Estate & Risk estate planning for Michigan families, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, beneficiary planning and probate avoidance.

Estate & Risk Essential Estate Planning Guide cover

FREE MICHIGAN ESTATE PLANNING GUIDE

The Estate & Risk Guide to Essential Estate Planning

A practical introduction to wills, trusts, powers of attorney, Patient Advocate planning, guardianship and conservatorship, Lady Bird Deeds, probate, beneficiary coordination and legacy planning.

Read the guide online or download a copy to keep. The digital edition includes direct contact links and print-ready QR codes for text, email and the Estate & Risk website.

VIEW FREE GUIDE →DOWNLOAD PDF →FIRST RESPONDER FREE ESTATE PLANNING GUIDE →

PLAN • PROTECT • PRESERVE

A Plan Built Around Your Life — Not Just a Set of Documents.

Estate planning should bring the important pieces together: the people you trust, the property you have built, the decisions that may need to be made for you, and the legacy you want to leave behind.

Estate & Risk approaches planning with a risk-management mindset. We identify the pressure points, coordinate the documents and assets, and build a practical plan designed to work when it is actually needed.

CORE PLANNING

What an Estate Plan Can Address

The right structure depends on the family, the assets and the objectives. These are the core planning areas we bring together.

Wills & Trusts

Planning structures tailored to your family, assets, goals and the way you want property handled.

Financial Powers of Attorney

Planning for who can handle financial and business matters if you are unable to act for yourself.

Health-Care & Incapacity Planning

Putting trusted decision-makers and clear direction in place before a medical crisis occurs.

Beneficiary & Asset Coordination

Reviewing ownership, beneficiary designations and funding so the pieces of the plan work together.

Business Succession

Connecting personal estate planning with continuity, ownership and transition considerations for a business.

First Responder Estate Planning

Focused planning for police, fire, EMS, corrections, dispatch, military members, Veterans and their families.

EXPLORE FIRST RESPONDER PLANNING →

Lady Bird Deeds & Real Property Transfers

Michigan enhanced life estate deeds and other deed strategies can help coordinate a home or other real property with the broader estate plan. The right approach depends on title, family goals, tax considerations, creditor concerns and the rest of the plan.

VIEW DEED & TRANSFER FEES →

A COORDINATED APPROACH

Build the Plan Around the Life.

A strong plan is not simply signed and put on a shelf. The documents, decision-makers, ownership and beneficiary designations should point in the same direction.

Understand

Identify the family, assets, concerns, priorities and long-term objectives.

Design

Select the planning structure and documents that fit those objectives.

Coordinate

Address ownership, beneficiaries, funding and implementation so the plan works together.

Maintain

Revisit the plan as family, assets, business interests and circumstances change.

ESTATE & RISK

Plan Today. Protect What Comes Next.

Start with a conversation about what you want to protect, what could go wrong, and what should happen next.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION →

SPECIALIZED ESTATE PLANNING

First Responders & Those Who Serve

First responders face the same family-planning concerns as everyone else, but the work can make incapacity, beneficiary coordination, emergency contacts and line-of-duty planning especially important. Our dedicated page explains the Essential 3, planning considerations and preferred pricing.

EXPLORE FIRST RESPONDER ESTATE PLANNING →

FIRST RESPONDER ESTATE PLANNING

Protecting the People
Who Protect Us.

You spend your career planning for the unexpected. We help you do the same for your family, your future and your legacy.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE →SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION →

LAW ENFORCEMENTPolice Officers & Deputies

FIRE SERVICEFirefighters & Fire Officials

EMSEMTs & Paramedics

DISPATCH911 & Communications

CORRECTIONSCorrections & Facility Personnel

MILITARYActive Duty, Reserve & Guard

VETERANSVeterans & Their Families

PLAN • PROTECT • PRESERVE

First Responder Estate Planning

Estate planning is not just for later in life. For first responders and those who serve, thoughtful planning can help protect family, assets and the people who depend on you.

FAMILY

Protect Your Family

Plan for the people who count on you.

INCAPACITY

Plan for the Unexpected

Put decision-makers and authority in place before they are needed.

BENEFITS

Coordinate the Details

Review beneficiaries, ownership, insurance and service-related considerations.

LEGACY

Preserve What Matters

Use wills and trusts where appropriate to carry out your plan.

FREE RESOURCE

Estate Planning for First Responders & Those Who Serve

A practical Michigan-focused guide is being redesigned as an Estate & Risk publication. The final downloadable edition will include planning checklists, beneficiary coordination, incapacity planning and service-related considerations.

The guide will be published after final legal review. This preview does not substitute for legal advice.

ESTATE & RISK

ESTATE PLANNING
FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
& THOSE WHO SERVE

Protect your family.
Protect your future.
Preserve your legacy.

BUILT FOR THOSE WHO SERVE

Planning for the Risks You Already Understand

Protect the people waiting at home.

First responders and service members spend careers preparing for events other people hope never happen. Personal planning deserves the same deliberate approach.

Who can act if you cannot?
Who receives assets and benefits?
How are minor children protected?
Do beneficiary designations match the plan?
Does the plan still work after career or family changes?

GENERAL ESTATE PLANNING FIRST RESPONDER SERVICES SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

FREE GUIDE

Estate Planning for First Responders & Those Who Serve

The redesigned guide will become a real downloadable Estate & Risk publication after the Michigan legal content is verified and the final edition is approved.

SEE GUIDE & RESOURCES →

Your service makes a difference.

Plan for the people who count on you. Protect the future you are building. Preserve what matters.

START THE CONVERSATION →

ESTATE & RISK

Legal Work Designed Around What Happens Next.

The goal is not just to complete a document or respond to today's issue. It is to understand what the decision changes tomorrow—for your family, career, business or legacy.

START A CONVERSATION →

Estate & Risk probate, trust administration and estate settlement services.

PLAN • PROTECT • PRESERVE

Focused Counsel for What Comes Next

Estate & Risk approaches each matter with a risk-management mindset: understand the objective, identify the pressure points, and build a practical path forward.

ADMINISTRATION

Probate Administration

Navigate filings, notices, inventory, claims, distributions and closing.

TRUSTS

Trust Administration

Help trustees understand duties, communicate clearly and administer the trust.

DISPUTES

Probate Litigation

Focused representation when administration becomes contested.

FIDUCIARIES

Trust Litigation

Counsel for beneficiary, trustee and fiduciary disputes.

WHEN RESPONSIBILITY BECOMES REAL

Administration With a Clear Path Forward

Know what comes next.

Probate and trust matters can involve deadlines, fiduciary duties, family dynamics, asset questions and court procedure. The work should be organized around the next required decision.

Opening and administration strategy
Inventory, claims and asset issues
Beneficiary and fiduciary communications
Distributions and closing
Contested matters when disputes arise

Administration or dispute?

The first question is often whether the matter can move through an orderly administration or whether a contested issue needs to be addressed before the estate or trust can move forward.

ESTATE & RISK

Legal Work Designed Around What Happens Next.

