Jeff Burtka

Attorney · George Mason University Law School
Jeff Burtka

Jeff Burtka joined the Nolo staff as a Legal Editor in 2023 and focuses on DUI and estate planning law.  

Legal career. Jeff is a member of the State Bar of Michigan. He began his legal career as a law clerk to the judges of the Arlington County Circuit Court in Virginia. He then served as a prosecutor for six years before working in health care law and estate planning. Immediately before joining Nolo, Jeff was a staff attorney at the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Michigan, where he wrote and edited legal education resources for Michigan attorneys.

Education. Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in English and history from the University of Michigan and a law degree from George Mason University.

Other pursuits. Jeff also has worked as a freelance writer with a focus on articles about sports, the outdoors, and the environment. His articles, such as  How a majority Black school in Detroit shook up the world of lacrosse, have appeared in The Guardian, Outside, Crain’s Detroit Business, Civil Eats, and more. He enjoys running, coaching youth sports, and spending time outdoors.

Recent Articles
Common Questions: Trusts
Trusts aren't right for everyone. Learn more about trusts, how they work, and whether you might need one. ... Read more

Do Life Insurance Proceeds Go Through Probate?
Insurance companies pay out life insurance policies directly to beneficiaries—usually without the need for probate, but there are a few exceptions. ... Read more

Marital Deduction Trusts
Marital deduction trusts help married people 1) eliminate estate taxes when the first spouse dies and 2) control how the surviving spouse uses property of the deceased spouse. You do not need to worry about estate taxes unless you and your spouse together have property worth many millions of dollars. ... Read more

Planning Your Real Property Transfers Can Save Your Family Money
Learn how to keep your real estate out of probate and save time and money for your loved ones. ... Read more

Understanding Transfer on Death Deeds
How to protect one of your most significant assets—your home—from probate. ... Read more