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OPEN and WORKING during COVID - 19 crisis. Electronic document delivery and signatures on Health Care Powers of Attorney, Wills, Trusts. Credit cards accepted. Peacable divorce through Mediation, Collaboration or Limited Scope.
Concentrating in Estate Planning/Elder Law/Probate, Collaborative Divorce and Mediation. Broad range of legal expertise generated from 26 years of practice with the first 12 in litigation provides clients with a wealth of knowledge on many areas of the law.. I earned certifications from the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) in Estate Planning and Probate and in Family Law, which I keep current. If your matter is not one I handle, I will guide you in the right direction. I value practical solutions to resolution of client matters.
University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and Wayne State University Law School
I am passionate about helping people and positively contributing to people's lives.
5
Practice Areas
24 years
32 years
9 years
32 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
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Chat withState: Michigan
Acquired: 1993
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145 S Livernois Rd # 280, Rochester Hills, MI, 48307-1837
Showing 1 - 5 of 24 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | December 5, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
Debbie took my situation into consideration and guided me to lower cost options, which was extremely helpful.
Posted by anonymous | April 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney
We had Debbie draw up a trust for us and she did a great job and was super easy to work with. thanks Debbie !!
Posted by Ronnie | March 25, 2023 | Hired Attorney
I found Deborah through a recommendation by my financial services consultant. I hired Deborah to complete my estate planning documents. It was a very good experience. The process was quick but thorough. She is very professional and was a pleasure to work with. I will recommend her to family and fri...
Posted by Katy | March 3, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
She was super respectful and knowledgeable. She was able to break down all options of divorce including areas such as Collaborative Divorce options with a team where both spouses each have their own lawyer with financial and supportive mediators.
Posted by Marie | February 27, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
I received a referral to contact Deborah regarding probate information for a family member that recently passed. Deborah was good listener and provided me with legal advice on a path forward. She was relatable, kind, sympathetic and professional.
"I have referred several clients to Debbie for their estate planning needs, and I would do so again without hesitation. She is very sharp and diligent, and she is also a pleasure to work with. I always enjoy running into Debbie at various functions, and anyone working with her will find her to be a very refreshing, positive person to be around."
"As a fellow attorney, I first became acquainted with Deborah through our local group of Collaborative Divorce professionals. I have been extremely impressed with her knowledge and dedication to family law, and in particular, the Collaborative Divorce process. In addition to her estate planning expertise, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to Collaborative Divorce and its tremendous benefits to clients looking for an alternative to traditional divorce litigation. I highly recommend Deborah."
"I endorse this lawyer. Deb is a rare combination of knowledge, creativity, reasonableness and professionsalism."
"Deborah is a fantastic attorney and I would not hesitate to refer her matters. She truly cares about her clients and is knowledgeable and easy to work with."
"I practice in the area of estate planning and I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Fordree is dedicated to her estate planning practice and serving clients with a working knowledge of the latest trends in our practice area."
Mediation lawyer
Family lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
2021
Advanced Training Collaborative Practice Institute MI - Virtual, CPIM
2021
IACP Forum Advanced Training Virtual, IACP
2021
Advanced Collaborative Training Virtual, CPCAL
2020
Advanced Training Collaborative Practice Domestic, CPIM
2019
Family Law Program Certificate of Completion, ICLE
2019
IACP Forum Advanced Collaborative Training- Chicago, IACP
2019
Advanced Collaborative Training - San Diego, CPCAL
2018
IACP Forum Advanced Collaborative Training- Seattle, IACP
2018
Advanced Collaborative Training - San Mateo, CPCAL
2018
Advanced Training Collaborative Practice Domestic, CPIM
2017
Advanced Training Collaborative Practice Domestic, CPIM
2017
IACP Forum Advanced Collaborative Training- Philadelphia, IACP
2016
Domestic Collaborative Practice Basic Training, Prism Perspective
2016
IACP Forum Advanced Collaborative Training - Las Vegas, IACP
2007
Probate and Estate Planning Program Certificate of Completion, ICLE
2005 - Present
Attorney, Fordree Law Firm, P.C.
2000 - 2005
Attorney, Schwartz Law Firm
1993 - 2000
Attorney, Secrest Wardle
2018 - Present
Michigan Inter Profesional Association (MIPA)Member
2016 - Present
State Bar of MichiganFamily Law Section , Elder Law Section
2016 - Present
Rochester Regional Chamber of CommerceAmbassador
2016 - Present
Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan (CPIM)Member
2016 - Present
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP)Member
2016 - Present
Rochester Bar AssociationBoard Member
2010 - Present
State Bar of Michigan - Solo and Small Practice Section
2009 - Present
Birmingham Unitarian ChurchLeadership/Advisory
1993 - Present
State Bar of Michigan, Probate and Estate Planning Section
2016 - 2021
BNIVisitorHost/Membership/Social/Mentor&Coord/Education Coordinator
1993 - 2005
State Bar of Michigan, Litigation Section
win
1993
JD - Juris Doctor
1988
BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration
2020
Client Service in COVID lockdown and Adaptability
2020
What is an Estate Plan?
2020
What to Expect from Fordree Law Firm, P.C.
2019
How to Select a Lawyer
2019
Pitfalls of a DIY Estate Plan
2019
Why a Simple Deed is Not Simple
2018
Estate Plans - How They Help You
2018
Collaborative Divorce - What is that?
2017
How to Pass Business Amongst Financial Professionals- Demo
2017
Collaborative Divorce - Distinguished from Litigated Divorce
2016
Collaborative Divorce and Legal Services for the Disabled
2016
Estate Planning and Beyond
2015
End of Life Decisions and Selection of Fiduciaries
2014
Assisting Financial Planners in Protecting Client Assets
2010
Am I prepared?
English
Legal Answers
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How can I find a cheap or "pro Bono" attorney?
12 Feb 2020
I have outstanding debt with some of my credit cards, can they still put a lean on the home if it is quit claim deeded to my da
11 Feb 2020
Is caregiving for an in-law a reason to be excused from jury duty?
11 Feb 2020