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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The Power of Attorney: Is it the Right Tool for You?When planning for your estate, it is essential that you designate where assets will go and make your final wishes known. However, what is equally important is that your estate plan includes designations as to who can make medical and financial decisions in the event you are unable to do so. Without these designations in... Read More »
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The Duties of a ConservatorWhen someone experiences impaired cognitive functioning, it can interfere with multiple aspects of their lives. One area that this can have a particularly destructive impact on is their finances. In some cases, the individual’s condition may be so severe as to warrant legal intervention to protect their funds and property. In such a situation,... Read More »
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The Duties of a GuardianWhen an individual is no longer able to care for their personal needs or make medical decisions, it may be necessary to have a guardian appointed to take over these responsibilities. Taking on the guardian role is a serious undertaking and the person serving in this capacity will have specific duties to the individual. What... Read More »
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What if a Personal Representative Does not Have a Will?When selecting someone to be the personal representative of your estate, you ordinarily would give the matter a great deal of thought and then select someone who you trust to carry out your wishes. After someone passes, their estate will have to be administered by their representative. Depending on circumstances and how the estate plan... Read More »
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Disinheriting FamilyWhen veteran television and film star Burt Reynolds passed away last year at the age of 82, several shocking headlines such as “Burt Reynolds Left Son out of Will” appeared in connection with a story about his estate. As it turns out, Mr. Reynolds left the bulk of his assets to his only son through... Read More »
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Common Estate Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemEstate planning is not always at the top of everyone’s list. Many of us put it off thinking that we have time to get around to planning only to forget to do so. In other cases, we plan for our estates but not in a manner which provides our estates and beneficiaries with the optimum... Read More »
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What Can You do to Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Your Estate?When you are still of sound mind That is the best time to plan for power of attorney, as well as determining how to handle health care matters in the future. You want to make everything as clear as possible so there is no question as to your wishes. This saves both you and those... Read More »
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Living Wills: The Most Important Things to KnowWhen preparing to undergo a medical procedure, there are usually a host of documents you will sign. Many of these documents pertain to your estate or permission for the hospital to release or have certain types of information. Whether you are facing a surgical procedure or are in perfect health, one document that should be... Read More »
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Using a Conservatorship to Protect AssetsA conservatorship is the legal process through which authority over an individual’s (called the “conservatee” or “ward”) financial and personal affairs is transferred to a court-ordered “conservator”. A conservatorship is sometimes necessary when an adult is unable to care for themselves and especially in cases where the person has not executed a durable power of... Read More »
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A New Year and an Updated PlanAre You Ready for the Next Decade? As we enter a new year — and a new decade — there are undoubtedly many things on your mind. Many people are setting goals and planning for the year ahead. As you think about what you want to get out of 2020, it’s important to consider... Read More »
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Ways to Keep Your Will From Being ContestedA last will and testament or “will” is a part of your estate plan which allows a person to state specifically how they want their estate to be handled and divided in the event of their death. In a perfect world, the express wishes stated in your will are clear and will be honored. However,... Read More »
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Do I Need a Healthcare Proxy?A patient advocate designation (also commonly called an advance directive, living will, health care power of attorney or healthcare proxy) lets you appoint a person to act as your agent for healthcare decisions in the event you become incapacitated. It ensures that your wishes regarding medical treatment are carried out in a scenario where you... Read More »