The goal is not just to complete a document or respond to today's issue. It is to understand what the decision changes tomorrow—for your family, career, business or legacy.

START A CONVERSATION →

GUARDIANSHIP & CONSERVATORSHIP

Protecting People.
Protecting Property.

When an adult can no longer safely manage important personal or financial matters, Michigan probate court proceedings may be necessary. Estate & Risk assists families and interested persons with guardianship and conservatorship matters, including contested proceedings when disputes arise.

Guardianship

A guardianship concerns the care and supervision of an incapacitated individual. Michigan law requires the court to determine that guardianship is necessary and limits a guardian’s powers to the demonstrated need.

Conservatorship

A conservatorship focuses on management and protection of a person’s property and financial affairs when court protection is necessary.

Contested Proceedings

Disputes can arise over whether a guardian or conservator is needed, who should serve, the scope of authority, or how a fiduciary is carrying out court-appointed responsibilities.

Planning Before a Crisis

Estate planning tools such as durable powers of attorney and patient advocate designations may provide important alternatives or reduce the authority a court-appointed fiduciary needs to exercise.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION → EXPLORE ESTATE PLANNING →

PROFESSIONAL LICENSING

Your Career.
Your Reputation.
Our Focus.

Strategic legal representation for professionals facing licensing investigations, complaints, disciplinary actions and administrative hearings.

Michigan professionals including a firefighter, police officer, physicians and a nurse

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION → CALL OR TEXT
248-990-2167

01LARA InvestigationsComplaints, investigations and disciplinary matters.

02Disciplinary MattersRepresentation in formal proceedings and licensing disputes.

03Administrative Hearings / MOAHRAdvocacy in licensing hearings before MOAHR and other Michigan authorities.

04MCOLES MattersLaw-enforcement credential, licensing and related career issues.

05Licensing & Career IssuesApplications, reinstatement and matters affecting professional standing.

LAW ENFORCEMENT LICENSING

MCOLES

The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards oversees law-enforcement licensing, standards and discipline. Two recurring statutory grounds deserve immediate attention: allegations of fraud or materially false statements in the licensing process, and a felony criminal offense or adjudication that triggers licensing consequences. MCOLES matters can proceed to a contested-case hearing under Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act.

Key authorities: MCL 28.609; MCL 28.609b; MCL 28.609c; Mich Admin Code, R 28.14601 et seq. The exact authority depends on the action and facts involved.

ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS

MOAHR

The Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules provides the administrative hearing forum for many Michigan licensing disputes. An Administrative Law Judge conducts the hearing, receives testimony and evidence, and issues findings and a proposal or hearing report under the governing statute and rules. The licensing agency or board generally retains responsibility for the final agency decision.

Process: notice and pleadings → evidence and testimony before the ALJ → findings / proposal or hearing report → final agency or board action → judicial review when authorized.

LAW-ENFORCEMENT CREDIBILITY & DISCLOSURE

Brady & Giglio Issues

Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963), addresses the prosecution’s duty to disclose material evidence favorable to the accused. Giglio v. United States, 405 U.S. 150 (1972), applies the disclosure principle to material evidence affecting witness credibility.

For law-enforcement professionals, allegations involving truthfulness, reports, testimony, omissions or credibility can create consequences beyond a single investigation. The legal and employment effect depends on the facts, agency process and applicable law.

READ THE CASE SUMMARIES →

BRADY v. MARYLAND373 U.S. 83 (1963)

GIGLIO v. UNITED STATES405 U.S. 150 (1972)

PROTECTING MICHIGAN PROFESSIONALS

Your Professional License Represents Years of Work.

A complaint, investigation or disciplinary matter can place a professional license, reputation and livelihood at risk. Estate & Risk represents licensed professionals in Michigan licensing investigations, disciplinary proceedings, administrative hearings, reinstatement matters and related licensing concerns.

Representation may involve LARA and the Bureau of Professional Licensing, a Michigan licensing board, MOAHR, MCOLES or another applicable regulatory authority.

PhysiciansNursesPhysician AssistantsPsychologists Professional CounselorsMarriage & Family TherapistsSocial WorkersPharmacists DentistsPhysical TherapistsOccupational TherapistsOther Health Professionals Police & Law EnforcementReal Estate ProfessionalsProfessional EngineersOther Licensed Professionals

PLAN • PROTECT • PRESERVE

Focused Counsel for What Comes Next

Estate & Risk approaches each matter with a risk-management mindset: understand the objective, identify the pressure points, and build a practical path forward.

EARLY RESPONSE

Complaints & Investigations

Get legal guidance before an informal response becomes a permanent problem.

DISCIPLINE

Administrative Matters

Representation in licensing and disciplinary proceedings.

CAREER

Employment Risk

Navigate workplace disclosures, leave, fitness-for-duty and career consequences.

STRATEGY

Private Counsel

A confidential starting point for understanding legal options and next steps.

CAREER PROTECTION

Respond Deliberately Before the Record Is Written

Your first response can matter.

A complaint, investigation, employer request or licensing issue can move quickly. Early legal guidance can help identify what is being asked, what is at risk and how to respond.

Complaints and investigations
Licensing and disciplinary proceedings
Employment and disclosure concerns
Fitness-for-duty and leave issues
Career-sensitive strategy and advocacy

Private counsel before the next step.

Start with the legal and career consequences, then decide what response, communication or representation is appropriate.

FEES & ENGAGEMENTS

Clear Fees Before Representation Begins.

Professional licensing matters vary depending on the agency involved, the stage of the proceeding, the record, and the complexity of the issues presented. Estate & Risk's standard attorney rate is $350 per hour.

When the scope of a matter can be reasonably defined in advance, a flat-fee arrangement may also be available. Any applicable fee structure, advance retainer, and anticipated scope of representation will be discussed before the engagement begins.

DISCUSS YOUR MATTER →

ESTATE & RISK

Legal Work Designed Around What Happens Next.

The goal is not just to complete a document or respond to today's issue. It is to understand what the decision changes tomorrow—for your family, career, business or legacy.

START A CONVERSATION →

Estate & Risk Business & Civil Law — small business, contracts, disputes and succession planning

PLAN • PROTECT • PRESERVE

Focused Counsel for What Comes Next

Estate & Risk approaches each matter with a risk-management mindset: understand the objective, identify the pressure points, and build a practical path forward.

CONTRACTS

Contract Review

Understand obligations, leverage, risk allocation and exit terms before signing.

PROFESSIONALS

Employment Agreements

Focused review for physicians and other professionals.

OWNERSHIP

Franchise & Business Agreements

Review business terms with attention to long-term consequences.

SUCCESSION

Business Succession

Coordinate ownership transition with personal estate planning.

READ THE RISK

Understand the Agreement Before It Controls the Outcome

Contracts are operating instructions for future problems.

Review should focus not only on what the agreement says today, but on compensation, restrictions, leverage, termination, liability and what happens if the relationship changes.

Physician and professional employment agreements
Business and commercial contracts
Franchise agreement review
Ownership and succession planning
Selected civil disputes

Business succession belongs in the estate-planning conversation.

