Plan Smarter, Live Better: Estate Planning Attorney Serving Rochester Hills Families
Life can throw curveballs. That’s why thinking ahead isn’t just smart, it’s necessary. If you or someone you care about is starting to think about the future, it might be time to speak with an experienced estate planning attorney. Whether you’re planning for yourself or helping a parent navigate the aging process, Woods Law Office is here to help make those conversations easier.
We proudly serve clients traveling from Rochester Hills, MI, at our office based in Shelby Township. Our work centers around preserving your legacy, protecting your assets, and creating peace of mind—for you and the people you love most.
Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy
Let’s get something straight: estate planning isn’t only for millionaires. If you have a house, a bank account, a retirement plan, or just a strong opinion about who should make decisions for you, then you need an estate plan.
An experienced estate planning attorney helps you:
- Write a legally sound will that reflects your actual wishes
- Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate
- Assign powers of attorney for financial and health care decisions
- Prepare for the possibility of long-term care or nursing home costs
- Review beneficiary designations across all your assets
You don’t have to figure this out alone. We explain everything in plain English and give you straightforward advice, whether you’re just starting out or fine-tuning an existing plan.
From Rochester Hills to Shelby Township, We’re Here for You
Woods Law Office may be located in Shelby Township, but we work with families from Rochester Hills and beyond. We understand the emotional and practical complexities that come with planning for aging, incapacity, or end-of-life care. That’s why we make the legal process feel human and accessible.
We’re not a corporate law firm with endless departments. We’re a neighborhood practice with deep expertise in estate planning, and we treat every client like family. No stuffy boardrooms, no pressure to rush, just good legal advice, a cup of coffee, and answers that make sense.
Why Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney Matters
You might be thinking, “Can’t I just use an online will template?” Here’s the honest answer: You could—but you’d miss out on a lot of essential legal protection. A licensed estate planning attorney ensures your documents follow state laws, are properly executed, and actually reflect your intentions.
For example:
- We help you avoid unintended tax consequences
- We make sure your family isn’t tied up in probate for months (or years)
- We prepare documents that hold up in court, should they ever be challenged
- We protect beneficiaries who may be minors or have special needs
The difference between a DIY estate plan and one crafted by an attorney? Peace of mind and fewer surprises when it counts.
What About Long-Term Care and Medicaid Planning?
Planning for the possibility of a nursing home stay is one of the hardest (and most necessary) parts of estate planning. Nursing homes can cost upwards of $100,000 per year, and many families are shocked to learn that Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care.
That’s where smart estate planning and Medicaid planning intersect. With the right legal tools, you can preserve your assets, protect your spouse, and still qualify for government assistance when the time comes.
Woods Law Office helps clients:
- Structure asset transfers that comply with look-back periods
- Set up Medicaid-compliant trusts
- Plan for long-term care before it becomes an urgent need
- Navigate the system without risking everything you’ve built
It’s Never Too Early, or Too Late, to Plan
Whether you’re in your 40s and planning for the future, or you’re helping an aging parent put paperwork in order, there’s no wrong time to start. In fact, some of the most important documents we create for clients include:
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Health Care Directive (Living Will)
- HIPAA Release Authorization
- Revocable Living Trusts
- Lady Bird Deeds and other asset transfer tools
You don’t need to bring in a shoebox full of papers or know all the right questions to ask. That’s our job. All you need is the willingness to have a conversation and take the first step.
Let’s Talk About Legacy, Not Just Paperwork
Here’s what most people don’t realize: estate planning is about more than money. It’s about values. It’s about preserving family traditions, making sure your kids aren’t left guessing, and ensuring that what you’ve built gets passed on with care and clarity.
We take time to understand not just your finances, but your family, your beliefs, and your goals. It’s this personal approach that sets us apart.
Work with Woods Law Office
When you choose Woods Law Office, you’re getting more than legal documents. You’re getting a partner. Someone who listens without judgment, explains without jargon, and gives you the confidence to move forward.
We proudly serve clients from Rochester Hills and surrounding areas, right from our convenient Shelby Township location.
Ready to start planning? Call us today or schedule your consultation online. Let’s put together a plan that reflects who you are and gives your family one less thing to worry about.