Howard H. Collens

He advises clients in estate planning for estates of every size. Focusing on the unique aspects of each representation, Mr. Collens tailors trusts, wills and powers of attorney to meet the present and changing needs of his clients.

Mr. Collens is a trusted counselor for those seeking representation for estate administration. He helps families following the death of a loved one as they navigate the complexities of the probate process or trust administration. He regularly guides his clients through the sale, distribution, of real estate holdings by probate and trust estates. With litigation experience in the probate courts throughout metropolitan Detroit, Mr. Collens is a strong advocate for those involved in contested estates, trusts or other probate cases.

With understanding and compassion, Mr. Collens assists individuals and their families in planning for their long-term care needs. He eases the process of applying for and obtaining Medicaid benefits to pay for such care. Since estate recovery is a reality for those receiving long-term care in Michigan, proper titling of real estate is even more important today than ever.

He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the State Bar’s Probate and Estate Planning Section and the Elder Law and Disability Rights Section and the Wayne County Probate Bar Association. He has obtained the Certificate of Completion from The Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s Probate and Estate Planning Program. He is currently a Council Member of the Elder Law and Disability Rights Section as well as a member of ELDRS’s Legislative Committee.  He participates as a member of the Legislation Development and Drafting Committee of the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He was instrumental in enacting a Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets law in Michigan.  Mr. Collens has been named Leading Lawyer by dbusiness Magazine several years running, is a regular contributor as an The Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) lecturer and serves on the ICLE’s Elder Law Advisory Board. He enjoys speaking to groups on various estate planning, probate and technology topics.

Mr. Collens is active in the community where he volunteers and supports the Boys & Girls Club of Oakland and Macomb Counties and Huntington Woods Men’s Club. He is a Board Member for the Area Agency on Aging 1B.  He is a Board Member and former Vice President of the Senior and Caregiver Resource Network.  Mr. Collens is the 2nd Vice President of Congregation Shir Tikvah in Troy, Michigan.  He is a member of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Michigan Chapter Wraparound Collaborative. He served as President of the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from 2012-2014. He served as the chair of the Huntington Woods Senior Advisory Committee.