Legal Coaching: A one-year anniversary promotion during March!
Taproot Law is redefining the role of general-practice law in the rural communities of the UP. Last summer, we began reaching out to communities that had few lawyers serving the area. We received warm welcomes, full workshops, and invitations to return. As we celebrate our first year at Taproot, we also want to celebrate you […]
Check your estate plan after divorce!
What does an estate actually mean? Have you noticed that lawyers use the word “estate” a lot? Probate estates, trust estate, marital estates, etc. An estate refers to a certain bucket of total assets and debts, and there are special rules that apply to that bucket. The rights of different estates are interwoven, and a […]
Divorce Month: Taproot offers Friendly Divorces, Directed Mediation, and Post-Divorce Help. Plus, Lessons from Erica’s divorce
The first divorce I ever did was my own. Even as a lawyer, the process was challenging to navigate while experiencing the emotional pain of divorce. FINALLY, I’m able to offer help to other people going through similar experiences. And this is just in time because January is Divorce Month in the USA! “Why, January?” […]
An open letter to Delta County and Schoolcraft County leaders and innovators: Join me to bring legal services to your community
Hello innovators and leaders across the UP! Not sure if we’ve met, yet. I’m Erica Payne and I’m an attorney, based in Marquette since 2012. I left my traditional firm in 2022 after chronic pain made it an uncomfortable place to work, and I opened my own firm, Taproot Law, in 2023. While I still […]
Ease, comfort, and next steps: “Preparing for the Death of a Loved One” Workshop
Taproot Law recently hosted a workshop about preparing for the death of a loved one and team member, Josie, is our guest blogger this week to share her take aways! It was a crisp and sunny November morning when we gathered at the local library to attend the “Preparing for the Death of a Loved […]
Difficult Conversations during the Holidays
TLDR: Ann hasn’t quite figured it out herself, but she’s here with some helpful resources That’s right, we are approaching another year of holidays and we know that while the season can be filled with joy, love, and festivities, stress and anxiety can also run high. It’s also a time that families and friends might […]
Where real estate meets the legal system: Gamifying together to better understand client needs
A collaboration opportunity Dickinson County realtor, Katie Cascioli, and I get together for dinner every few months. Since the beginning of time, she’s been my cousin-from-another-grandma. Our dads were besties, and we grew up together. As adults, we are friends and colleagues. We talk about everything from business to philosophy. No matter where the conversation […]
Team member spotlight: Dawn Payne with a new perspective on coaching
Coaching: An eye-opening experience Just as I was deciding to come out of retirement from my nursing career, my daughter was looking for some extra help in her reception department, so I joined Taproot – and yes, I’m Erica’s mom. As part of my onboarding, I had the opportunity to observe a coaching session with […]
Your Questions Answered: Suing a sibling-personal representative for information
We love getting your questions! After Erica’s last blog post “The power struggle between siblings in probate is real,” we received the following question. We hope Erica’s response helps readers who have similar questions! Dear Erica, My dad passed away and my sister is the personal representative. The probate is opened, but she won’t give […]
The Truth about Free Initial Consultations
Free initial consultations can be tempting, especially when you think you’re getting free advice from an expert. Unfortunately, these kinds of consultations don’t usually turn out that way. The truth about the free initial consultation is that it is a tool that lawyers use to size up a potential client for a long-term relationship. The […]