Collens Estate Law

08/21/2026

We are happy to share that, for the fourth year in a row, Howard H. Collens has been selected for the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers® list, Top 100 and for the seventh year overall, he's been honored in the Estate Planning & Probate category.

This consistency is no easy feat. It reflects years of diligent, compassionate legal assistance during some of life's most challenging situations. It also reflects Howard's deep legal knowledge and genuine advocacy, whether he's helping a family plan for the future or guiding them through probate and trust litigation.

For more information about Howard and the Collens Estate Law team, visit CollensEstateLaw.com

08/10/2026

Thank you Oakland County Times. We are happy to support our community!

This month we're featuring the groups and businesses that make Oakland County Times possible. Thank you Howard H. Collens of Collens Estate Law for supporting local journalism, and all you do helping families navigate difficult times with wills, trusts, estates and more. Learn more about Collens Estate Law at https://collensestatelaw.com/

07/31/2026

A delayed death certificate can go from frustrating to a genuine roadblock, especially if it’s holding up probate, guardianship, or access to accounts and benefits.

It may be time to get legal help if:
-The delay is preventing you from opening probate or setting up a conservatorship/guardianship
-You are unable to access accounts, claim benefits, or process insurance without a certificate
-Important information is missing and needs to be fixed or tracked down
-Multiple agencies are demanding proof of death

Our experienced team at Collens Estate Law can help you identify which alternative documentation Michigan courts may accept and, in some cases, intervene directly with Vital Records or local registrars to help move things along.

If you’re feeling stuck, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact Collens Estate Law at (248) 265-3176 or visit collensestatelaw.com to schedule a consultation.

07/31/2026

Do you need to mediate a trust dispute, but are not sure what to expect? Here’s what happens during mediation:

1️⃣The mediator meets privately with each party to understand what they really care about.
2️⃣If an agreement is reached, it's put in writing and becomes binding.
3️⃣If not, everything discussed stays confidential, and you haven't given up your right to go to court.

The mediator doesn't take sides or decide who's "right." Their only job is to help everyone find common ground.

In Michigan, mediators for trust disputes are often retired judges, estate attorneys, or certified professionals, people who understand the legal and emotional sides of these cases.

If your family is facing a contested trust, we can help you understand your options. Call Collens Estate Law at (248) 265-3176 or visit our website, collensestatelaw.com.

Our experienced estate and probate lawyers in Detroit Michigan provide personalized legal solutions to secure your assets and plan for the future.

07/29/2026

Probate can be a long, costly, and public process, which is why many Michigan families take steps to avoid it altogether.

Some ways to avoid probate include:
-Setting up a living trust: Assets transferred to a trust, such as your home, investment accounts, or business interests, will go straight to your loved ones without the court getting involved.
-Add your spouse to the title (joint tenancy): If you own a home, car, or bank account with your spouse, and one of you passes away, the surviving spouse automatically becomes the sole owner. No court process needed.
-Name a beneficiary on your accounts: Many types of accounts allow you to name a beneficiary directly (this includes retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and even bank accounts through “payable-on-death” or “transfer-on-death” designations).
-Give things away while you’re still here: If you give something to a family member now, instead of leaving it to them in your will, it’s no longer part of your estate when you pass away, so it skips probate entirely.

The bottom line is that there’s no single best strategy. The right combination depends on the size of your estate, your family situation, and your long-term goals. Not sure where to start? Contact Collens Estate Law to discuss a plan that fits your family. Visit collensestatelaw.com or call (248) 265-3176 for a consultation.

Our experienced estate and probate lawyers in Detroit Michigan provide personalized legal solutions to secure your assets and plan for the future.

07/25/2026

On average, the probate process takes 7-12 months, and sometimes longer for larger or more complex estates. It involves: filing a petition, appointing a personal representative, notifying heirs and creditors, inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and finally distributing what remains.

Every step has its own deadlines and requirements set by Michigan law, and missing one can delay the entire process.

If you recently lost a loved one and aren’t sure where to start, our probate attorneys are here to help.

Contact us via our website collensestatelaw.com or call (248) 265-3176 for a consultation.

Our experienced estate and probate lawyers in Detroit Michigan provide personalized legal solutions to secure your assets and plan for the future.

07/23/2026

Estate planning isn’t about just passing down assets. For seniors, having the right legal documents in place is about making sure their wishes are honored and their interests are protected, especially if they can no longer speak for themselves.

Here are the key documents every senior and their family should consider having in order:
-Durable Power of Attorney - designates someone to manage finances if they are unable to
-Medical Power of Attorney - designates someone to make healthcare decisions on another’s behalf
-Patient Advocate Designation: specifies medical treatment wishes in advance
-HIPAA Authorization - allows medical providers to share information with trusted family members
-Funeral Representative Designation - names who has the authority to decide funeral arrangements
-Living Trust - helps avoid probate and guarantees assets are distributed according to plan

Collens Estate Law helps Michigan seniors get these documents done right. Contact us through our website at collensestatelaw.com or call (248) 265-3176 for a consultation.

Our experienced estate and probate lawyers in Detroit Michigan provide personalized legal solutions to secure your assets and plan for the future.

07/20/2026

Here’s a summer travel tip that has nothing to do with packing. Before you leave for vacation this summer, whether you’re traveling internationally or with your whole family, make sure these four things are in order.

1️⃣Your will is current: If written before your last major life change, such as a marriage, divorce, new child, or significant purchase, it may not reflect what you actually want.
2️⃣Your beneficiary designations are up to date: Your will does not control who receives your retirement accounts or life insurance. Beneficiary designations govern those.
3️⃣Someone has Power of Attorney: If you are in an accident and are unable to make decisions for yourself, someone needs legal authority to act on your behalf for your medical care and your finances.
4️⃣Your family knows where everything is: Documents don’t help anyone if no one can find them. Make sure at least one trusted person knows where your will, insurance policies, and financial accounts are located.

None of this takes long to set up. But not having it in place can cost your family if a difficult moment arises. Collens Estate Law helps Michigan families get this done before life gets complicated. Call (248) 265-3176 or visit collensestatelaw.com for a consultation.

Collens Estate Law

07/17/2026

A will and a trust are not the same thing, and knowing the difference could save your family a lot of time, money, and stress.

A Will:
-Goes into effect after you die
-Must go through probate court
-Becomes public record
-Names guardians for minor children

A Trust:
-Can go into effect while you're alive
-Avoids probate
-Stays private
-Allows you to control how and when assets are distributed

Which one do you need? The answer depends on your situation, and sometimes it's both.

Collens Estate Law helps Michigan families figure out the right plan for their specific needs. Call (248) 265-3176 or visit collensestatelaw.com for a consultation.

Collens Estate Law

07/16/2026

Many weddings happen during the warmer months, and marriage changes everything legally, and most newlyweds don’t realize right away.

After the wedding, you should review:
-Your will - does it reflect your new life?
-Beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts
-Powers of attorney - is your spouse named?

Your estate plan should reflect your life as it is today, not as it was when you were single.

Collens Estate Law helps Michigan couples get their legal affairs in order after their big day.
Call (248) 265-3176 or visit collensestatelaw.com for a consultation.

Collens Estate Law