For owners, personal planning and business continuity often need to be designed together rather than handled as separate projects.

TRANSPARENT CONTRACT REVIEW PRICING

Physician Employment Contract Review

Defined-scope review options for physicians evaluating an employment opportunity. Other business, contract, and selected civil matters are generally billed at the firm's standard attorney rate of $350 per hour; a flat fee may be available when the scope can be reasonably defined in advance.

BASIC REVIEW

$750 flat fee

Review of the employment agreement with a written analysis identifying potential red flags, unusual language, compensation concerns, termination provisions, post-employment restrictions, malpractice insurance responsibilities, call coverage requirements, and other terms that may affect your career, compensation, or future opportunities.

ENHANCED REVIEW

$995 flat fee

Everything in the Basic Review, plus more detailed analysis, negotiation recommendations, suggested revisions to significant provisions, and a follow-up consultation to discuss the agreement.

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

$1,250 flat fee

Everything in the Enhanced Review, plus due diligence regarding the prospective employer using reasonably available public information, which may include corporate records, litigation history, licensing and regulatory information, ownership information, workplace reputation, news reports, and other publicly available information relevant to evaluating the proposed employment relationship.

Standard Review Pricing. These flat fees apply to typical physician employment agreements. Agreements involving unusual length or complexity, multiple related agreements, partnership or ownership arrangements, equity interests, or other substantial additional review may require an adjusted fee. If an adjustment is necessary, the scope and fee will be discussed and agreed upon before additional work is undertaken.

Public-Information Limitation. Employer due diligence is limited to information reasonably available through public records and other accessible sources. Public-source review cannot guarantee discovery of all material information, undisclosed liabilities, ongoing investigations, future developments, or non-public matters.

REQUEST A CONTRACT REVIEW →

ESTATE & RISK

Legal Work Designed Around What Happens Next.

The goal is not just to complete a document or respond to today's issue. It is to understand what the decision changes tomorrow—for your family, career, business or legacy.

START A CONVERSATION →

First Responders and Service hero showing police, fire, EMS, corrections, U.S. Border Patrol, military, a Veteran, and the American flag.

FREE FIRST RESPONDER ESTATE PLANNING GUIDEUnderstand the documents and planning decisions that can protect you and your family before a crisis.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE →

PLAN • PROTECT • PRESERVE

Focused Counsel for What Comes Next

Estate & Risk approaches each matter with a risk-management mindset: understand the objective, identify the pressure points, and build a practical path forward.

PLAN

First Responder Estate Planning

Dedicated planning for those whose work carries unique risks and responsibilities.

PROTECT

Career & Employment Advocacy

Legal guidance when getting help, making a disclosure or facing an investigation could affect work.

NAVIGATE

Resource Navigation

A legal starting point when you need to understand options and identify the right next resource.

SUPPORT

Wellness & Crisis Resources

A permanent resource center designed to separate immediate support from legal and career concerns.

SERVICE DESERVES SUPPORT

Legal Counsel, Career Protection & Resource Navigation

You do not have to navigate it alone.

Concerns about employment consequences, licensing, workplace disclosures or simply how to communicate what you need can become barriers to getting help. Estate & Risk can address the legal and employment side and, when appropriate and authorized, communicate or advocate with an employer or agency.

First responder estate planning
Professional licensing and career protection
Employment-related guidance
Resource navigation
Year-round wellness and crisis resources

Two different needs. Two clear paths.

Immediate support: crisis and wellness resources should be easy to find and never buried behind marketing.

Career or legal concern: start with a private legal consultation about employment, licensing or disclosure consequences.

ESTATE & RISK

Legal Work Designed Around What Happens Next.

The goal is not just to complete a document or respond to today's issue. It is to understand what the decision changes tomorrow—for your family, career, business or legacy.

START A CONVERSATION →

PLAN. PROTECT. PRESERVE.

First Responder Estate Planning

Your career may be about protecting others. This part is about protecting the people waiting at home. See the Essential 3, family-protection issues, preferred pricing and the free “Before the Next Call Comes” guide.

ESTATE PLANNING + FREE GUIDE →

ESTATE PLANNING FEES

Clear Planning.
Clear Pricing. No Surprises.

Thoughtful estate planning shouldn’t begin with uncertainty about cost. Estate & Risk offers straightforward planning options for predictable work—and transparent hourly pricing when a court matter requires a different approach.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION →FIRST RESPONDER PLANNING →

STANDARD ESTATE PLANNING

Flat-Fee Planning Built Around Your Life

These are standard Estate & Risk planning options for individuals and families. Final scope and fee are confirmed before representation begins.

ESSENTIAL WILL PLAN

Core Protection

$1,250 individual

$1,750 couple

Will-based estate plan
Durable financial power of attorney
Patient advocate / health-care planning
HIPAA authorization
Guardian nominations when appropriate
Signing and execution guidance

A practical foundation when a revocable trust is not yet needed.

REVOCABLE TRUST PLAN

Comprehensive Family Planning

$2,500 individual

$3,250 couple

Revocable living trust
Pour-over will(s)
Durable financial power of attorney
Patient advocate and HIPAA documents
Trust certificates / assignments as appropriate
Initial trust-funding guidance
Signing and execution guidance

Designed for families who want trust-based planning and a more complete framework.

ADVANCED PLANNING

Complex Needs

Starting at $4,500

Complex family or asset structures
Enhanced asset-protection considerations
Business or succession planning coordination
Special circumstances requiring customized drafting

Scope and fee are tailored after the planning issues are identified.

LADY BIRD DEEDS & REAL PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Coordinate the Home With the Estate Plan

Michigan enhanced life estate deeds (commonly called Lady Bird Deeds) and other deed or real-property transfer work may be available as a stand-alone service or as part of a broader estate plan when appropriate.

Fee: quoted after review of the property, current title, intended transfer and the scope of related planning. Any additional deed or recording costs are confirmed before work begins.

A Lady Bird Deed is not appropriate for every property or every plan. The recommended approach depends on title, beneficiaries, existing obligations and the client’s broader estate-planning objectives.

DISCUSS A DEED OR PROPERTY TRANSFER →

Package contents are subject to the client's circumstances and the final engagement agreement. Deeds, tax advice, business documents, unusual asset structures, contested matters and work outside the defined package may require an additional fee.

START NOW. BUILD LATER.

A Defined Credit Toward an Eligible Upgrade

Life changes. Your plan can change with it. Certain Estate & Risk packages may include a defined credit toward an eligible higher-level planning package when the upgrade is completed within the stated eligibility period.

Example: an Essential Will Plan may qualify for a stated credit toward a later Revocable Trust Plan. The amount, deadline and eligible upgrade will be confirmed in the engagement terms—so the benefit is clear without creating an open-ended promise.

A SPECIALTY FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG ADULTS

The 18+ Protection Plan

They may still be your child. At 18, the legal relationship changes.

When a child becomes an adult, parents may no longer have the same automatic authority or access they had while the child was a minor. A focused set of documents can help the young adult choose who can assist with financial and health-care matters when help is needed.

CollegeTrade SchoolMilitaryFirst JobGap YearLiving Away From Home

FIRST RESPONDERS & THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED

Dedicated First Responder Estate Planning

First Responder pricing is kept separate from standard estate-planning fees so the programs remain easy to understand. Estate & Risk may extend dedicated program pricing to qualifying current, retired and former first responders, subject to firm eligibility requirements.

Who may qualify?

Law enforcement • Firefighters • EMTs & Paramedics • Dispatch • Corrections • Federal law enforcement • Military & Veterans • Nurses and emergency health-care professionals, together with other qualifying service roles approved by the firm.

A separate planning pathway

First Responder packages, preferred rates and any applicable upgrade credits are presented in the dedicated First Responder Estate Planning program—not mixed into standard family pricing.

VIEW FIRST RESPONDER PLANNING →

Eligibility and program pricing are determined by Estate & Risk and confirmed before engagement. Prior service does not by itself create an entitlement to a particular fee.

WHEN PLANNING BECOMES A COURT MATTER

Guardianship, Conservatorship & Probate / Trust Matters

Court proceedings do not always have a predictable scope. The number of interested parties, hearings, discovery, disputes and other case-specific issues can materially change the work required. For that reason, Estate & Risk uses transparent hourly pricing for matters that cannot responsibly be reduced to a fixed fee.

GUARDIANSHIP

Personal Decision-Making Proceedings

Representation in proceedings involving the appointment, modification or review of a guardian, including contested matters when appropriate.

CONSERVATORSHIP

Financial Protective Proceedings

Representation in proceedings involving management and protection of an individual’s property or financial affairs, including related court requirements.

PROBATE & TRUST DISPUTES

Contested Estate & Trust Matters

Will contests, trust disputes, fiduciary disputes, removal proceedings, accounting disputes and other contested probate or trust matters accepted by the firm.

STANDARD ATTORNEY RATE$350/hour

Transparent pricing for unpredictable matters.

Before representation begins, Estate & Risk will explain the anticipated scope of the matter and any advance retainer required. The advance retainer is determined after the initial case assessment. When a matter is sufficiently predictable for a flat-fee or limited-scope arrangement, that option may be identified before engagement.

Court costs, filing fees, service fees, expert fees and other third-party expenses are separate from attorney fees unless the written engagement agreement states otherwise. The engagement agreement controls the scope and fee arrangement for each matter.

ESTATE & RISK

Know What You Are Building—and What It Costs.

The right starting point depends on your family, assets and goals. We will confirm the scope, deliverables and fee before the work begins.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION →

ABOUT ESTATE & RISK

Strategic Counsel.
Real Solutions. Lasting Impact.

Estate & Risk was founded to provide strategic legal counsel for individuals, families, professionals, business owners and those who serve. Our work is rooted in planning today, protecting what matters and preserving opportunities for tomorrow.

Individuals &
FamiliesPlan for today
and tomorrow.

Professionals
& LicenseesGuidance for
careers that matter.

Business Owners
& EntrepreneursLegal solutions for
growth and protection.

First Responders
& Service MembersDedicated support
for those who serve.

Joseph A. Bunting, founder of Estate & Risk

ExperienceFocused legal guidance across estate planning, probate and trust administration, professional licensing, business and civil matters.

Client-Centered ApproachThoughtful, practical solutions tailored to each client's goals, values and circumstances.

Commitment to ServiceProud to support first responders, military and Veterans with planning, advocacy and dedicated guidance.

ABOUT ESTATE & RISK

Strategic Counsel.Real Solutions. Lasting Impact.

Individuals & FamiliesPlan for today and tomorrow.

Professionals & LicenseesGuidance for careers that matter.

Business Owners & EntrepreneursLegal solutions for growth and protection.

First Responders & Service MembersDedicated support for those who serve.

Joseph A. BuntingATTORNEY & COUNSELOR AT LAW · FOUNDER

Experience

Focused legal guidance across estate planning, probate and trust matters, professional licensing, business and selected civil matters.

Client-Centered Approach

Thoughtful, practical solutions designed around each client's goals, values and circumstances.

Commitment to Service

Proud to support first responders, military members, Veterans and their families with planning, advocacy and dedicated guidance.

THE FOUNDER

Joseph A. Bunting, Esq.

Attorney at Law
Founder, Estate & Risk™

Former Police Sergeant · Investigator · Attorney

PLAN · PROTECT · PRESERVE

Joseph A. Bunting is an attorney, former police sergeant and investigator dedicated to helping individuals, families, professionals, business owners and first responders protect what matters most. Through Estate & Risk™, he provides strategic legal counsel in estate planning, probate and trust matters, professional licensing and career protection, business and contract matters, and selected civil matters.

With more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement, investigations, leadership and public service, Joseph brings a risk-management perspective to the practice of law. Before becoming an attorney, he served as a police officer, investigator and sergeant, conducting investigations, evaluating evidence, assessing risk and making decisions in high-stakes situations. Those experiences continue to shape his legal practice today.

The name Estate & Risk™ reflects a core principle of the firm: legal problems often grow from risks that were not identified, understood or addressed early enough. Whether helping a family build an estate plan, guiding an estate or trust through administration, protecting a professional license or career, reviewing an important agreement, or helping a business owner plan for succession, Joseph focuses on identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating exposure and developing practical strategies designed to protect what clients have worked hard to build.

Estate Planning & Legacy Protection helps individuals and families protect loved ones, coordinate assets and beneficiaries, plan for incapacity, and preserve a legacy through wills, trusts, powers of attorney, patient advocate planning and related strategies.

Probate, Trusts & Fiduciary Matters provides guidance through probate and trust administration, fiduciary responsibilities, guardianship and conservatorship matters, and selected probate or trust disputes.

Professional Licensing & Career Protection helps professionals respond to licensing complaints, investigations, administrative proceedings and other matters that can place a license, livelihood or professional reputation at risk.

Business, Contracts & Selected Civil Matters includes contract review, professional and physician employment agreements, franchise agreement review, business succession planning and selected disputes that fit the firm's focused practice.

First Responders & Those Who Serve reflects Joseph's continuing commitment to law enforcement, fire service, EMS, dispatch, corrections, military members and Veterans, including estate planning, professional and employment-related counsel, advocacy and resource navigation.

At Estate & Risk™, legal representation is about more than solving today's problem. It is about anticipating what may come next, reducing uncertainty, protecting opportunities and helping clients move forward with a plan.

Protecting Families. Protecting Careers. Preserving What Matters.

SERVING MICHIGAN

Estate & Risk is based in Troy and serves clients throughout Michigan. The firm's primary service area includes Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Livingston, Genesee and Washtenaw Counties and the greater Metro Detroit region, with matters accepted elsewhere in Michigan when the circumstances and scope are a good fit.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION →EXPLORE THE FIRM →

FOUNDER

Joseph A. Bunting, Esq.

