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 preparing your estate plan, there are various methods for transferring assets to your designated beneficiaries. One option is to establish a living trust.
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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.
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Estate Planning Goals for Any AgeSome common misconceptions about estate planning are that they are only for wealthy individuals and that young people do not need them until they are older. The fact is that most everyone, regardless of finances or age, needs a solid estate plan. By setting estate planning goals today, you can be ready for the future.... Read More »
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Common Estate Planning Pitfalls to AvoidEstate planning is not something most people are eager to talk about. However, it’s a crucial part of your financial planning, and simply making responsible life decisions in general for the sake of your family and financial legacy. Estate planning is a complex undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. It is advised to... Read More »