I want to begin by acknowledging a positive aspect of this firm: the front office staff is consistently friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. That level of courtesy does not go unnoticed.
However, my experience as the executor of my mother's estate has been deeply frustrating and, at times, disheartening. Following my mother's passing, I never had the opportunity to meet with an attorney to review or discuss the estate. Instead, all of my communication was handled through a legal assistant. While she was kind and personable, I was repeatedly given information that was inaccurate regarding the legal requirements for closing the estate.
On multiple occasions, I was told that certain documents were required to be prepared by an attorney in the state of Michigan. This was simply not true. The documents in question can, in fact, be completed by an individual and properly notarized without legal representation.
The first document I requested was a Certificate of Trust. I was advised that this document must be completed by an attorney and that most title companies require it. Knowing this was incorrect, I still chose to proceed with the firm preparing the document for the sake of efficiency. While I do not regret that decision, I do find it troubling that such misrepresentations are made--especially to individuals who may be navigating grief and unfamiliar legal processes at a vulnerable time.
A second document was also prepared under the same premise--that it required an attorney's involvement. Again, this was inaccurate. This document is publicly accessible and can be completed without legal assistance. When I was unable to locate it on my own, my bank was able to guide me through the process without difficulty. This further underscored the unnecessary nature of the service I was led to believe I needed.
I find this pattern of misrepresentation not only unprofessional, but deeply disappointing given the circumstances under which many clients seek estate services. Families deserve transparency, honesty, and guidance they can trust.
A fair resolution, in my view, would be a refund for the second document. Unfortunately, my attempts to address this directly have gone unanswered, as I have not received return calls from the legal assistant.
In closing, I strongly encourage anyone serving as an executor to thoroughly research their responsibilities and options. It is important to understand that not all documents require legal preparation, and informed decisions can help avoid unnecessary expenses during an already difficult time. It is truly unfortunate to feel this level of doubt when seeking professional legal guidance. read more
