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I am the founder of Suzanne R. Fanning, PLLC in Ann Arbor, Michigan and have over 20 years of legal experience. I concentrate my practice exclusively in the area of probate, trusts and estates. I graduated from the University of Bristol in England in 1991, with a BA with Honors in History. I subsequently obtained my law degree from Wayne State Law School in 1996. I am a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Washtenaw County Bar Association. I served as co-chair of the Washtenaw County Bar Association Probate and Estate Section from 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, after being elected to that position by my peers. I am frequently appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem by the Washtenaw County Probate Court in Ann Arbor, and have also been appointed as an independent Guardian, Conservator and Trustee.
A seasoned litigator, I have significant experience and knowledge to successfully guide clients through the difficult process of a probate court action, whether it is necessary to contest a trust or will, challenge a fiduciary improperly performing his or her duties or bring a contested guardianship. I know that these cases involve, not only important legal issues, but often difficult family dynamics and significant stress. My counsel and legal acumen is invaluable in addressing all aspects of a litigated matter.
I am also an accomplished trust and estate planner and can effectively create a comprehensive plan, giving clients the comfort of knowing that they have ensured security for their children and family.
Suzanne R. Fanning PLLC is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan just steps from the Washtenaw County courthouse. I routinely practice in Washtenaw, Wayne, Monroe, Livingston, Genesee and Lenawee counties. However, I regularly travel throughout Michigan to represent clients.
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30 years
30 years
30 years
30 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
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Chat withState: Michigan
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
5340 Plymouth Road, Ste 203, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105
19 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Case Results
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 ...
Thank you so much for your kind review, Catharine. It was a pleasure working with you!
Posted by Lisa | August 20, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Guardianship
Guardianship Matter Solved
Suzanne Fanning is not your typical lawyer!! WIthout a doubt, she is top notch and showed this through her kindness and compassion while representing us in our guardianship matter. Ms. Fanning’s staff greeted us through emails and phone calls before we even stepped foot into her office. When we h...
Posted by Adam | April 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Guardianship
I was so lucky to find Suzanne
I needed a lawyer to help with the guardianship process for my two autistic children since they are turning 18 and my job currently keeps me out of state. I emailed and called several law firms that worked in this area of the law. Most reply's were impersonal, take out a second mortgage on your house...
Posted by Kathleen | November 01, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Elder Law
Professional, thorough, and caring
Suzanne Fanning came into our lives at a time when our family was in great need of advice, assistance with finding a suitable placement for my mother, and action. She communicated with our family often giving us great comfort that all the many legal loose ends were being taken care of properly. Recen...
Posted by Cameron | October 29, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Probate
Knowledgeable, helpful and flexible
Ms. Fanning helped my family navigate the probate court and deal with some challenging issues when we accepted guardianship of a child whose parent passed away. Ms. Fanning's advice and assistance was of great value to us and allowed us to accomplish our goals as soon as possible.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Suzanne is a friendly and highly competent attorney that I would personally recommend to anyone with a Family law/Probate matter."
"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."
"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."
Family lawyer
Residential real estate lawyer
Family lawyer
Guardianship lawyer
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
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
1997 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
2012 - 2015
Washtenaw County Bar Association, Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law SectionCo-Chair
The Court ruled completely in favor of my client admitting a 1991 will copy of her late partner, which gave her his entire estate
The will copy was upheld by the Washtenaw County Probate Court
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2016
Guardianships and Conservatorships
2013
Mental Health Law
2012
Mental Health law
2015
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
How can I get a financial report I'm a trust fund and I am named as a beneficiary to.?
22 Feb 2024
How do I contest a quick claim deed and will?
28 May 2023
We listed our best friends as guardians in case we die. We know family would fight this. Can friends become joint guardians now?
20 Feb 2023