Travis I. Dafoe

Travis I. Dafoe

Building Relationships, Not Just Estate Plans
  • Estate Planning, Elder Law, Real Estate Law ...
  • Michigan
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Biography

I enjoy the interaction with people where I can explain something that may seem complex in a way that helps them understand. As a former teacher, I do enjoy those ah-ha moments where things click. I enjoy talking with clients and getting to know them and their situation, so that I can find the best possible solutions for their needs. I believe that effective estate planning is a critical component of my client’s life planning.

I believe that family fights over inheritance are unnecessary and wasteful. Families achieve better outcomes through planning rather than fighting. While it is impossible to prevent people from fighting, I discuss with my clients issues that may exist and try to implement solutions now to problems that may later turn into litigation.

As an estate planning attorney, I strive to help you plan for the unknown catastrophes, the known eventualities, and everything in between. By planning, you can gain peace of mind that your loved ones are taken care of in the best way if something should happen to you. As part of the process, I listen to my clients to understand their goals and needs. Using this information, we create solutions to their unique problems. I use many different estate planning tools, like trusts, wills, and powers of attorney, to create client-centered solutions.

I communicate clearly and without legalese, so clients are empowered to make the best decisions for their situations. Together, we can work to make sure that we not only create a plan that incorporates the client's goals but that we implement the plan, so when your estate plan is executed it is successful.

To stay up-to-date with the latest developments, I am a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and WealthCounsel, a national community of estate planning professionals committed to the highest standards. It is a collaborative organization that has seminars and webinars to provide me with the latest tools and ideas.

Practice Areas
Estate Planning
Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Elder Law
Real Estate Law
Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law
Probate
Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
Business Law
Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
Appeals & Appellate
Civil Appeals, Federal Appeals
Employment Law
Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Michigan
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6th Circuit
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United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
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United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
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Languages
  • English
Professional Experience
Attorney
Dafoe Law, PLLC
- Current
Attorney
Gafkay & Dafoe, PLC
-
Adjunct Political Science Professor
Delta College
-
Attorney
Mahlberg, Brandt, Gilbert, Thompson & Wimsatt
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Law Clerk
Mahlberg, Brandt, Gilbert & Thompson
Extern, Legal Clerk
Gilbert, Smith & Borrello, P.C.
Summer Associate
Ryan, Jaimeson, Morris, Ryan and Smith
Teacher
River Valley School District
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Education
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
J.D. (2009) | Law
Honors: cum laude
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Logo
Western Michigan University
B.A. (2002) | History & Education
Western Michigan University Logo
Awards
Peer Reviewed
Martindale-Hubbell
Client Champion - PLATINUM
Martindale-Hubbell
Excellent Rating
Avvo
Best Probate Lawyers in Flint
Expertise.com
Client Choice Award
Avvo
2015, 2016
Top Attorney Award for Estate Planning & Elder Law
Attorney.com
2019-2022
Client Champion - GOLD
Martindale-Hubbell
Distinguished Lawyer
Noticed(c)
Professional Associations
Frankenmuth Historical Association
Member
Current
Activities: President 2020; Board Member 2016-2018
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Life Care Planning Law Firm Association
Member
- Current
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Wealth Counsel Association
Member
- Current
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National Acedemy of Elder Law Attorneys
Member
- Current
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State of Michigan Bar
Member
- Current
Activities: Estate Planning Section
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Frankenmuth School District School Board
School Board Member
-
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Frankenmuth Rotary
Member
-
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Saginaw County Bar Association;
Member
-
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Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network
Steering Committee Member
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Why Do You Need an Estate Plan Now?
Dafoe Law Blog
Do-It-Yourself Estate Plan Documents: Think Twice
Dafoe Law Blog
Speaking Engagements
Grantor Trusts and other Trust Structures, Trusts From A to Z
Lifecare Planning Basics, Cass River Chapter Monthly Meeting
Income Taxes for Trusts and Grantor Trusts, Trusts From A to Z
Demystifying Estate Planning, Estate Planning
Estate Planning, Estate Planning Seminar
Landlord Tenant Law: Lease, Landlord Tenant Law: Leases, Evictions, Litigation, and Settlements
Ask a Lawyer, Saginaw County Bar Association
Leases, Landlord-Tenant Law Surviving a Difficult Economy
Family Medical Leave Act, Utility Workers Union Conference
Certifications
Elder Law Certification
Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education
Websites & Blogs
Website
Travis Dafoe's Website Profile
Website
Dafoe Law, PLLC Website
Blog
Dafoe Law, PLLC Blog
Contact & Map
Dafoe Law, PLLC
160 S. Main St, Ste 4
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Telephone: (989) 321-2330
Fax: (989) 455-2386