Great Lakes Bay Estate Planning Council 

 

 

 

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Topic:  ESTATE PLANNING AS IT INTERSECTS WITH PROBATE COURT

Our speaker for the October 23, 2025, meeting was MICHELLE LANE, JD, with the law firm of Chalgian &  Tripp, PLLC, of East Lansing, Michigan.  Mr. Lane first provided an overview of estate planning documents. She then addressed issues such as why the Probate Court is sometimes involved in an estate administration even when an estate plan has been prepared; to what extent the Probate Court is involved when there is no estate plan in place; capacity issues; common estate planning issues requiring Probate Court involvement; and Probate Court processes.  Ms. Lane's Power Point presentation is available to members in our Document Library. 

 

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Topic:  PUT THE SUCCESS IN BUSINESS SUCCESSION PLANNING

Our speaker for the September 25, 2025, meeting was KATHERINE M. SHEEHAN, JD, AEP, ATFA, Wealth Strategist, Managing Director, Crestwood Advisors, LLC, Boston.  She explained why succession planning for a business is necessarsy, no matter the business. She indicated that clients with significant business assets present unique and complex planning challenges.  Many businesses do not succeed past the first generation.  Proper planning and education and developing the right team of  advisors for the clients is crucial for success.  Ms. Sheehan's Power Point presentation is available to members in our Document Library.

 

MEMBERSHIP

The GLBEPC is currently comprised of over 100 members from five disciplines: CPAs, Attorneys, Financial Services Professionals, Trust Officers, and Development Officers of non-profit organizations.  Annual dues are $250, which includes a buffet luncheon.

MEETINGS

The GLBEPC meets on the last Thursday of September, October, January, February, April and May.  Meetings are held in person at the Great Hall in Midland and at Isabella Bank in Mt. Pleasant.  Joining by Microsoft Teams is an option.  Lunch is served at 12:00 noon, with the program beginning at 12:30 and concluding at 1:30 p.m.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT FOR CFP® MEMBERS

The GLBEPC is a sponsor for the Certified Financial Professionals Board of Standards.  Each program is submitted to the CFP Board for review and, if approved, continuing education credit will be granted to qualified members.  Programs that have received approval generally are one hour in length and provide one hour of credit.

OUR PURPOSE

♦  To effect and promote the coordination of professional services necessary for proper estate planning, including charitable giving.

♦  To improve the understanding, knowledge and skill of the member professional groups in their efforts on behalf of their clients and in appreciation of each specialized service.

♦  To raise the standards of cooperation between the professional groups for more effective application and employment of professional services in behalf of public interest.

♦  To promote and encourage the appropriate use of the professional services available from the different groups comprising the membership of this Council.

APPLICATIONS

If you would like to join the Council, please click here for an application form or contact us at admin@glbepc.org.  Our mailing address is: GLBEPC, P.O. Box 347, Freeland MI  48623. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at admin@glbepc.org.

 

 

 

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