Traci Ward

Hi! Traci Ward, the founder of U.P.Ward Legal. My journey to estate and business planning wasn’t just a career choice—it was a deeply personal decision shaped by years of experience and life’s unexpected challenges.

After spending 17 years in Florida and Texas, I built my legal career in Dallas, where I focused on litigation. I saw firsthand how disputes over fraudulent business deals, poorly drafted contracts, and mismanaged estates led to expensive, time-consuming legal battles that tore apart families, friendships, and businesses. I knew there had to be a better way.

That’s why I shifted my focus to proactive legal planning—helping individuals, families, and business owners prepare for the future with confidence. At U.P.Ward Legal, we work to protect your assets, preserve your legacy, and shield your loved ones from unnecessary hardship. Whether it’s ensuring your estate is secure, your business is safeguarded, or your loved ones are cared for, my goal is to provide peace of mind through thoughtful, strategic legal solutions.

My background includes a business degree from Western Michigan University and a law degree from Baylor University. I’ve worked in marketing, real estate development, and litigation, gaining a broad perspective on legal and financial matters. But my most important lessons came from my personal life—navigating family health challenges, surviving cancer, and making the life-changing decision to leave the fast-paced legal world of Dallas for the close-knit community of Houghton, Michigan.

My family and I chose Houghton because we wanted something more: a place where we could enjoy life, be close to loved ones, and truly make a difference. That same philosophy drives my work with clients. You deserve an attorney who doesn’t just draft documents but listens, understands, and helps you build a secure future.

At U.P.Ward Legal, we believe that the best way to handle legal issues is to prevent them before they start. Let’s work together to protect what matters most to you.