This is a review about my family's experiences with the Rutkowski Law Firm in regards to estate planning. More specifically, the discussions around preparing and executing a trust. My wife and I recently became parents and we were thinking about what how we should protect our assets and what we should have in place to distribute them should, heaven forbid, something happens to us. We did some research and found that a trust is the best route to take because if we did a will, then it would have to go through a time-consuming and expensive probate process. We also discovered that a trust sets up directions for our financial institutions that saves time and money and it would ensure that the things we have would get in the hands of the people we love. Without a trust, then the state of Michigan would be the ones deciding who gets our assets and how much they would receive. We searched for law firms in the area and we eventually were referred by a friend to the Rutkowski Law Firm. So we called and set up an appointment and met with business owner and attorney, Mike Rutkowski. We were greeted by Office Manager, Coleen at the Bloomfield office and she was warm and friendly. She showed us to the board room where we would meet Mike and she explained that he would go over estate planning. She offered us some water or coffee, so we asked for water and she brought us a couple bottles of water. You can tell a lot about a business by the demeanor of its employees and Coleen was a happy person with a great attitude, so obviously we were in good hands. The law firm was extremely clean too, which means the employees obviously take pride in their work. Everyone was professional, polite and friendly. Mike walked in and greeted us by introducing himself and giving my wife and I a firm handshake with eye contact. We exchanged some small talk and eventually got down to business. We found that it was easy to relate to Mike because he was clearly a family man based on our small talk and family is most important to us. He reviewed the differences between a will and a trust and the importance of a trust and advised that it's a set of instructions for what to do with our assets should something happen to my wife and I. The following pieces would fall within the trust: 1) financial power of attorney, 2) healthcare power of attorney, 3) will, and 4) trust. He explained each of these four pieces in great detail so we could make an educated decision on who we wanted to designate for every piece and at what percentages, if applicable. Mike reviewed the estate planning questionnaire that he gave to us and explained each question and the importance of each answer. More specifically, he spoke to the why, which is extremely important to me-why we were having the meeting, why we were setting up a trust, etc. Then we discussed next steps and the next step was to have a conference call with Client Relations Manager, Trisha. Once we got the details of the trust ironed out with her, then would meet to review and sign the trust. We set up the time and date of the conference call with Coleen and we were on our way. Trisha and I talked on the phone for about fifteen minutes and she asked me who I wanted for each piece of the trust and who would receive our assets and at what percentages. She advised that she was going to e-mail my answers to me so I could verify that everything was correct and then we would set up a meeting to review and sign the trust. We ended up changing things several times via e-mail and she was patient and understanding with us, which we appreciated. Once everything was finalized, Coleen called me and we set up a meeting to review and sign the trust at the Rochester office. Once again Mike reviewed everything in great detail and spoke to the why. The meeting lasted about thirty minutes and one of the exciting aspects of the trust that he pointed out was that this trust could be used as a beneficiary on our investments. He said that financial advisers will try to tell us that that is not true, because that is the case with most trusts, but we would in fact be able to use this trust, executed by the Rutkowski Law Firm, as a beneficiary on our investments. It would be a contingent listed after my wife for me and after me for her. The key to Mike's success with us was his ability to demonstrate value. He demonstrated the value of working with the Rutkowski Law Firm and the value of having a trust. We could have piece of mind now that we knew that the Rutkowski Law Firm was going to take care of our family and make sure that important decisions would be made to our liking even after we were gone. It's a feeling of safety knowing that our family will receive what's owed to them. read more

utkowski Law Firm made estate planning feel completely manageable. They listened closely, explained my options without any pressure, and treated me with genuine care. Truly a great team to work with. read more

The person assigned to my case had little knowledge of the type of situation I was trying to resolve. She was unable to answer my questions directly which resulted in a frustrating delay. Most information I received was not accurate. After my case was resolved my retainer was not returned. What could have been an easy filling of paperwork turned into a nightmare of frustration and error. My case was completed 3 months ago and they still haven't sent me my money and won't return any communication. When I tried to write a review on Google or read other reviews it sent me to a page NULL with a description of the word. Basically skip them entirely. If only I knew better I regret hiring them. read more

DO NOT USE THIS FIRM! They take your money, do nothing with your case, then LOSE all your paperwork and documents. Unprofessional and a scam. read more

I had a great experience with the Rutkowski team. My wife and I had a lot of questions regarding elder care and guardianship. This team was professional and patient, answered all of our questions and gave great guidance on how we can accomplish our goals of great care for our family member, and getting their financial affairs in order. I recommend this team highly. read more

Had a wonderful expierence! Mike Rutkowski was very kind and professional throughout the entire estate planning process. The team really made setting up our family trust as easy as possible. Visited the Macomb office. read more

When I scheduled my appointment I was advised I would be sent some forms and info to complete, after 2 weeks and the day before my appointment I called to reschedule due to not receiving any mail from them. I was then advised that they had no appointment scheduled for me but they would be happy to do so. If they can't even mark their calendar and sent out some forms why would I trust them with any legal matters, where matters are time sensitive and filings need to be completed with the courts. read more

Michael did an excellent job with our Will and Trust. He is very professional and took the time to explain all of our options. I would recommend him to anyone looking for legal assistance! read more

I would highly recommend Rutkowski Law Firm for Will and Trust work. My husband and I had assumed it would be difficult and laborious, but the process was straightforward and surprisingly easy. Collin, Trisha, and Shelby were very professional yet personable. They answered all of our questions with patience and walked us through our options. read more

They did a great job updating will and trust documents. They were very professional and it took very little time.

Collin has been amazing setting up our family's cottage trust and handling other real estate needs to protect our family. I would highly recommend him and the Rutkowski Law Firm. You can truly see they have your best interests as their priority. read more

This is the first time I have personally worked with a law firm in planning my estate. I found the representative to be friendly and competent. He knew what I wanted and provided me with all the information and documentation I needed. It was all done in a timely manner and at a reasonable price. I would definitely recommend them. read more

HUGE THANK YOU!!! to the Rutkowski Law Firm for helping me execute my estate plan. If you want to ensure your loved ones are taken care when you are gone whether it's for a will, trust, power of attorney, etc. reach out to them. Mike, Colin, and Trisha were fantastic to work with and made the process easy. read more

very professional in the way they handled our trust. they made the process easy to understand and follow.