Our Team
We aren't a stuffy law firm - we are dedicated professionals that love our work. Scroll through this page to learn more about the individual members of our team, and then:
Our team is a well-oiled machine that runs on expertise, process, and heart.
Elder Law/Estate Planning Principal Attorney & Founder - Nicole Wipp
Role in the Firm: Nicole is the primary legal services provider in the firm, including court-related matters.
- Traditional Estate Planning - Wills, Health Care Proxies, Living Wills, Guardianships, Financial Powers of Attorney, Revocable Living Trusts.
- Advanced Estate Planning - Asset protection Trusts for individuals and business owners.
- Medicaid Pre-planning or Qualification -Protection of assets from Nursing Homes and ensuring eligibility for Medicaid. Handles preparation, submission and interview with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide required information and respond to inquiries related to both institutional and community Medicaid.
- Special Needs/ Guardianship/ Future Care Planning - Questions & planning concerns for disabled and/or incompetent individuals regarding their current and future needs, court petitions and appearances.
- Modern Planning - All matters specific to single people, unmarried couples, blended families, same sex couples, and planning for pets.
- Business Succession Planning - Protection of business interests and ensuring effective plans in place to continue a business in the event of unanticipated incapacity or death of the principal.
- VA Pension Benefits - Qualification for VA Improved Pension, including Aid & Attendance. Assist in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of pension claims.
Estate Planning & Medicaid Specialist Paralegal - Sharon Kwolek
Background: A native of South Lyon, Sharon is the mother of twin teenage girls and an adult son (which accounts for her busy and hectic life outside of the office!) She and her family are avid campers and you can usually find them at the campground on any given weekend during the Michigan summer.
Sharon obtained her Bachelor of Science as a Legal Assistant from Eastern Michigan University. Since that time, she has worked consistently for reputable law firms and estate attorneys as a valued paralegal, handling special needs, litigation, probate, Medicaid, Veteran's benefits, and general estate planning matters. Sharon is also a bonded notary public. Sharon's prior work experience is an integral part of our client's satisfaction with our services, as she provides a high level of competence and, therefore, confidence!
Role In The Firm:
- Probate - Handles all matters relating to the submission of the Will to Probate Court, Appointment of the Personal Representative & administration of the estate.
- Medicaid Applications & Submissions - Working with estate attorneys and clients to ensure a smooth and successful Medicaid application process.
- Veteran’s Administration - Working with the legal services provider(s) and clients to ensure a smooth and successful Veteran’s pension application process.
- Funding - Sharon works directly with the clients, estate attorneys and financial representatives to ensure thorough and proper funding of all trusts created by our firm.
Legal Services Administrator, Julie Taylor
Background: Julie is a native of Southeast Michigan and currently lives in Washtenaw County. As a mom of six children ranging from 22 to 6 years old, she is quite adept at the proverbial juggling act! To relax, Julie and her husband enjoy golfing and little getaways with their family.
Julie's professional background includes personal lines insurance, medical insurance benefit coordination, working for a national pharmacy to launch a patient educational resource division, plus administrative support for several respected organizations. Her experience, and her caring nature, provides our clients with all levels of support within our firm!
Role in the Firm:
- Client Coordination - Julie's primary responsibility is to ensure client needs are met from the first contact with our firm through each law firm process (Estate Planning, Medicaid Qualification, Probate, Trust Administration, Guardianship, and Future Care Planning), to see the client proceeds efficiently to a timely completion of work. You should contact Julie to schedule attendance at an upcoming workshop or to inquire of any upcoming client meetings or requests.
- Attorney Calendar Management - Julie is also responsible for the primary management of attorney Nicole Wipp's calendar, and all requests for Nicole's time should be scheduled directly through her.
- Law Firm Process Management - Julie oversees all law firm processes and is primarily tasked with ensuring they remain on track!
Relationship Management - Victoria Simcheck
Background: Victoria is a native of South Lyon, but a true adventurer! Leaving home at 17 after successfully auditioning for the coveted role as Alice in Wonderland and later, as Tinker Bell then Wendy at Disney World, she later went on to live in Western Australia where she worked with young children and dance instruction before returning home and landing at our firm.
In fact, dance instruction is one of Victoria's passions...she has a Practical Teachers certification from AUSdance, plus 3 grades Cecchetti Ballet teacher certification. She's been teaching dance for over 8 years!
Role In The Firm:
- Partner Business Relationships - Victoria is responsible for identifying and maintaining relationships with business and community
organizations that serve our client’s needs. - Event Management - establishing the firm presence
as a crucial partner in our firm events, as well as community events & causes important to our client base. - Office Support - Victoria provides a variety of support-related tasks for the smooth continued administration of client experience.
Marketing Project Manager- Vanessa Simcheck
Background: A native of South Lyon, Vanessa is a talented dancer with a sunny disposition. Always with a smile, she is ready to help. She started by helping Nicole with child care, but became such a valued assistant, Nicole had to bring her officially onto the team! This is her first "real" job.
Role In The Firm:
- Marketing Collateral Materials - Vanessa assists with the production of the numerous marketing materials the firm produces, including booklets, images, web updates, and video production and editing.
- Administrative Back-Up - Provides backup to our client services and paralegal departments for all administrative matters.
Office Mascot - Heath
Background: Heath is a rescued pup of uncertain genetic origin. A loving, happy, playful dog, he's an important member of Nicole's family and an occasional fixture around the office.
Role In The Firm:
- Comic & Stress Relief - Heath is always willing to play or cuddle, whenever a staff member or client needs it!
- Mail & Garbage Support - Heath always goes to get the mail or take out the garbage with whoever is willing to take him!