Attorney at Law
Founder, Estate & Risk™

Joseph A. Bunting is an attorney, former police sergeant, and investigator dedicated to helping individuals, families, professionals, business owners, and first responders protect what matters most. Through Estate & Risk™, he provides strategic legal counsel focused on estate planning, probate and trusts, professional licensing and career protection, business and contract matters, selected civil matters, and legal needs affecting those who serve.

With more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement, investigations, leadership, and public service, Joseph brings a risk-management perspective to the practice of law. Before becoming an attorney, he served as a police officer, investigator, and sergeant, conducting investigations, evaluating evidence, assessing risk, and making critical decisions in high-stakes situations. Those experiences continue to shape his legal practice today.

The name Estate & Risk™ reflects a core principle of the firm: legal problems often arise from risks that were not identified, understood, or addressed early enough. The firm's approach is to identify vulnerabilities, evaluate exposure, and develop practical legal strategies designed to protect what clients have worked hard to build.

Legal representation at Estate & Risk is about more than addressing today's problem. It is about anticipating future challenges, reducing uncertainty, protecting opportunities, and helping clients move forward with confidence.

Serving MichiganEstate & Risk is based in Troy and serves clients throughout Michigan. The firm's primary service area includes Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Livingston, Genesee and Washtenaw Counties and the greater Metro Detroit region, with matters accepted elsewhere in Michigan when the circumstances and scope are a good fit.

ESTATE & RISK

Insights & Resources

Practical legal information, firm insights and resource navigation in one place.

START WITH THE ISSUE IN FRONT OF YOU

Find the Right Information Faster.

Browse by legal need or visit the dedicated First Responder & Veteran Resource Center.

Estate PlanningWills, trusts, powers of attorney, incapacity planning and protecting the people who matter most.EXPLORE → Probate & TrustsMichigan probate, estate administration, trust administration and fiduciary responsibilities.EXPLORE → Professional LicensingLicensing issues, administrative matters, investigations and protecting a professional career.EXPLORE → Business & CivilContracts, risk, disputes and practical legal considerations for businesses and individuals.EXPLORE → First Responders & VeteransCrisis support, wellness, peer and family resources, VA information, memorials and service-specific guidance.VISIT RESOURCE CENTER →

PROFESSIONAL LICENSING • LAW ENFORCEMENT

Brady & Giglio: Why Credibility Issues Matter

These decisions concern constitutional disclosure obligations in criminal prosecutions. They do not themselves create an MCOLES licensing rule, but credibility-related allegations can intersect with employment, testimony, disclosure and licensing concerns for law-enforcement professionals.

U.S. SUPREME COURT • 1963

Brady v. Maryland

373 U.S. 83 (1963)

The Supreme Court held that suppression by the prosecution of material evidence favorable to an accused violates due process. The rule applies to material evidence bearing on guilt or punishment.

READ THE OFFICIAL CASE →

U.S. SUPREME COURT • 1972

Giglio v. United States

405 U.S. 150 (1972)

The Supreme Court applied the disclosure obligation to material evidence affecting the credibility of a key government witness, including an undisclosed promise concerning prosecution.

READ THE OFFICIAL CASE →

Michigan context: MCOLES licensing and disciplinary authority arises from Michigan statutes and administrative rules. A Brady/Giglio issue should be evaluated separately from the specific statutory or regulatory basis for any employment or licensing action.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSING SERVICES →

RESOURCE CENTER

Practical Information. Before You Need It.

Choose a topic below. Each resource opens with practical information and a direct path to the related Estate & Risk service.

READ ESTATE & RISK INSIGHTS →

ESTATE & PROBATE

Planning & Probate Resources

Start with the next practical step for planning, incapacity, probate, guardianship or conservatorship.

Estate-planning preparation and document checklist
18+ protection planning for young adults
What to gather after a death
Probate and trust administration overview
Guardianship and conservatorship starting points

ESTATE PLANNING →PROBATE & TRUSTS →VIEW FEES →

FIRST RESPONDERS

First Responder Estate Planning

Focused planning information for first responders, military members, Veterans and their families.

Essential estate-planning documents and why they matter
Family and beneficiary planning considerations
Planning before deployment, high-risk assignments or retirement
Dedicated First Responder Estate Planning Program information

EXPLORE FIRST RESPONDER ESTATE PLANNING →FREE ESTATE PLANNING GUIDE →FIRST RESPONDER SUPPORT →

CAREER PROTECTION

Licensing & Employment

Plain-language starting points for professionals facing complaints, investigations and career-sensitive issues.

What to do when a complaint or investigation notice arrives
Documents and communications to preserve
Preparing for an agency or licensing response
Employment and contract risk considerations

PROFESSIONAL LICENSING →DISCUSS A MATTER →

SUPPORT CENTER

First Responder Support

A permanent home for legal-resource navigation and carefully selected support information.

Legal planning and career-protection pathways
Family and survivor planning resources
Wellness and crisis-resource navigation
Connections to the firm's First Responder services

FIRST RESPONDER SERVICES →CONTACT ESTATE & RISK →

General resource information is educational and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal advice depends on the facts of the individual matter.

ESTATE & RISK INSIGHTS

Practical Legal Insights Worth Sharing.

Short, useful articles on Michigan estate planning, probate, professional and contract risk, and planning for first responders and their families.

LATEST INSIGHTS

ESTATE PLANNING

What Is a Lady Bird Deed in Michigan?

Estate & Risk Insights · Michigan

An introduction to enhanced life estate deeds, why they are used, and the questions to consider before relying on one in an estate plan.

READ ARTICLE →

ESTATE PLANNING

Will vs. Trust in Michigan: What Is the Difference?

Estate & Risk Insights · Michigan

A practical overview of how wills and revocable living trusts serve different roles in a Michigan estate plan.

READ ARTICLE →

PROBATE

What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will in Michigan?

Estate & Risk Insights · Michigan

A starting point for understanding intestacy, probate administration, heirs, and why the specific family structure matters.

READ ARTICLE →

PROFESSIONAL LICENSING

Receiving a Professional Licensing Complaint: First Steps

Estate & Risk Insights · Career Protection

Practical first steps for preserving records, controlling communications, understanding deadlines, and preparing a response.

READ ARTICLE →

CONTRACT RISK

Key Issues in a Physician Employment Agreement

Estate & Risk Insights · Contract Review

Compensation, restrictive covenants, termination, malpractice coverage, call obligations and other provisions physicians should identify before signing.

READ ARTICLE →

FIRST RESPONDERS & SERVICE

Estate Planning for First Responders and Their Families

Estate & Risk Insights · Family Protection

Why incapacity planning, beneficiary coordination and accessible decision-making documents deserve special attention in service-oriented families.

READ ARTICLE →

Shareable by design: every article has its own page and web address, with LinkedIn, Facebook, X and email sharing options plus a direct path to contact Estate & Risk.

ESTATE & RISK

Need Help Applying the Information?

Resources can help you identify the next step. When the issue requires legal advice, Estate & Risk can help evaluate the specific matter.

