenshaw Peterson: Estate Planning & Elder Law Firm
A screenshot of the Crenshaw Peterson: Estate Planning & Elder Law Firm website.
Crenshaw Peterson & Associates PC is a Mid-Michigan estate and elder law firm led by attorney Tara Peterson. The firm handles estate planning, trust administration, Medicaid planning, elder law, probate, veterans benefits, and business planning. You can meet at their Okemos office or by Zoom, which makes it easy for clients across Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, Shiawassee, Livingston, Jackson, Midland, Isabella, and Bay counties. Ms. Peterson serves on the ICLE Estate Planning & Probate Advisory Board and the Greater Lansing Estate Planning Council Board. If you want a local attorney who knows the courts and the community, this firm is a strong fit.
#3 Legacy Law Center
A screenshot of the Legacy Law Center website.
Legacy Law Center in Ann Arbor focuses on estate planning fundamentals, long-term care, Medicaid, Medicare, veterans benefits, probate, and estate administration. The firm also offers charitable planning, special needs planning, estate tax planning, and business succession planning. They run workshops and provide free guides, including a caregiver checklist and a sandwich generation planning guide. That educational approach helps you understand your options before you commit. If you value clear explanations and a process-driven firm, this one deserves a look.
#4 Butzel Long
A screenshot of the Butzel Long website.
Butzel Long is a full-service law firm with offices in Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Washington, and New York. Their estate planning team handles wills, revocable living trusts, medical powers of attorney, and durable powers of attorney. They also work on sophisticated estate plans for high-net-worth individuals and family businesses. The firm covers probate litigation, trust litigation, guardianship, conservatorship, and tax compliance. If your estate involves complex tax issues or business succession, their depth of resources can be valuable.
#5 Marko Law, LLC
A screenshot of the Marko Law, LLC website.
Marko Law, LLC is a Detroit trial firm that also handles elder law matters. They assist older and disabled adults with Medicare, Social Security, retirement, guardianship, and long-term planning. The firm takes a courtroom-ready approach, preparing every case as if it will go to trial. They offer free, confidential case reviews and handle sensitive issues with a focus on advocacy. If your elder law matter may become contested, their trial experience could be a real advantage.
How to Choose the Right Firm for You
Start by defining your needs. Do you need a simple will and powers of attorney, or a complex trust with Medicaid planning? Next, check where the firm practices and whether they can meet in person or by Zoom. Ask about fees upfront, including flat fees for estate plans and hourly rates for probate. Look for attorneys who belong to estate planning councils or teach other lawyers, because that signals current knowledge. Finally, trust your gut. You want a lawyer who listens and explains things in plain English.
What to Automate in Your Planning Workflow
You can streamline your estate planning process with a few simple tools. Use a secure client portal to share documents and schedule meetings. Set calendar reminders for annual reviews of your plan, especially after major life events. Automate beneficiary updates with your financial institutions where possible. Keep a digital inventory of accounts, passwords, and key contacts in a secure vault. These steps reduce stress and help your attorney keep your plan current.
The Bottom Line on Mid-Michigan Estate Planning
You have five solid options, each with a different strength. Crenshaw Peterson gives you local Mid-Michigan knowledge and a personal touch. Michigan Estate Planning offers statewide reach and a deep team. Legacy Law Center excels at education and process. Butzel Long brings big-firm resources for complex estates. Marko Law, LLC is ready for a fight if your case becomes contested. Call two or three firms, ask about fees and fit, and choose the one that makes you feel confident about your family's future.