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, if you had saved to much money upon your death you would be required to pay federal and possibly state estate tax. 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 families, 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 other that I learned from my parents assisted hundreds of families plan out the business of their life. Because of the respectful relationships I fostered with those clients and the superior services I provided them, I continue to receive referrals clients I assisted in 1997.

In 2003, my first son arrived and refocused my life. Instead of maintaining an active business, I decided I must center more 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 client and then my new clients with wonderful service. Recognizing that with each client, their individual needs are not the same as any past client, giving them personalized service. Educating them about the legal process and guiding them through on a level they understood.

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 Continues 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 sibling 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 sibling. I now share my life and this upbringing with my husband of 17 years and my 2 sons.