James W. Williams
Office
- T:
- +1.248.267.3211
- O:
- +1.248.879.2000
- F:
- +1.248.879.2001
Education
Wayne State University Law School, J.D., 1972
Duke University, A.B. 1964
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
James Williams brings more than 42 years of experience to his role as an expert in preparing wills, trusts, prenuptial agreements and buy-sell agreements, as well as in gift and estate tax planning.
He uses this expertise to counsel his clients on making the best choices from the vast number of options available to them. Jim’s bottom-line goal is to help them transfer their assets to their beneficiaries, each of whom has their own specific needs and desires, in an efficient, secure, tax-effective manner that will not jeopardize other benefits -- tangible or intangible -- to their beneficiaries.
Representative Matters
Jim helped a client design an estate plan that minimized estate taxes and also provided for continued family use of a vacation cottage that had been in the family for multiple generations while protecting the share of an adult child who had special needs.
Honors
Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates 2003-present
DBusiness Magazine, Top Lawyers, Trusts and Estates 2011-present
Professional Activities
American Bar Association, Real Property and Probate Section
State Bar of Michigan, Probate and Estate Planning Section
Oakland County Bar Association
Civic, Cultural & Social Activities
Boys' and Girls' Republic, Board of Directors, 1993-2003; President, 1996-97
Roeper City and Country School, Board of Trustees, 1984-86; Vice-chairman, 1985-86
Birmingham Community House, Board of Directors, 1976-79
Speeches
Frequent speaker to groups of all sizes on estate planning and family law
Publications
“Antenuptial Agreements,” Michigan Family Law (44ed.), 1993.
