Should the Same Person Be Your Trustee and Personal Representative?
Why naming one person to handle both critical roles in your Michigan estate plan could invite probate court friction and family conflict.

Founder / Attorney

Probate Paralegal
Michelle is a Probate Paralegal at Rutkowski Law Firm who is dedicated to providing compassionate, organized, and attentive service to clients throughout the probate process. She assists clients with probate, trust administration, guardianship, conservatorship, and estate administration matters, understanding that navigating the legal system can often feel overwhelming. She provides responsive support to help clients through each step of the process.
Michelle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Wayne State University before pursuing her Post-Bachelor Paralegal Certificate at Oakland Community College. She has experience assisting clients with probate, guardianship, conservatorship, and estate administration matters and believes that clear communication, meaningful relationships, and attention to detail are essential to helping families navigate the probate process.
Outside of the office, Michelle enjoys spending time with her children and granddaughters, traveling, and researching genealogy. She enjoys connecting with others and creating lasting memories.
Whether probate avoidance, qualifying for medicaid, or gaining access to a loved ones estate assets, we're here to help.
Estate Planning and Asset ProtectionEnsure your legacy lives on and your loved ones avoid the probate process with proactive planning.
Get Started
Medicaid PlanningAre you or a loved one in need of elder care? Let us ensure you qualify for medicaid.
Get Started
Elder LawProtect your future with compassionate legal guidance for aging, long-term care, and end-of-life planning.
Get Started
Don't leave your family with a useless binder.
Most firms hand you a template and expect you to do the work. We provide a Done-For-You process that handles Trust Funding and Asset Protection.
We specialize in protecting your home from the 5-Year Medicaid Look-Back, ensuring your house stays in your family and out of the state's hands. Plan now so you never become a burden to those you love.
For a Call Back: Pick a time for a quick, 15-minute phone call with our intake team. They will gather your basic details and schedule your strategy session with our Customer Success Director. No tech degree or legal preparation required.
Why naming one person to handle both critical roles in your Michigan estate plan could invite probate court friction and family conflict.

Founder / Attorney
Naming someone to manage your legacy out of sheer obligation can invite delays in probate court and bitter family conflict. Here is how to choose the right team.

Founder / Attorney
Leaving assets directly to a vulnerable loved one can jeopardize their life-sustaining benefits. Here is how a custom trust protects its future.

Founder / Attorney