Suzanne R. Fanning

Suzanne R. Fanning

4.9
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 29 years

Probate Lawyer at Ann Arbor, MI
Practice Areas: Probate, Trusts, Estate Planning ... +2 more

5340 Plymouth Road, Ste 203, Ann Arbor, MI

About Suzanne

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Estate Planning 20%

I provide comprehensive estate planning in a holistic manner to give the best counsel to my clients. This includes meeting with clients at length to fully discuss their estate planning needs and counseling them regarding the best options to transfer their assets to their loved ones. I also draft and execute powers of attorney, patient advocate designations/health care powers of attorney and deeds to complete an estate plan and provide legal protection both during life and after death

30 years

20%
Guardianship 20%

I assist clients with obtaining Guardianships for adults, minors and developmentally disabled individuals. I am also experienced in contesting Guardianships and modification of Guardianships

30 years

20%
Probate 20%

I have extensive experience in all aspects of probate practice including administration of trusts and estates, will and trust contests, Guardianships, Conservatorships, incapacity and undue influence cases and other matters involving incapacitated individuals and minors

30 years

20%
Trusts 20%

I practice in all areas of trusts including trust planning, administration of trusts, trust litigation and seeking court intervention for all aspects of trust management.

30 years

20%
Wills and Living Wills 20%

A will is the simplest and most economical way to ensure that you pass your assets to the people you want after your death. I have extensive experience in assisting clients to execute a simple will or change previous estate planning documents

30 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 29 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 1996

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Suzanne R. Fanning PLLC

5340 Plymouth Road, Ste 203, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105

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Suzanne R. Fanning's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

19 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (19) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Estate Planning

Posted by Catharine | April 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Excellent professional service.

Suzanne drew up a living will and trust for my husband and I, but when the marriage ended in divorce less than a year later, she immediately jumped into action and altered the will free of charge. I now have complete peace of mind that my daughter and my personal interests are well looked after. Her ...services are top notch, professional, timely, well organized and well explained, I wholeheartedly recommend her and her team,

Suzanne Fanning

Replied last April 25, 2022

Thank you so much for your kind review, Catharine. It was a pleasure working with you!

Posted by Jean | February 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Fortunate Find, Rewarding Result

Ms. Fanning is the attorney for you if you are seeking a kind, friendly, approachable professional whose knowledge of probate, trusts, and estate planning is unparalleled. Ms. Fanning has prepared documents for me over the past few years. During this time, she has presented an array of legal o...ptions to me, each of which was accompanied by a thorough but understandable analysis of pros and cons. Her written expression has always exceeded my expectations, as her documents are thorough, precise, unambiguous, and insightful. Not only has Ms. Fanning been instructive and professional, but she has been very approachable and responsive. An added bonus is that working on such sensitive and confidential matters with Ms. Fanning is made unexpectedly pleasant.

Posted by Chuck | December 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

A great advocate in many ways

After the death of my wife I turned to Susie to modify my will so it was appropriate for my new role as a widower. I had been married for 35 years to the love of my life. So this period in my life was difficult. Susie listened. She took the time to understand the loving dynamic that is my fam...ily relationship. She crafted a document that not only met my legal needs but captured the spirit of my family. An example of this is the language that she included that explained how my brother in law was not inheriting any of my assets not out of malice but because his financial situation was so good that it was a decision he and I had made together. That we both felt the money could better serve other members of my family. Since crafting my will I have turned to Susie many times for guidance as I make this transition to my new life. I will be returning soon to work with her to make further modifications to my will and estate. I can without hesitation recommend her to anyone who needs advice legal and otherwise.

Posted by Anita | November 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Suzanne is by far an exceptional Trust attorney. Her 5-star reviews are a truly accurate rating.

My first consultation with Suzanne was by telephone, and I had several questions to ask her regarding administration of a complex Trust. I never felt rushed or limited to the amount of questions I asked. She had a grasp on my issues right away, and explained things clearly and thoroughly and didn't... charge me anything. I knew from that initial consultation she was the person I wanted to consult further regarding details of the Trust. Suzanne is such a friendly, warm person that I was totally relaxed during our meeting and I was amazed at the exceptional level of her expertise and clear explanations. During my lifetime I have had consultations with and trusts written by three other Trust attorneys, so when I say she is exceptional, it is with first-hand comparison.

See All Client Reviews

Suzanne R. Fanning's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Suzanne
Victoria Sloan headshot
Victoria Sloan

Probate lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've had the pleasure of working with Suzanne on a difficult matter. She is knowledgeable, professional, courteous and caring. Suzanne pays keen attention to detail and treats her clients with great respect. I recommend Suzanne Fanning and highly endorse this lawyer."

Jason B. Negri headshot
Jason Negri

Probate lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Suzanne. Her experience has been invaluable in helping me navigate a complicated probate litigation matter. I am relying on her expertise and guidance in how to proceed and I am consistently impressed by the breadth of her knowledge and her sense of litigation. If you need an experienced probate litigator in SE Michigan, Suzanne Fanning is your best bet."

Marta A. Manildi headshot
Marta Manildi

Probate lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Suzy highly. While the AVVO form only let's me select one area for endorsement, I would endorse her for litigation, mediation, and estate planning, as well as probate. She is intelligent, skilled, conscientious, and effective, and she has an obvious concern and respect for her clients."

James A. Iafrate headshot
James Iafrate

Estate planning lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Suzanne is a friendly and highly competent attorney that I would personally recommend to anyone with a Family law/Probate matter."

Kymberlie Beth London headshot
Kymberlie London

Probate lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Suzanne on a case, and she has done an amazing job as the Conservator for my client. I recommend Suzanne and look forward to working with her again."

Elizabeth Sue Graziano headshot
Elizabeth Graziano

Probate lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Suzanne is a professional that conveys warmth and compassion. She has a wealth of experience in litigation and probate court. Suzanne successfully juggles multiple interests while keeping her client's needs at the forefront. She is a problem solver and collaborator. I have referred and will continue to refer several probate matters to Suzanne."

View All Endorsements
Eileen J. Slank headshot
Eileen Slank

Family lawyer

Christopher Allyn Sevick headshot
Christopher Sevick

Residential real estate lawyer

Kymberlie Beth London headshot
Kymberlie London

Family lawyer

Elizabeth Sue Graziano headshot
Elizabeth Graziano

Guardianship lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Certificate in Elder Mediation, Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education

2010

Certificate of completion in probate and estate planning, Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education

1988

Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, Duke of Edinburgh

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Trust and Estate attorney and owner, Suzanne R. Fanning PLLC

2008 - 2015

Probate and Estate Attorney, Garan Lucow Miller PC

2003 - 2008

Contract Attorney, Koselka Devine PLLC

1995 - 1996

Judicial Intern for the Honorable Bernard Friedman, Eastern District of Michigan

1995 - 2003

Litigation Attorney, Garan Lucow Miller

Associations

1997 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Member

2012 - 2015

Washtenaw County Bar Association, Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law Section

Co-Chair

Sample of Legal Cases

Estate of Luick

The Court ruled completely in favor of my client admitting a 1991 will copy of her late partner, which gave her his entire estate

In Re Donald Luick

The will copy was upheld by the Washtenaw County Probate Court

See More Legal Cases

Education

1996

Wayne State University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1991

University of Bristol

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Washtenaw County Probate Court Fiduciary Training

Guardianships and Conservatorships

2013

Washtenaw County Probate Court Fiduciary Training

Mental Health Law

2012

Washtenaw County Probate Court Fiduciary Training

Mental Health law

Publications

2015

Res Ipsa Loquitor (WCBA) Is Probate Necessary?

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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