START A CONVERSATION →

Contact Estate & Risk — Start With a Conversation. Know Your Next Step.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Tell Us What You Need Help With.

Estate & Risk provides focused counsel in estate planning, probate and trusts, professional licensing, business and civil matters, and planning for first responders and service families.

Estate & Risk3310 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 265
Troy, MI 48084248-990-2167 joseph@estateandrisk.com

IMMEDIATE & CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT

If You Need Help Right Now

You do not have to sort through a long page before finding a number. These services are available for immediate support.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support, 24/7.

988 Lifeline →

Veterans Crisis Line

Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255. Available 24/7.

Veterans Crisis Line →

COPLINE®

For current and former law-enforcement personnel and their families. Call 1-800-267-5463, 24/7.

COPLINE →

If there is an immediate threat to life or physical safety, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

TRUSTED RESOURCES

Support Built Around the People Who Serve

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Officer Wellness & Peer Support

COPLINE provides a confidential peer hotline answered by trained retired law-enforcement officers. The U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office also maintains law-enforcement mental-health and wellness resources addressing peer support, family resources, suicide prevention and stress reduction.

COPLINE →DOJ COPS Wellness →

FIRE & EMS

Behavioral Health & Recovery

The International Association of Fire Fighters provides behavioral-health resources, peer-support information, suicide-prevention education and access to its Center of Excellence for eligible fire-service members.

IAFF Behavioral Health →Center of Excellence →

VETERANS & MILITARY

VA & Vet Center Support

Vet Centers provide confidential counseling and referral services for eligible Veterans, service members and families in a community setting. Southeast Michigan locations include Pontiac, Dearborn and Detroit.

Pontiac Vet Center →Find a VA Location →

PTSD & TRAUMA SUPPORT

PTSD Information, Treatment & Self-Help

The VA National Center for PTSD provides trusted information about trauma and PTSD, evidence-based treatment options, self-help and coping tools, PTSD Coach resources, and guidance for Veterans, families and others affected by trauma. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988; Veterans may call 988 and press 1 or text 838255.

National Center for PTSD →PTSD Help & Resources →

PREVENTION & AWARENESS

September: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. September 8 is 988 Day. The federal SAMHSA toolkit provides current prevention information and materials that can be shared throughout the community.

SAMHSA Toolkit →

VETERAN CONNECTION

Veteran Buddy Checks

VA’s Buddy Check initiative encourages Veterans to reconnect, recognize signs of distress and help one another reach appropriate support. The 2026 Buddy Check Week is September 21–25.

Veteran Buddy Checks →

FIRST RESPONDER & VETERAN SUPPORT

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Programs supporting catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, Gold Star and fallen first responder families, and veterans experiencing homelessness.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation →

LEGAL PROTECTION

When Wellness & Career Issues Intersect

Stress, health concerns or major life events can sometimes intersect with employment, professional licensing, family protection or estate planning. Estate & Risk can help identify the legal issue and the appropriate next step.

Contact Estate & Risk →

HONOR • REMEMBER • SUPPORT

Honoring Those Who Gave Their All

This section connects visitors with authoritative memorial organizations, current line-of-duty remembrance pages, survivor support, and national observances honoring law enforcement, firefighters, EMS professionals, public-safety telecommunicators, Veterans and military service.

RECENT LINE-OF-DUTY LOSSESFor current, verified information, use these continuously updated national memorial sources.

CURRENT FALLEN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS → NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS →

LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. honors federal, tribal, state, local and corrections officers who died in the line of duty.

444 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
202-737-3400 • info@nleomf.org

VISIT THE MEMORIAL →

LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT

Thin Blue Line USA

Thin Blue Line USA states that its mission is to inspire support for law-enforcement officers and that it supports nonprofits and families and communities affected by officer loss.

46986 Liberty Drive, Wixom, MI 48393
248-415-5537 • info@thinbluelineusa.com

CONTACT THIN BLUE LINE USA →

FIRE SERVICE MEMORIAL

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

The NFFF is the national organization entrusted to honor fallen firefighters and support their families. Its National Memorial Weekend and Roll of Honor preserve the names and stories of fallen fire heroes.

P.O. Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD 21727
301-447-1365

CONTACT NFFF →

SURVIVOR SUPPORT

Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)

C.O.P.S. provides resources and programs for surviving families and affected co-workers following a law-enforcement line-of-duty death.

C.O.P.S. SURVIVOR RESOURCES →

NATIONAL DAYS & WEEKS OF RECOGNITION

Dates Worth Remembering

MAY 15

Peace Officers Memorial Day

May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day. National Police Week is observed during the calendar week in which May 15 falls; in 2026, major Washington events ran May 11–16.

National Police Week →

MAY 17–23, 2026

National EMS Week

National EMS Week recognizes EMTs, paramedics and the entire EMS profession for lifesaving service. The 2026 theme is “Improving Outcomes, Together.”

EMS Week →

APRIL 12–18, 2026

Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week honors 911 telecommunicators and the critical emergency communications work they perform.

911.gov Recognition →

ANNUAL NATIONAL MEMORIAL

Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to firefighters who died in the line of duty. The 2026 Memorial Weekend was May 2–3.

Firefighters Memorial Weekend →

NOVEMBER 11

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is observed every November 11 to honor America’s Veterans for their service, patriotism and sacrifice.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs →

SEPTEMBER

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

A month for prevention education, connection and access to crisis and wellness resources, including resources tailored to public safety and Veteran communities.

Suicide Prevention Resources →

About real-time remembrance: A self-contained website file cannot safely verify a line-of-duty death the moment it occurs. Rather than publish an unverified name, Estate & Risk links visitors directly to ODMP and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for current verified memorial information. A live automated memorial feed can be added later if an authoritative source provides a suitable feed or API.

WHEN WORK AND LIFE COLLIDE

A Practical Bridge for a First Responder in a Difficult Season

Sometimes a good employee is going through a difficult period outside of work, and the effects begin to show up on the job. The employee may be uncomfortable asking for help. A supervisor may recognize that something is wrong but be unsure how to address it without making the situation more adversarial.

Because I have worked inside law enforcement—as an officer, investigator and sergeant—I understand both sides of that conversation. When appropriate, I may be able to serve as a neutral, informal bridge between a first responder and the agency or administration so concerns can be communicated clearly, respectfully and with an eye toward a workable path forward.

This is not intended to replace a union, union representative, employee-assistance program, department policy, formal grievance process or legal representation. It is another avenue for situations in which a first responder may not want union involvement, the union is not involved, or both the employee and administration believe an informal, non-adversarial conversation could help.

There is no fee for an initial, limited bridge conversation that I agree to undertake. Whether I can become involved depends on the circumstances, the people involved and the scope of assistance requested. Any work that expands into legal representation, investigation, formal advocacy, hearings, grievances, litigation or substantial ongoing involvement would require a separate discussion and, when appropriate, a written engagement and fee agreement before that work begins.

This informal assistance is offered at the discretion of Estate & Risk and does not create an attorney-client relationship unless a separate written engagement is entered. It is not emergency, medical or mental-health care. If there is an immediate safety or mental-health crisis, use the crisis resources on this page or contact appropriate emergency services.

