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Suzanne R. Fanning
About Suzanne
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 29 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1996
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
19 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Staff & Support
Posted by Nicole | July 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Guardianship
Both Wise and Caring
A friend of mine, whose children I've helped raise for the past six years, asked if I would be willing to become guardian for her two young girls. Two years prior, I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Fanning in order to establish Power of Attorney for these children and had had a great experience ...
Suzanne R. Fanning's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
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Experience
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 MichiganMember
2012 - 2015
Washtenaw County Bar Association, Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law SectionCo-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
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
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How can I get a financial report I'm a trust fund and I am named as a beneficiary to.?
22 Feb 2024
Q&A
How do I contest a quick claim deed and will?
28 May 2023
Q&A
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