I enjoy the interaction with people where I can explain something that may seem complex in a way that helps them understand. As a former teacher, I do enjoy those ah-ha moments where things click. I enjoy talking with clients and getting to know them and their situation, so that I can find the best possible solutions for their needs. I believe that effective estate planning is a critical component of my client’s life planning.
I believe that family fights over inheritance are unnecessary and wasteful. Families achieve better outcomes through planning rather than fighting. While it is impossible to prevent people from fighting, I discuss with my clients issues that may exist and try to implement solutions now to problems that may later turn into litigation.
As an estate planning attorney, I strive to help you plan for the unknown catastrophes, the known eventualities, and everything in between. By planning, you can gain peace of mind that your loved ones are taken care of in the best way if something should happen to you. As part of the process, I listen to my clients to understand their goals and needs. Using this information, we create solutions to their unique problems. I use many different estate planning tools, like trusts, wills, and powers of attorney, to create client-centered solutions.
I communicate clearly and without legalese, so clients are empowered to make the best decisions for their situations. Together, we can work to make sure that we not only create a plan that incorporates the client's goals but that we implement the plan, so when your estate plan is executed it is successful.
To stay up-to-date with the latest developments, I am a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and WealthCounsel, a national community of estate planning professionals committed to the highest standards. It is a collaborative organization that has seminars and webinars to provide me with the latest tools and ideas.
- Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
- J.D. (2009) | Law
- Honors: cum laude
-
- Western Michigan University
- B.A. (2002) | History & Education
-
- Attorney
- Dafoe Law, PLLC
- - Current
- Attorney
- Gafkay & Dafoe, PLC
- -
- Adjunct Political Science Professor
- Delta College
- -
- Attorney
- Mahlberg, Brandt, Gilbert, Thompson & Wimsatt
- -
- Law Clerk
- Mahlberg, Brandt, Gilbert & Thompson
- Extern, Legal Clerk
- Gilbert, Smith & Borrello, P.C.
- Summer Associate
- Ryan, Jaimeson, Morris, Ryan and Smith
- Teacher
- River Valley School District
- -
- Why Do You Need an Estate Plan Now?
- Dafoe Law Blog
- Do-It-Yourself Estate Plan Documents: Think Twice
- Dafoe Law Blog
- Grantor Trusts and other Trust Structures, Trusts From A to Z
- Lifecare Planning Basics, Cass River Chapter Monthly Meeting
- Income Taxes for Trusts and Grantor Trusts, Trusts From A to Z
- Demystifying Estate Planning, Estate Planning
- Estate Planning, Estate Planning Seminar
- Elder Law Certification
- Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education
- Peer Reviewed
- Martindale-Hubbell
- Client Champion - PLATINUM
- Martindale-Hubbell
- Excellent Rating
- Avvo
- Best Probate Lawyers in Flint
- Expertise.com
- Client Choice Award
- Avvo
- 2015, 2016
- Frankenmuth Historical Association
- Member
- Current
- Activities: President 2020; Board Member 2016-2018
-
- Life Care Planning Law Firm Association
- Member
- - Current
-
- Wealth Counsel Association
- Member
- - Current
-
- National Acedemy of Elder Law Attorneys
- Member
- - Current
-
- State of Michigan Bar
- Member
- - Current
- Activities: Estate Planning Section
-
- Frankenmuth School District School Board
- School Board Member
- -
-
- Frankenmuth Rotary
- Member
- -
-
- Saginaw County Bar Association;
- Member
- -
-
- Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network
- Steering Committee Member
- -
-
- Michigan
-
- 6th Circuit
-
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
-
- United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
-
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
- Elder Law
- Real Estate Law
- Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law
- Probate
- Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
- Business Law
- Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
- Appeals & Appellate
- Civil Appeals, Federal Appeals
- Employment Law
- Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
- English
The Importance of Estate Planning
Dafoe Law, PLLC presents the importance of estate planning, which discusses the basic documents that are included in any estate plan. It includes a brief explanation of the importance of...
What is Life Care Planning
Life Care Planning is a different way of practicing Elder Law that is holistic and client centered.
Differentiating Life Care Planning
Life Care Planning
Dafoe Law, PLLC and Life Care Planning
Dafoe Law, PLLC provides Life Care Planning to our elder law clients. It is a client-centered holistic approach to the elder law that focuses on quality of life for our...
Differentiating Life Care Planning
Elder Law. Life care planning is a different way of approaching elder law. It is client focused and more concerned with efficiently using resources for the care that you need...
Power of Attorney. What is a Power of Attorney and Why you should have one.
Power of Attorney is a powerful tool that is used as part of your estate plan. It helps if you are disabled but allow the person you appoint in the...
Trust or Will
A quick video about the differences between Wills and Trusts