For more than 30 years, the law firm of Douglas H. McPhail, PLC, has been helping Michigan families like yours protect themselves and their assets through estate planning. 

Just What Is Estate Planning Anyway?

In our experience, a good estate plan cannot be created without taking the time to discover information about you, your health, your family history, your goals and wishes, as well as, a careful review of what you own, how it is titled, and what it is worth. Estate planning is not just about quickly signing some legal documents like a Last Will and Testament and hoping it all works out.

When done effectively, estate planning is a carefully thought out process. It assures your ability to keep control over your assets while you are alive and well, provides proper instructions about your own care (or the care of others) if you become disabled, and assures that upon your death, what you own goes to who you want, how you want, in the most efficient way possible.

Whether your goal is avoiding probate, saving taxes, protecting your assets from the costs of nursing home care, or simply having the peace of mind that your affairs are in order, we have a proven process to protect you and your family. And, we'd like to help.

Starting the planning process is easy. Give us a call at (231) 799-4994

Why Choose Us?

At our firm, we are committed to providing exceptional service and personalized attention to every client. We understand that estate planning, probate, and trust administration can be complex and sensitive matters.

That's Why We Offer:

  • Experienced professionals who specialize in estate planning, probate, and trust administration
  • A personalized approach tailored to your specific needs and goals
  • Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of our work
  • A focus on client satisfaction and excellent service
  • Transparent communication and regular updates throughout the process

With Douglas H. McPhail, PLC, you can have peace of mind knowing your legal matters are handled with expertise and care.

Testimonials

For more than 30 years, we have helped thousands of Michigan families establish security and
peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones. Here’s what some of them have to say:.

  • Doug is the expert's expert! My husband Dale and I have looked to Doug's advice on more occasions than we can count. His knowledge in Eldercare, Medicaid, and Estate Planning or Settlement is extraordinary. Doug's ability to isolate the issues and quickly solve the problem whether in a time of crisis, or simply being proactive has saved numerous people time, energy, and money.

    His customization and attention to detail from start to finish, is what sets his law practice apart from others. At Douglas H. McPhail, PLC, you are not a number or just another client. Doug actually cares!

    Jodi Clock

    Client

  • Doug McPhail has been our family attorney for over 30 years. Starting with both sets of our parents, and now he has not only taken care of us, but all of our siblings as well. There is no greater gift than to know all you have worked for is protected and safe for you and your loved ones when you are gone.  That is the gift Doug gave to our families and he can give this to your family too.  I cannot recommend Doug more highly as an estate planning attorney to take care of you and your family.

    Debbie and Wayne

    Client

  • I appreciate that Doug and his staff are polite, pleasant, knowledgeable, and quick to respond. Doug (and staff) are easy to talk to, and welcome questions. Their goal is to have the client understand the ways they can help. When I had trouble understanding the complicated facets of estate planning, Doug backed up and went over the info...sometimes from a different angle, which was helpful ... I consider this a good place to go for elder law and estate planning!

    Sandy Kirk

    Client

  • I went to see Doug McPhail with my parents. Doug was very thorough and easy to talk to. He has a wealth of knowledge and made suggestions for optimizing their situation for estate planning. I was very impressed that his services are individualized, not a cookie cutter approach. He did not try to over sell services; he outlined what he believed was the best path to follow for our family. Doug and his staff are fantastic and I highly recommend them.

    Kathy Ensley

    Client

  • I have worked with Doug and his firm may times over the last 35 years as a Real estate agent for other people’s estates and personally. Doug is very thoughtful and detailed with his work and explications. He and his firm does great work in the area of elder law and estate planning. I recommend that starting at age 30 you meet will Doug every 10 years.

    David Medendorp

    Client

  • Glad we hired Mr McPhail, he made everything easier for us when dealing with our Uncle's estate planning. He has also taken care of my Dad's affairs, now my husband and I need to have him write my husband's and mine soon. My husband's friend went to him also for his mother and was happy he did. It was well worth the cost!! Highly recommend!!

    Vicky Akins

    Client

  • Doug and his staff are amazingly helpful and professional. From the very beginning of our planning process they have answered every question, many before we even knew what to ask. Professional and timely communications has helped us to get all of our documents taken care of and help us to relax knowing that everything is ready for "that day."

    Chuck Skinner

    Client

  • Doug and his staff were marvelous at helping me go through the process of arranging my mother's estate. I never would have gotten through the Medicaid process without them. I highly recommend Doug. Very professional and thorough.

    Beth Proctor

    Client

  • We have been with Doug for over 20 years and always receive excellent service and thoroughness.  I 100% trust his work and accuracy and appreciate his great advice.

    G. Kunish

    Client

  • Thanks for the help getting my trust set up. Doug is very well trained to make sure your assets are kept safe. Excellent work. Thanks..

    Rusty Rat

    Client

  • Very helpful and thorough - we had a fairly complex estate planning task and Doug and team did a great job.

    Charles Xavier

    Client

  • Doug has extensive knowledge and is excellent in explaining what is best for your needs. Over 30 years of experience.

    Dave Kostecki

    Client

  • Very respectful, 
    very thorough,
    very family oriented!

    Bob & Vicki H.

    Client

  • It was a pleasure working with Douglas and Thomas.  They were patient in explaining what could have been a complicated journey in our estate planning.

    Bernie L.

    Client

  • Doug McPhail has done an excellent job informing and instructing us on what we should to to keep our finances updated and in order. We appreciate the good work he has done to get us through uncertain times.

    B. Rounds

    Client

  • I have been doing business with Douglas McPhail since 1994, always extremely satisfied with my results!

    R. Hanes

    Client

  • Presentation was clear and through...we have peace of mind now

    D. & P. Doctor

    Client

  • Mr. McPhail was very thorough in telling me everything about my financial matters and also the staff was very nice.

    C. Bachman

    Client

  • All work was completed promptly and thoroughly. Doug took the time to explain things and answer questions to our satisfaction

    R. & B. Werner

    Client

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About Our Firm



We provide estate planning counsel to our clients protecting their assets and preparing their family's estate planning needs. Learn more about our firm.

Contact Us



Douglas H. McPhail, PLC
800 E. Ellis Road
Norton Shores, MI 49441
(231) 799-4994

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