Michelle J. Doherty

Legal Experience
I will always remember my first semester of my first year of law school when I learned that after paying income tax your entire life, you may have to pay federal estate taxes on your death on the money you saved.  I was shocked and offended by this. I was further shocked when I learned that this estate tax was paid by the average upper middle class family, not just the super wealthy.  It was at that time I decided to learn ways to avoid paying that tax, and I did.

After graduation, I took this knowledge in probate and estate planning and opened my own law practice.  There I hone my skills as a lawyer, and with the respect for others that I learned from my parents, I have assisted hundreds of families in planning the business of their life.  Because of the respectful relationships I foster with my clients and the superior services I provide them, I continue to receive referrals from the first clients I assisted in 1997.

In 2003, my first son arrived and refocused my life.  Instead of maintaining my law practice, I decided I must center my attention on the new life before me.  Without any regrets and only great hopes for the future, I closed my firm and joined Karen in her practice.  Over the years, I have continued to provide my old clients and now my new clients with wonderful service.  Recognizing that each client’s needs are different, I provide them personalized service, educate them about the legal process, and guide them through their legal process on a level they understand.

Over the years, I have provided legal services at various legal aids centers across the metro Detroit area; I have moderated several seminars for the Institute for Continuing Legal Education; and assisted many clients by making home and hospital visits when they are unable to come to my office.

For several years, I tried cases for Department of Human Services.  I assisted the Department by removing children from neglectful families, including terminating parental rights when necessary.

I now look forward to helping with your legal needs!

Personal Information
I was raised by my mother and father with my 4 siblings in Shelby Twp., Michigan.  Respectful family relations were instilled in me at a young age through attending church, working on frequent volunteer projects, and honoring my parents and siblings.  I now share my life and this upbringing with my husband of 17 years and my 2 sons.

Education

  • 1992 – Graduated from the James Madison College of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.
    • Bachelors of Arts degree in American Public Affairs, Minor in History
  • 1997 – Graduated with Distinction with my law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan
  • 2009 – Certificate of Completion in Probate and Estate Planning by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, the education provider of the State Bar of Michigan.

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