“It’s satisfying to see clients light up when we provide the tools they need to perform critical tasks on behalf of a family member or trusted friend. I feel privileged to be able to help people navigate these changing times.”

Jane Bassett helps clients manage the challenges that come with aging and the end of life. She leads a team that offers a multi-dimensional approach to elder law, estate planning, LGBTQIA+ issues, adoption, and assisted reproduction. They look for all opportunities to help, such as finding ways for a client to stretch their resources to provide for long-term care needs.

While the legal aspects are essential, Jane assembled a team that also includes a social worker to manage care issues and a fiduciary professional to help people manage their money and pay bills. She provides the resources to help clients with Veterans Benefits, Medicaid programming, Social Security, and Medicare. When laws change and new options become available, Jane and her team are excited to find the best opportunities to help meet clients’ needs.

“I want clients to feel that I’m listening to their concern and that I understand their situation and the resources that they have, as well as their goals and what they want to accomplish,” she explains. “I think it’s important for clients to understand all the options that are available and the pros and cons of each so they can make an informed decision going forward.”

As a long-time advocate working to protect the rights of the elderly and the LGBTQIA+ community, Jane has served as a Council Member of the Elder Law & Disability Rights Section of the Michigan State Bar and she has served on the National Family Law Advisory Committee to the National Center for Lesbian Rights for over 20 years. With her extensive experience, she is frequently asked to contribute to educational programming of the Institute for Continuing Legal Education as well as numerous community organizations.

She is an accredited VA attorney and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Probate Section of the Washtenaw County Bar Association. For over 20 years, she has also participated actively with the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the LGBT Bar/NCLR Family Law Institute.

Jane’s distinguished record of service gained her admission to the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She earned her J.D. cum laude from Eastern Michigan University and University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law.

With a passion for the beauty and intricacy of music, Jane holds a master’s degree in music theory & literature from Eastern Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Albion College.