James P. Frederick

James P. Frederick

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 36 years

Probate Lawyer at Livonia, MI
Practice Areas: Probate, Estate Planning, Trusts ... +3 more

17199 N. Laurel Park Dr., Suite 7, Livonia, MI

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Probate 40%

Includes both administration of decedent's probate estates, Will and Trust Contests and contested estates, establishing and administration of guardianships and conservatorships

40%
Estate Planning 30%

Includes all facets of estate planning, including consultation with clients, preparation of Trusts, Wills, Power of Attorney forms, various Deed forms, tax and elder law planning, as well as probate avoidance planning

30%
Trusts 15%

Trusts are a very flexible estate planning tool and can be useful for a wide variety of client situations - Trusts are not recommended for everybody, as every situation is different and trust planning may be more expensive and more complicated than many people require

15%
Contracts and Agreements 5%

Formation and ongoing representation of business entities, as well as contract review and preparation for both businesses and individuals

5%
Elder Law 5%

Long term care costs continue to escalate and many people are concerned about finding resources to cover these costs without exhausting all of their assets

5%
Power of Attorney 5%

Power of Attorney forms are a very useful estate planning tool, and everybody should have one. They eliminate the need for probate appointment of guardians and conservators and enable the client to dictate who will assist them, if they ever become incapacitated. If you have no other estate planning whatsoever, at least make sure that you have a Power of Attorney in place!

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 250-300 per hour

Pro bono

10 %


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 36 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 1989

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices Of Frederick & Frederick Plc

17199 N. Laurel Park Dr., Suite 7, Livonia, MI, 48152

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James P. Frederick's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

37 Client Reviews

5 star (36) 4 star (1)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Kelly | September 20, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional attorney worth your trust

James responded to a question I posted. I was able to reach him immediately from my first call. He spent a considerable amount of time consulting with me without hesitation. James was courteous, respectful, professional and extremely knowledgeable. He answered every question I asked directly with... sincere detailed answers. After speaking with James, it was clear to me this was an attorney who truly cares about people. He worked promptly on what I needed, kept his word and demonstrated excellent communication. I reached out to 3 attorneys, James consulted with me and completed what I needed before even a return phone call from the other 2 attorneys. I know many others, including myself, who have had just mediocre or terrible experiences trying to reach and work with an attorney. James is genuine and willing to help no matter how small or large the need. He has integrity and does not overpromise and underdeliver. I did NOT hire James by default because he answered my call. He earned my trust and respect. I would not hesitate to hire James in the future and refer him to everyone I know or meet. Highly recommended!

Posted by Laura | August 20, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Good Experience

He handled our estate planning documents. Fees were reasonable. Knowledgeable and good people.

Posted by Lindsey | August 31, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Top Notch from Start to Finish

It was an absolute pleasure to collaborate with James on our estate plans. He was exceedingly responsive, detailed, and patient. James explained the documents in plain terms, and he answered our questions in great detail. He presented options for us to choose throughout the process but never press...ured us one way or the other. He worked efficiently, often returning revisions to us within hours of our correspondence. James made the estate planning process pleasant, and our documents accurately reflect our exact wishes. We highly recommend James and plan to seek his services in the future.

Posted by Byron | January 16, 2020 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

A very helpful attorney!

James is truly a decent caring Christian attorney! He spent much time to consult me without charging me. That's quite unusual. It demonstrates that he is really out there helping people, not just making money. if anyone need legal help. I strongly recommend go to James.

Posted by Linda | January 10, 2020 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Very responsive

I had a somewhat complex situation dealing with my mothers estate, but Mr Frederick took the time to answer several questions online and even accepted my phone call to give me more details on how I should approach the issues. Dealing with documents and assets that aren't' up to date can create a head...ache for anyone. Mr Frederick has helped with my questions on several occasions here and should i need to hire an attorney I would definitely seek him out first.

James Frederick

Replied last January 11, 2020

Thank you for the review and the kind words. I am glad I was able to help.

See All Client Reviews

James P. Frederick's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Larry E. Powe headshot
Larry Powe

Probate lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Frederick is a fellow lawyer I only know from this AVVO site. He and I have never before crossed paths. BUT.....that said, I have very high regard for his analysis, judgment and advisory calls for questions as to probate, trusts and real estate. He even corrected my misconception about a very old real estate premise as to title ownership. I was gratefully re-directed in my thinking. His counsel is excellent in my opinion."

