Effective Estate Solutions
Lasting Confidence

Trusted by individuals, families, and legal professionals in Oakland County, Michigan for over 30 years, Howard H. Collens and Collens Estate Law can help you navigate the complexities of probate, trusts and estates, elder law, and guardianship and conservatorship litigation matters.

Professional, Efficient and Effective Legal Services in Michigan

Collens Estate Law is a law firm located in Huntington Woods, Michigan, centrally located in Metropolitan Detroit. We provide quality legal services to individuals and families throughout Michigan.

For over 30 years, Howard Collens has helped his clients address and successfully resolve their difficult legal issues, having earned the respect of clients and the legal community alike.

Our boutique law firm places an emphasis on estate law matters. A narrow focus allows us to better understand the nuances of these complex practice areas and better service our clients. Let us put our knowledge and experience to work for you.

Probate and Trust Law

Handling legal affairs after the death of a loved one can be emotionally trying and frustrating. Whether your loved one left a valid will or simply expected everything to go to a surviving spouse or child, probate issues are often complex. Even when an estate isn’t very large, assets may have to go through the Michigan probate courts to determine their final disposition. Having an experienced probate professional handle the final affairs can help you concentrate on your family, rather than on court proceedings.

Probate and Trust Litigation

When a loved one passes, family disputes over the decedent’s estate can emerge unexpectedly. Although it generally is preferable to resolve such conflicts outside of the courtroom, litigation is sometimes necessary. The experienced Oakland County, Michigan, probate and trusts attorneys at Collens Estate Law, can work toward conflict resolution for your family outside of litigation but can also provide skilled representation in probate court if the matter advances to trial.

Probate and Trust Administration

Michigan probate law has many complex aspects, especially when there are significant and sentimental assets. The services of an experienced probate lawyer can prove invaluable in resolving such problems. At Collens Estate Law, we have years of experience advising and providing services to personal representatives and trustees. We work with skill and diligence to complete the probate process in a timely and efficient manner.

Guardianships and Conservatorships

If you have a family member who is a minor or is unable to make decisions about financial or medical matters, you can protect your loved one. A guardianship or conservatorship can put you in control of your family member’s affairs.

Estate Planning

We understand that no two families are alike and no two clients will have the same estate goals. Our lawyers take the time to get to know you, your family, and your objectives. By creating highly customized estate plans, we can help protect your wealth, your loved ones and your own future. In addition to creating initial plans, we also review estate plans to ensure clients are taking full advantage of new laws and to address significant life changes such as a divorce or the birth of a child/grandchild.

Elder Law

In elder law, there are no easy answers. Issues such as Medicaid planning, Medicare and paying for long-term care are complex. As experienced Michigan elder law attorneys, we can tell you what is possible and what is practical. Then we will develop a long-term care plan and help you implement it.

Find out more about our attorneys

Howard H. Collens, a dedicated attorney and counselor, listens to clients, understands their goals, and provides creative estate planning and administration solutions. Leading a team of experienced attorneys, he ensures tailored trusts, wills, and powers of attorney to meet clients’ needs.

Specializing in Michigan state law and the Detroit metro area, the team offers compassionate guidance through Michigan’s probate and trust administration, supported by extensive litigation experience. Recognized as a Leading Lawyer by dbusiness Magazine and active in community service, Our founder exemplifies the firm’s commitment to clients and the community. Contact us at 248-545-2500 for expert legal support.

Testimonials

The staff at the firm are friendly and respond promptly to messages. I appreciated that very much because house hunting during the pandemic has been extremely stressful. I would use this law firm again. They are great, pretty smart and observant. Based on my experience with these lawyers, I highly recommend

They have the perfect combination of legal expertise, responsiveness and care for their clients. They've done great work for us on estate and business questions. We also appreciated their fair pricing and willingness at key points to say "we could do this for you but it would be more economical for you if you did it in a different way." That kind of honesty is worth a lot and we're delighted to be able to rely on them.

An attorney’s attorney!!! I consulted with Howard on a pending case, and his advice and knowledge was excellent. His suggestions verify his keen knowledge of the courts, judges, and the law. I strongly recommend him to anyone in need of probate court representation.

Our law firm consulted Howard on a case and he was great to work with; provided expert advice, was helpful and very knowledgeable. His clients are in good hands!

Loved working with Howard Collens. He explained everything really well and made sure we were taken care of throughout the process.

As usual, Howard was very knowledgeable regarding my issue. He was very helpful and forthcoming with the information that I needed in order to move forward. I strongly recommend Howard for estate planning and elder care legal services.

We Will Take On Your Legal Burden

Hiring a lawyer to handle important legal needs isn’t something people do every day. In fact, if you are like most people, you probably don’t know where to begin. At Collens Estate Law, we know that you may have many concerns when you contact our office. That’s why we provide accessible and responsive representation in a relaxed atmosphere as we work together to help you resolve your legal problem. When you work with us, we will carry your legal burden so you can focus on other matters in your life.

Estate Litigation, Probate and Estate Planning Detroit, MI

Our firm provides comprehensive services in the areas of estate planning, elder law and probate administration. We work hard to help our clients gain peace of mind, provide for their families, and protect their assets.

Collens Estate Law, provides results-oriented representation in matters involving will contests, trust disputes, probate disputes, contested guardianships and conservatorships, and breach of fiduciary duty. With years of experience handling complex estate litigation cases, we have the investigative resources and advocacy skills you need.