Marguerite Munson Lentz

Ms. Lentz concentrates her practice on representing high net worth individuals in estate planning, probate, and trusts. She regularly advises nonprofit and tax exempt organizations regarding obtaining and maintaining exempt status, corporate governance, and general operational issues.

Ms. Lentz is listed in Chambers HNW as one of Michigan’s leading attorneys for Private Wealth Law. She was named 2024 Detroit “Lawyer of the Year” for Trusts and Estates by The Best Lawyers in America. She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2008-2025 under Trusts and Estates and in Michigan Super Lawyers 2023 under Estate Planning & Probate and under the Top 50 Women. She is listed as a 2021 “Top Lawyer” for Trusts and Estates by DBusiness magazine. She is AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel.

Ms. Lentz is the Past Chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Probate and Estate Planning Section Council. Prior to joining Bodman, she was a partner at a large Detroit-based law firm before going into private practice.

Honors, Awards, and Recognition

• Chambers HNW 2017-2024, Private Wealth Law
• The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 Detroit “Lawyer of the Year,” Trusts and Estates
• The Best Lawyers in America® 2020 Detroit “Lawyer of the Year,” Trusts and Estates
• The Best Lawyers in America® 2018 Detroit “Lawyer of the Year,” Trusts and Estates
• The Best Lawyers in America® 2016 Detroit “Lawyer of the Year,” Trusts and Estates
• The Best Lawyers in America 2008-2025, Trusts and Estates
• Michigan Super Lawyers 2017-2020, Top 50 Women
• Michigan Super Lawyers 2011-2023, Estate & Probate
• DBusiness Magazine “Top Lawyers” 2013-2021, Trusts and Estates
• Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence; Endorsed for High Ethical Standing

Professional Affiliations

• State Bar of Michigan
  • Past Chair, Probate and Estate Planning Section Council
• American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel, Fellow

Publications

• “Choice of Trustee,” Michigan Probate and Estate Planning (Winter 2018)
• Co-author, “Predeath Planning: Lifetime Wealth and Health Fiduciaries,” chapter in Michigan Estate Planning Handbook, 3d Edition, Kathleen Hogan Aguilar & Geoffrey R. Vernon, eds., ICLE (2016)
• “Trustee Powers That Can Cause Tax Problems,” Trusts and Estates (November 2008)
• “Basic Estate Tax Simplified,” Michigan Probate and Estate Planning Journal (Spring 2008)
• Co-author, “Estate Taxes and Their Impact on Your Business,” Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce Tips4Biz (January 5, 2006)

Speaking Engagements (Representative)

• “Choice of Trustee,” 57th Annual Probate & Estate Planning Institute (May and June 2017)
• “Drafting in Cyberspace: Control of Digital Assets,” 25th Annual Drafting Estate Planning Documents Seminar (January and February 2016)
• “Durable Powers of Attorney in the Big Ten,” ACTEC 2013 Big Ten Regional Meeting (December 2013)  
• “Drafting for Changes in the Durable Power of Attorney Statute,” ICLE Seminar (January and February 2013)
• “Michigan Trust Code,” ICLE Seminar (April 2011)
• Co-Presenter, “Estate Planning in Times of Estate Tax Uncertainty: Your Two Hour Survival Guide,” ICLE Seminar (March 2010)
• “Tax Sensitive Trustee Powers,” ICLE Seminar on Planning Techniques for the Taxable Estate (December 2009)
• “Basic Estate Tax Simplified,” 47th Annual Probate and Estate Planning Institute (May and June 2007)
• “Tax Sensitive Trustee Powers,” ICLE Seminar on Planning Techniques for the Taxable Estate (December 2004-2006)
• “Succession and Estate Planning Track: Post-Mortem Tax Planning Challenges,” 1st Annual Family & Closely Held Business Institute (November 2006)
• “Fiduciary Tax Review,” 46th Annual Probate and Estate Planning Institute (May and June 2006)
• “Tax Considerations for Trusts,” ICLE Seminar on Trust Administration Under EPIC (November 2000)

Related News

• 08/15/202472 Bodman PLC Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2025
• 07/26/2024Bodman Receives Highest Ranking for Private Wealth Law in Chambers High Net Worth
• 09/19/202358 Bodman Attorneys Listed in Michigan Super Lawyers 2023
• 08/18/2023Five Bodman PLC Attorneys Named 2024 “Lawyers of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America
• 08/17/202370 Bodman PLC Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2024