Client Confidentiality
We understand the information you provide on our intake forms and questionnaires is highly confidential. During the course of our representation, we will collect various information about you from intake forms, questionnaires and our consultations. You can be assured that all of the information that you share with us will stay private and confidential.
We will never disclose, sell, trade, exchange, or otherwise provide any information regarding your family or your assets to any third parties unless specifically authorized by you or required by applicable law.
Estate Planning Clients
Sometimes clients choose to include family members, loved ones, and/or advisors in the estate planning process. You are welcome to make that decision if you are so inclined. However, it is important to remember that the attorney-client privilege, which protects the confidentiality of what is discussed, extends only between the attorney and the client. As a general rule, we would expect to meet with you individually or as a couple before family members or others are involved.
Doing so is also good practice to discourage claims of undue influence which can arise if third parties are present during our consultation. After our consultation and review of your intake forms, we will advise you regarding what we believe to be the most appropriate estate planning arrangements for your circumstances. If you are unsure how to answer a question on any form, we are available to assist you during our consultation.
Conflicts Of Interest
In the legal profession, attorneys generally represent only one person in any legal matter. Nevertheless, the practice of estate planning commonly involves spouses or partners who have common goals, shared assets, and similar objectives. Under these circumstances, spouses or partners can both share the same estate planning attorney.
If you or your spouse have children from a prior marriage or if you do not share the same goals and objectives as your spouse, it is important that you have independent counsel. Likewise, if a significant difference of opinion or a conflict occurs with your spouse after we have initiated representation, we will pause the planning process and attempt to resolve that difference. In difficult situations, it may be necessary for our Firm to withdraw, and to advise you both to seek separate counsel.
Estate Planning Questionnaire
Map & Directions
- On-street parking is available in front of the office on Grand River Avenue