Brandan Anthony Hallaq headshot
Brandan Hallaq

Unknown lawyer | Nov 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Channika Shalini Desilva headshot
Channika Desilva

Elder law lawyer | Mar 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this attorney. His professionalism, remarkable knowledge and vast experience place Mr. Frederick among the top notch lawyers in his areas of practice. With utmost dedication and quick critical thinking, he has successfully resolved an impressive number of cases over the course of his career. I highly recommend this lawyer to anyone who needs quality legal representation."

Andrew R. Alex headshot
Andrew Alex

Contracts and agreements lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Carl Jones headshot
Joseph Jones

Probate lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Frederick has contributed to the Avvo community tremendously. The responses I have reviewed are legally sound, and provide a glimpse into his vast knowledge base and years of experience. For this reason, I endorse him."

Adam A Studnicki headshot
Adam Studnicki

Unknown lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Frederick is a valuable asset to this community. His dedication to the law and his clients is admirable."

Charles J Moore headshot
Charles Moore

Estate planning lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Frederick shows a fine understanding of the law and has the experience in his chosen areas of practice to really assist clients."

Ravi R. Gurumurthy headshot
Ravi Gurumurthy

Unknown lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Aaron R. Shahan headshot
Aaron Shahan

Probate lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Frederick within the Avvo community. He consistently provides clear, precise, and practical responses to a variety of questions. He is a valuable part if this community. For that reason, I endorse Mr. Frederick."

Donald G. Messinger headshot
Donald Messinger

Estate planning lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Frederick has broad knowledge in many areas of law, including probate, estate planning and property law. That knowledge, coupled with an unique ability to identify the critical facts necessary to apply the correct legal principals, serves his clients well."

Ryan Jacob Fishman headshot
Ryan Fishman

Contracts and agreements lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Contracts and agreements lawyer | Nov 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Patrick Schmitt headshot
Michael Schmitt

Estate planning lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Elder law lawyer | Sep 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"3. I not only endorse this lawyer. I give this lawyer 5 stars!"

Bonnie Klein Rhoden headshot
Bonnie Klein Rhoden

Probate lawyer | Sep 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Frederick appears active in this community and his advice solid. I recommend him for your probate or other legal needs."

Robert S. Zawideh headshot
Robert Zawideh

Probate lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Other

"In the short time I have been active on Avvo, I have found Mr. Frederick's comments to be thoughtful, and his knowledge of probate and trust law to be broad and substantial. He would clearly be an excellent choice of counsel in the area of probate and trust law, and I enthusiastically endorse this attorney."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Contracts and agreements lawyer | Jun 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Contracts and agreements lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."

Gina M. Famularo headshot
Gina Famularo

Trusts lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Zebulon Kelly Chandler headshot
Zebulon Chandler

Estate planning lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr Fredrick is a very well respected lawyer in the drafting of estate planning, wills, trusts, and other very important legal instruments. I highly recommend him."

View All Endorsements
Joseph Carl Jones headshot
Joseph Jones

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Jennifer Coles

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Larry E. Powe headshot
Larry Powe

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Aaron R. Shahan headshot
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Donald G. Messinger headshot
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Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2023

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Avvo Top Contributor, Avvo

2016

Client's Choice Award, AVVO

2016

America's Top 1% Honored Professionals, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Avvo Top Contributor, Avvo

2015

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Top Contributor - Probate, Avvo

1989

Editor of Wayne Law Review, Wayne Law Review

Work Experience

1991 - Present

Managing Partner, Frederick & Frederick PLC

1989 - 1991

Associate Attorney, Meyer, Kirk, Snyder & Safford

Associations

2012 - Present

Law QA Attorney Network

Contributing attorney

2012 - Present

Neighborhood Christian Lawyer

Member Attorney

2001 - Present

Legal Club of America

Member Attorney

1991 - Present

Probate and Estate Planning Section - Michigan Bar

Member attorney

1989 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Member attorney

2002 - 2012

Legal Match Member Attorney

Member attorney

Sample of Legal Cases

Worse Case Scenario for no Estate Plan

Happy but expensive outcome

Lost cause?

Settlement of $240k for the client

See More Legal Cases

Education

2016

ICLE

Certificate of Estate Planning and Probate

1989

Wayne State University Law School

Juris Doctorate

1986

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2023

Life to death to new life

Estate planning

2016

Writing a Good Last Chapter

Estate planning

2012

Planning for Peace of Mind

Estate planning/Probate Avoidance

2011

Financial Planning Seminar

Estate and Financial Planning Concerns for Woman

2011

Conversations From the Bedside

End of life planning

2004

Chiropractic Legal Seminar

Estate planning and Employment law matters

Publications

2012

Self-published Probate Avoidance: What you need to know in order to protect yourself and your family from higher costs and complications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution