Estate & Risk™ approaches estate planning differently. The focus is not simply on creating documents—it is on identifying risk, preventing disputes, and ensuring your plan works when it matters most.

Built on over 25 years of investigative and law enforcement experience, each plan is developed with a disciplined, real‑world perspective—analyzing how issues arise and designing solutions that hold up under scrutiny.

Wills and Trust

A properly drafted will provides clear direction for the distribution of assets under the Michigan Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC). Careful planning helps avoid unnecessary conflict, ensures legal compliance, and honors your intentions.

Estate planning is a personal and evolving process. Through private, one‑on‑one conversations, we help clients identify priorities, understand available options, and create plans that reflect individual values and family circumstances. Each plan is crafted with an emphasis on clarity, flexibility, and long‑term peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: Is a will enough in Michigan?
A: Sometimes. Many estates benefit from trust‑based planning to avoid probate, enhance protection, or provide greater flexibility in asset distribution.

Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed)

A Lady Bird Deed, also known as an Enhanced Life Estate Deed, is a powerful Michigan estate planning tool that allows you to keep full control of your real property during your lifetime while ensuring it transfers automatically to your chosen beneficiaries at death—without probate.

At Estate&Risk we help clients determine whether a Lady Bird Deed is appropriate for their planning goals and ensure it is drafted and recorded correctly under Michigan law. When used properly, this tool can simplify estate administration, protect Medicaid eligibility, and preserve flexibility during life.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: Do I lose control of my property with a Lady Bird Deed?
A: No. You retain complete control during your lifetime, including the right to sell, refinance, or change beneficiaries.

Comprehensive Planning Tools & Solutions

Coordinated Michigan Estate Plans

We prepare customized estate plans using proven legal tools designed to work together as a coordinated system. Each document is explained clearly so clients understand not only what they are signing, but how the plan functions as a whole.

Common estate planning tools include:

• Wills and revocable or irrevocable trusts

• Durable powers of attorney and financial designations

• Patient Advocate Designations (PAD) and advance healthcare directives

• HIPAA authorizations

• Charitable and gift planning

• Retirement and beneficiary

• planning

• Guardianship‑related planning

Frequently Asked Question
Q: Why do I need multiple estate planning documents?
A: Each document serves a distinct purpose. Together, they provide comprehensive protection during life and after death.

Probate Estate & Trust Administration

Michigan Probate & Trust Administration Attorney

Following the incapacity or death of a loved one, families and fiduciaries often face unfamiliar legal responsibilities, including Probate and Trust Administration.We guide personal representatives, trustees, and beneficiaries through probate and trust administration with efficiency, clarity, and care.

Our services include probate administration, trust administration, tax‑related coordination (any tax prepartion is referred to official tax business or cpa’s , and post‑death planning designed to reduce uncertainty and minimize conflict. (*tax guidance and administration is always referred outside this law firm and is beyond the scope of this firm).

Frequently Asked Question
Q: How long does probate take in Michigan?
A: The timeline varies depending on asset complexity, court involvement, and whether disputes arise. Many matters can be handled efficiently with experienced legal guidance.

Probate Estate & Trust Litigation

Michigan Probate Litigation Lawyer

Disputes involving estates, trusts, or fiduciary conduct—often arising during Probate and Trust Administration or leading to Probate and Trust Litigation—can place significant emotional strain on families.We represent beneficiaries, fiduciaries, and interested parties with a calm, disciplined approach focused on protecting client interests and working toward resolution whenever possible.

Joseph’s investigative background supports careful factual development, credibility assessment, and strategic advocacy in contested probate and trust matters.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: Can probate disputes be resolved without going to court?
A: Yes. Many disputes resolve through negotiation or mediation when guided by focused legal strategy.

Business Succession & Private Business Planning

Closely Held Businesses & Professional Practices

Joseph advises business owners on development, ownership transitions, and Succession Planning. His work integrates estate and business planning strategies to promote continuity, reduce disruption, and support long‑term success.

These services are particularly valuable for closely held businesses, family‑owned companies, and professional practices.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: When should business succession planning begin?
A: Ideally well before retirement or transition to allow flexibility and smoother implementation.

Advanced Estate Planning Strategies

Asset Protection & Tax‑Conscious Planning

When circumstances require more sophisticated planning, we advise clients on advanced strategies designed to preserve wealth, manage risk, and address future tax exposure. These solutions are evaluated carefully and implemented only when appropriate and only with tax attorneys, CPA’s and outside advisors .

Advanced planning may include trust‑based strategies, lifetime gifting, coordinated retirement planning, and business succession techniques.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: Does advanced planning apply to all estates?
A: No. These strategies are most effective when tailored to specific financial and family circumstances.

Family Office & Wealth Coordination

Integrated Legal & Financial Oversight

For clients with complex financial lives, we provide family office coordination services to align legal, financial, and administrative needs. We work closely with trusted outside advisors to support long‑term planning, asset transitions, and efficient oversight.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: What is the advantage of coordinated planning?
A: Coordinated oversight reduces gaps, inefficiencies, and conflict while improving long‑term outcomes.

Personal Trust & Fiduciary

Professional Trustee Representation

Our attorneys and professional fiduciaries serve as trustees or co‑trustees for a broad range of trusts. We emphasize objectivity, accountability, confidentiality, and continuity throughout the administration process.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: When is a professional trustee appropriate?
A: Professional trustees are often helpful when neutrality, experience, or long‑term consistency is needed.

Pet Trust Planning

Planning for Pets’ Long‑Term Care

Pets are family. We help clients establish pet trusts that identify caretakers, funding, and instructions to ensure pets continue receiving proper care if incapacity or death occurs.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: Are pet trusts valid in Michigan?
A: Yes. Michigan law permits enforceable pet trust planning.

Special Needs Trust Planning

Protecting Benefits & Quality of Life

Families caring for a loved one with a disability often face unique planning challenges. Improper planning can unintentionally jeopardize eligibility for Medicaid or SSI.

We assist families in creating special needs trusts that enhance quality of life while preserving essential public benefits.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: Can a trust affect public benefits eligibility?
A: Yes. Special needs trusts must be carefully structured to avoid disqualification.

Cottage & Legacy Property Planning

Vacation Home & Family Property Succession

Vacation homes and legacy properties often hold deep emotional value while presenting complex legal and financial considerations. Without proper planning, these properties can become sources of conflict.

We create ownership, governance, and succession plans that promote fairness, clarity, and long‑term usability.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: Can family members share ownership successfully?
A: Yes—with clear agreements and structured planning.

Elder & Disability Law & Long Term Care

Michigan Elder Law Attorney

Our Elder Law & Disability Law Services address the legal, financial, and healthcare challenges that arise with aging. We counsel clients on Medicaid planning, healthcare decision‑making authority, asset protection, and capacity concerns with a focus on dignity and independence.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: When should elder law planning begin?
A: Ideally before a health or care crisis occurs.

Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation

Protecting Vulnerable Individuals

Joseph’s practice involves investigating elder abuse, neglect, undue influence, and financial exploitation. His investigative background supports careful assessment and effective protective action.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: What should I do if I suspect exploitation?
A: Contact an attorney promptly to assess risk and protect assets.

Guardianship & Conservatorship

Michigan Guardianship and Conservatorship Attorney

When a family member can no longer make personal, medical, or financial decisions safely, legal intervention may be necessary. Conservatorship and Guardianship proceedings in Michigan are designed to protect vulnerable individuals while ensuring decisions are made responsibly and in their best interests. Following the incapacity or death of a loved one, families and fiduciaries often face unfamiliar legal responsibilities, including probate and trust administration

At Estate&Risk we guide families through guardianship and conservatorship matters with care, discretion, and respect for the rights and dignity of the individual involved. These cases often arise during emotionally difficult times, and our role is to provide steady, informed guidance grounded in Michigan law.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: When is a guardianship necessary in Michigan?
A: Guardianship may be required when an individual lacks the capacity to make personal or medical decisions and no valid powers of attorney or advance directives are in place.

Frequently Asked Question
Q: What is the difference between guardianship and conservatorship?
A: Guardianship addresses personal and healthcare decisions, while conservatorship focuses on financial and property management. In some cases, both may be required.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Estate&Risk is intentionally structured to provide direct attorney involvement and personal attention. Clients work directly with Joseph A. Bunting, receiving clear guidance at every stage of representation.

To discuss estate planning, elder law concerns, probate matters, business succession planning, or professional licensing representation, contact the firm to schedule a confidential consultation.

Across all matters, the approach remains deliberate, structured, and focused on protecting what matters most.

Because at its core, Estate & Risk™ is about protecting family, career, and legacy.

Based in Troy, Michigan, Estate& Risk serves clients throughout Oakland County, Metro Detroit, and across the State of Michigan.

We provide comprehensive estate planning services designed to protect assets, provide clarity, and guide long-term decision-making for individuals and families.