START A PRIVATE CONVERSATION →

A PERSONAL MESSAGE

To Those Who Continue to Serve

I understand, firsthand, the demands that come with a life of service—the long hours, missed family events, difficult calls, administrative pressure, and the physical and mental wear that can build over time.

The weight does not always stay at work. It can follow you home, affect relationships, complicate a career, or make it difficult to know where to turn next.

You are not alone, and asking for help is not weakness.

Estate & Risk is committed to helping those who serve identify a practical path forward. When the issue is legal, we can address the legal problem. When additional support is needed, this Resource Center is designed to point you toward established organizations and professionals whose work is focused on that need.

My goal is simple: help you protect your well-being, your career, your family and your future—and make it easier to find the right next step.

Joseph A. Bunting, Esq.

Resource notice: Estate & Risk is a law firm, not a medical, mental-health or emergency-services provider. External organizations listed here are provided as informational resources and are not endorsements or guarantees of services. Availability, eligibility and contact information can change; use the linked official source to confirm current information.

FIRST RESPONDER ESTATE PLANNING GUIDE FIRST RESPONDER & VETERAN RESOURCE CENTER →

Before the Next Call Comes - Estate Planning for First Responders and Those Who Serve

CLICK THE COVER TO OPEN THE FREE GUIDE

FREE MICHIGAN GUIDE OPEN THE
FREE GUIDE CLICK TO OPEN → Free PDF • No email required

SCAN THE QR CODE Save or share the guide page

FREE MICHIGAN FIRST RESPONDER ESTATE PLANNING GUIDE

Before the Next Call Comes,
Protect the People Waiting at Home.

Estate planning is not only about death. It is also about who can step in when an injury, illness or critical incident leaves you unable to speak or act for yourself.

First responders spend their careers preparing for the unexpected. Your personal legal plan deserves the same attention—for you, your family and the people who depend on you.

PATIENT ADVOCATE
DESIGNATIONHealthcare decision-making

DURABLE FINANCIAL
POWER OF ATTORNEYFinancial authority

HIPAA
AUTHORIZATIONAuthorized medical information

DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE →SCHEDULE A FAMILY PROTECTION REVIEW →TEXT ESTATE & RISK →

Free PDF • No email required • Immediate download

START HERE

Choose the Planning Level That Fits Today.

Little or No Planning

Start with the Essential 3 when your immediate priority is incapacity and decision-making protection.

Will-Based Family Planning

Add a Will, guardian nominations when applicable and foundational family planning.

Trust Planning

Consider a revocable living trust and additional implementation when your family, assets or goals call for it.

Already have documents? We can review what you have and identify whether anything should be updated rather than assuming you need to start over.

IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE

Why the Essential 3 Matter.

A Will or Trust is important, but it does not solve every problem that can arise while you are alive. For first responders and those who serve, an unexpected injury or medical event can create an immediate decision-making gap. The Essential 3 create a practical minimum layer of incapacity planning while you are able to choose the people you trust.

Patient Advocate Designation

Identifies who you want making healthcare decisions if you cannot participate in those decisions yourself.

Durable Financial Power of Attorney

Identifies who can handle financial and legal matters if you cannot manage them yourself.

HIPAA Authorization

Clearly identifies the people authorized to receive protected health information, helping reduce uncertainty when information is needed.

LAW ENFORCEMENTPolice • Deputies • Investigators

FIRE SERVICEFirefighters • Fire Officials

EMSEMTs • Paramedics

DISPATCH911 • Public Safety Communications

CORRECTIONSCorrections • Facility Personnel

FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENTFederal Agents • Officers

MILITARYActive • Reserve • Guard

VETERANSVeterans • Families

NURSES & HEALTHCARENurses • Emergency Healthcare

WHY THIS MATTERS BEFORE A CRISIS

If You Could Not Make Decisions Tomorrow, Who Could Step In?

A serious injury or illness can create immediate questions: Who can make healthcare decisions? Who can handle bills and financial matters? Who can receive medical information you have authorized them to receive?

A Will or Trust can be an important part of a complete estate plan, but incapacity planning addresses something different: what happens while you are alive but unable to manage important decisions yourself.

The Essential 3

Patient Advocate Designation
Names the person you want making healthcare decisions when the document becomes effective.

Durable Financial Power of Attorney
Authorizes a trusted person to handle financial and legal matters within the authority you give.

HIPAA Authorization
Provides written direction concerning who may receive protected medical information.

PLANNING GAPS FIRST RESPONDERS OFTEN OVERLOOK

The Job Is Public. Your Life Is Personal.

Long hours, overtime, holidays, critical incidents and family responsibilities make it easy to postpone personal planning. Some of the most important questions are also the ones families do not want to confront until they have to.

Beneficiaries & Retirement: Review beneficiary designations, pensions, retirement accounts and life insurance as part of the overall plan.

Children & Guardians: Parents should address who they want caring for minor children and how assets should be managed for them.

Aging Parents & Family: Parents or relatives may need estate planning, or families may need guidance when diminished capacity raises guardianship or conservatorship questions.

Special-Needs Family Members: Additional planning may be needed when a child or other loved one requires continuing care, benefits or long-term protection.

If the Worst Happens

✓ Who is your emergency contact?

✓ Who should notify your family?

✓ Who should handle personal items or your locker?

✓ Have you expressed preferences about agency honors or military funeral honors?

✓ Does your family know where important documents and benefit information are located?

The free guide goes deeper into these issues and the seven planning mistakes that can leave gaps.

FIRST RESPONDER PREFERRED RATES

Clear Pricing. Know What You're Paying For.

Start with the level of planning that fits your life today. Payment plans are available, and the Essential 3 can become the first step toward a more complete plan rather than money spent twice.

Preferred Rates May Extend Beyond You

First responders are often private people working in very public professions. Estate & Risk may extend First Responder Preferred Rates to family members, relatives and personal referrals, subject to the matter and scope of representation.

START HERE

Essential 3 — Decision Protection

$450 flat fee

Includes:

✓ Patient Advocate Designation
✓ Durable Financial Power of Attorney
✓ HIPAA Authorization
✓ Attorney consultation & customized preparation
✓ Signing/execution guidance

Payment plans available

UPGRADE CREDIT AVAILABLE

Will & Family Plan

$950 flat fee

Includes:

✓ Everything in the Essential 3
✓ Last Will and Testament
✓ Guardian nomination when applicable
✓ Related foundational planning within scope
✓ Customized drafting & signing guidance

Payment plans available

UPGRADE CREDIT AVAILABLE

Trust & Family Plan

From $1,950

Includes:

✓ Everything in the Essential 3
✓ Revocable Living Trust
✓ Pour-Over Will
✓ Certification of Trust
✓ Foundational trust documents within scope
✓ Trust-funding guidance

Payment plans available

UPGRADE CREDIT AVAILABLE

Trust & Family Plus

From $2,950

Includes:

✓ Everything in the Trust & Family Plan
✓ More hands-on funding/implementation assistance
✓ Deed work when included
✓ Expanded beneficiary/account coordination
✓ Additional agreed planning for complexity

Payment plans available

Preferred Rates Can Extend Beyond You. Estate & Risk may extend First Responder Preferred Rates to immediate and extended family members, relatives, and personal referrals of first responders and those who serve. Eligibility, scope, conflicts, and final fees are confirmed before representation begins.

