Call Us: 810-953-3846
Brett Howell, the founder of the Elder and Estate Planning Law Firm, specializes in helping Michigan families protect their estates. Whether you are worried about nursing home expenses that cost approximately $9,000.00 per month, assisted living expenses, having your estate avoid probate court or planning for a special needs child or grandchild, Brett has helped thousands of families obtain peace of mind when faced with such issues. Often this involves qualifying for Medicaid or VA benefits, creating a trust for an estate or a special needs trust for a disabled loved one. If you are dealing with any of these issues, contact our office for a confidential consultation to discuss your concerns with Brett – you will be glad (and relieved) you did.
Our Legal Team
From initial contact in our Grand Blanc office to any concerns you may have, we guarantee that your estate plan will be handled with care. Come meet our team to see their determination and exceptional professional care.
Brett A. Howell, J.D. CFP - Certified Elder Law Attorney
Brett Howell earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. In 1992, he received his law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. After clerking for a circuit court judge for one year, Brett became an associate with a Kalamazoo law firm specializing primarily in insurance defense litigation. As a litigator, Brett was responsible for numerous cases, including several cases that required jury trials. Brett also handled several appeals, including successfully briefing and arguing a case before the Michigan Supreme Court.
Brett ultimately came to realize that for him, his work as a litigator was unfulfilling. Recognizing he needed to work in a more personal way with his clients, Brett began to focus his practice on estate planning in approximately 1995. In January of 2000, Brett relocated his family to work with a law firm specializing only in estate planning.
The Elder and Estate Planning Law Firm
As his estate planning practice grew, so did Brett’s desire to help his elderly clients. In 2001, Brett passed the certified financial planner certification examination and became a licensed CFP the following year. Also, as more and more of his clients feared losing their life savings due to nursing home expenses, Brett joined the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and became extremely knowledgeable in Medicaid planning and elder law. In February of 2006, Brett became the first attorney in Genesee County to be certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation.
In August of 2003, after much prayer, Brett established his own law firm called “The Elder and Estate Planning Law Firm, P.L.L.C.” His intent was to offer not only quality legal services, but the highest Christian values (Colossians 3:17). Since that time, Brett has been blessed to focus his practice exclusively on helping clients with all of their estate planning and elder law needs. This includes Medicaid planning, Veterans Benefits, trusts, wills, probate, estate planning and administration, and Special Needs Trusts.
Brett and his wife, Katie live in Fenton. They are blessed to have one child, Alexandra who is currently studying law at Notre Dame Law School. Brett is a deacon at First Baptist Church in Swartz Creek and also coaches boys basketball at Linden High School.
Liz Brewer - Paralegal
Liz joined the Elder and Estate Planning Law Firm, PLLC in 2020 and brought with her over 25 years of service in the legal field. As first point of contact, Liz enjoys interacting and gathering information from our clients and potential clients and setting appointments. She also enjoys meeting with clients to sign their estate planning documents. Liz strives to be a comforting encouragement during sometimes stressful and unknown times.
In her free time, Liz enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering with her local church, jogging, bicycle riding and yoga. When weather permits, she looks forward to riding her motorcycle with her husband and friends.
Katie Howell - Receptionist
Katie is in the office on a part-time basis, offering support where needed. She enjoys answering the phone and interacting with the clients. Katie enjoys the opportunity she has to help during an often stressful time.
Katie was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom for their daughter, Allie. It is very rewarding to now help in the office and to be a part of such a caring and dedicated team. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with Brett and their beloved labradoodle Bella. They enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time up North.
Bella - Office Mascot
