Our regularly updated blog provides important information about estate planning in Michigan. Learn about key estate planning documents, as well as the special estate planning needs of blended families, singles, parents of special needs children, and unmarried couples in committed long-term relationships.
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What is a Living Trust and do I need one?When planning for your estate, there are different ways you can plan to pass assets to your chosen beneficiaries. One choice is to create a living trust which allows you, the creator, the flexibility to make changes and benefit from trust assets during your lifetime, and avoid probate after you are gone. Here are some... Read More »
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5 Common Types of TrustsA trust is essentially a legal agreement between three parties: the trustor, trustee, and beneficiary or beneficiaries. The trustor (sometimes called the grantor or settlor) creates the trust agreement; the trustee is responsible for managing the trust property that has been transferred into the trust; and, the beneficiaries receive the benefits of the property titled... Read More »
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5 Myths About Advance DirectivesA patient advocate designation (also commonly called an advance directive, medical directive, healthcare directive, health care power of attorney or living will) is a legal document that lays out your end-of-life wishes regarding medical treatment, resuscitation, and other types of end-of-life care. This is a crucial estate planning tool that makes sure your end-of-life preferences... Read More »
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Ways to Ensure Your Will Won’t be ContestedOnce your will is committed to paper and executed, you should have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your house is in order and your wishes will be honored.
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Can I Challenge My Father’s Will?Before someone can challenge a will, they have to establish that they are named in the will or would have inherited from the deceased had there not been a will.
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Estate Planning EssentialsEstate plans are an area that many people believe they will have time to develop but often neglect. Some may think they’re too young for this kind of preparation or they may be putting it off because they find the topic difficult to confront. The problem with delaying estate planning is that you run the... Read More »
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Contesting a TrustFor some, creating a trust is a valuable and important piece of their financial and estate plans. By placing estate assets into a trust, the creator of the trust can be sure that their assets will be able to benefit certain specifically named trust beneficiaries. Ideally, the trust will have been created in a manner... Read More »
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Thoughtful Decisions: Top 5 Reasons to Meet With a Michigan Estate Planning AttorneyI have been a Michigan estate planning attorney for 25 years. While there are a variety of reasons why people decide to meet with an estate planning attorney and create an estate plan, I have found the reasons listed below are the top five. Understanding and Avoiding Probate After Death. Generally, Wills are probated, meaning... Read More »
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Pinckney Asset Protection Lawyer: How to Shield Your Wealth From Creditors and JudgmentsIn today’s litigious society, just about everyone needs some level of asset protection planning. Unfortunately, more and more people are using the legal system to deprive others of their life’s work. Whether you’re involved in a car accident, a mistake on the job, a business relationship gone sour, or you simply face unexpected financial... Read More »
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Old Dogs Find New Love at Michigan’s Only Animal HospiceThis special organization saves sick and aging dogs and serves as Michigan's first animal hospice. You can plan for your pet's future with a will or trust.