START NOW. UPGRADE LATER.

Your $450 Isn't Money Spent Twice.

If you purchase the Essential 3 and move into a Will- or Trust-based Estate & Risk plan within 12 months, the $450 you already paid is credited toward the upgraded plan.

$950 Will & Family Plan − $450 credit = $500 remaining.
$1,950 Trust & Family Plan − $450 credit = $1,500 remaining.

Certain conditions apply; see engagement terms.

$450UPGRADE CREDIT

THOSE WHO SERVE — AND THE PEOPLE THEY CARE ABOUT

Your Service Extends Beyond the Uniform. So Does Ours.

Legal issues do not stop with the person wearing the uniform. An aging parent may need an estate plan. A family may need help addressing incapacity. A child with special needs may require additional planning. A relative, close friend or someone you trust may simply need a lawyer.

Estate & Risk's First Responder Preferred Rates may extend to first responders and those who serve, their families and relatives, and people personally referred to the firm by a first responder, subject to the service and scope.

First Responders & Those Who Serve

Law Enforcement Officers & Deputies

Former / Retired Law Enforcement

Federal Law Enforcement & Agents

Firefighters • EMTs • Paramedics

911 Dispatch / Public Safety Telecommunicators

Corrections • Probation • Parole

Military • Veterans

Nurses & Emergency Healthcare Professionals

TWO WAYS TO START

Individual Planning or a Qualifying Group Planning Day.

You do not need a group. Qualifying first responders and those who serve can use First Responder Preferred Rates individually and retain the applicable upgrade-credit option. Group Planning Days are simply an additional option when enough participating households make coordinated travel and signing practical.

Individual First Responder Rates

No group required.

Essential 3 $450

Will & Family $950

Trust & Family from $1,950

Trust & Family Plus from $2,950

Upgrade credit available.

Group Planning Day - 5+ Households

When participation, travel and scheduling requirements are met.

Essential 3 $400

Will & Family $850

Trust & Family from $1,750

Trust & Family Plus from $2,650

Upgrade credit is based on the amount actually paid.

Each participant remains an individual client with an individual engagement agreement and independent planning decisions. Group events are subject to conflicts, scheduling, facility approval, sufficient completed matters and final written terms. No participant is paid or rewarded for recommending Estate & Risk.

STATEWIDE GROUP PLANNING

Bring Estate Planning to Your Department, Facility or Team.

Estate & Risk can work with first responders and healthcare professionals across Michigan. Much of the planning process can be handled from our office by phone, video and secure document exchange. When a department, station, dispatch center, correctional facility, healthcare facility, association or other group has enough participating households to make travel practical, we may coordinate an on-site signing day at an agreed location - across Michigan, including outside Metro Detroit and in northern Michigan.

Group signing events are subject to scheduling, conflicts, facility approval and a sufficient number of completed client matters. For qualifying events, a group-event savings amount may be announced in advance. Each participant remains an individual client with an individual engagement agreement and independent planning decisions.

ASK ABOUT A GROUP SIGNING DAY →

Michigan Upper and Lower Peninsulas with Estate & Risk Troy office marker

METRO DETROIT HOME BASE • STATEWIDE REACHEstate & Risk can coordinate planning throughout Michigan, including qualifying group signing days outside Metro Detroit and in northern Michigan.

WANT THE FULL GUIDE?

Take “Before the Next Call Comes” With You.

The free guide includes the seven planning mistakes, a Family Protection Checkup, first-responder-specific planning considerations, pricing, resources and additional information you can review on your own time.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE →SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION →

QR code for Estate & Risk First Responder Estate Planning guide page

SCAN THE QR CODESave or share the guide page

NOT SURE WHAT YOU NEED?

Start With a Family Protection Review.

We'll look at what you already have, identify potential planning gaps, and discuss options that fit your family, career and goals.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION →

Estate & Risk — Michigan Estate Planning, Probate, Professional Licensing and Business Law

PLAN. PROTECT. PRESERVE.

Joseph A. Bunting, Esq.

Estate Planning

Professionals & Licensees

Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

First Responders & Service Members

Free Estate Planning Guide

Free First Responder Estate Planning Guide

Focused Counsel for What Comes Next

Estate Planning

Probate & Trusts

Professional Licensing

Business & Civil Litigation

Legal Work Designed Around What Happens Next.

Before the Next Call Comes.

Ready to Talk?

The Estate & Risk Guide to Essential Estate Planning

A Plan Built Around Your Life — Not Just a Set of Documents.

What an Estate Plan Can Address

Wills & Trusts

Financial Powers of Attorney

Health-Care & Incapacity Planning

Beneficiary & Asset Coordination

Business Succession

First Responder Estate Planning

Lady Bird Deeds & Real Property Transfers

Build the Plan Around the Life.

Understand

Design

Coordinate

Maintain

Plan Today. Protect What Comes Next.

First Responders & Those Who Serve

Protecting the PeopleWho Protect Us.

First Responder Estate Planning

Protect Your Family

Plan for the Unexpected

Coordinate the Details

Preserve What Matters

Estate Planning for First Responders & Those Who Serve

ESTATE PLANNINGFOR FIRST RESPONDERS& THOSE WHO SERVE

Planning for the Risks You Already Understand

Protect the people waiting at home.

Estate Planning for First Responders & Those Who Serve

Your service makes a difference.

Legal Work Designed Around What Happens Next.

Focused Counsel for What Comes Next

Probate Administration

Trust Administration

Probate Litigation

Trust Litigation

Administration With a Clear Path Forward

Know what comes next.

Administration or dispute?

Legal Work Designed Around What Happens Next.

Protecting People.Protecting Property.

Guardianship

Conservatorship

Contested Proceedings

Planning Before a Crisis

Your Career.Your Reputation.Our Focus.

MCOLES

MOAHR

Brady & Giglio Issues

Your Professional License Represents Years of Work.

Focused Counsel for What Comes Next

Complaints & Investigations

Administrative Matters

Employment Risk

Private Counsel

Respond Deliberately Before the Record Is Written

Your first response can matter.

Private counsel before the next step.

Clear Fees Before Representation Begins.

Legal Work Designed Around What Happens Next.

Focused Counsel for What Comes Next

Contract Review

Employment Agreements

Franchise & Business Agreements

Protecting the People
Who Protect Us.

ESTATE PLANNING
FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
& THOSE WHO SERVE

Protecting People.
Protecting Property.

Your Career.
Your Reputation.
Our Focus.

Clear Planning.
Clear Pricing. No Surprises.

Strategic Counsel.
Real Solutions. Lasting Impact.