ESTATE PLANNING
Why Estate Planning Matters
Life changes—marriage, children, homes, businesses, retirement. A well‑crafted estate plan ensures:
Our Michigan Estate Planning Services
Wills
A Last Will and Testament names who receives your assets and who will administer your estate. In Michigan, a will generally requires two witnesses. We draft clear, enforceable wills and help you integrate them with beneficiary designations on accounts and life insurance.
Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable living trust helps:
Powers of Attorney (Financial)
A durable power of attorney lets a trusted person handle finances if you’re unable to act. We tailor authority to your comfort level and coordinate with banks and institutions.
Patient Advocate Designation (Health Care)
Also called a health care power of attorney in Michigan, this appoints someone to make medical decisions if you can’t.
Lady Bird Deeds (Enhanced Life Estate Deeds)
Common in Michigan, a Lady Bird Deed can transfer real estate to your beneficiaries on death without probate, while you keep full control during life (including the right to sell or mortgage). We’ll discuss when it fits—and when a trust or other tool may be better.
Beneficiary Designations & Transfer‑on‑Death (TOD/POD)
We coordinate your plan with account titling and designations so everything works together.
Blended Families & Remarriage Protections
Trust‑based plans to balance care for a surviving spouse with inheritances for children from prior relationships.
Guardianship & Conservatorship Guidance
If a loved one lacks capacity and no planning is in place, we guide families through practical next steps and alternatives.
Our Process
What Sets Us Apart
Common Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a trust in Michigan?
Not everyone does. Trusts are especially helpful to avoid probate, keep matters private, plan for incapacity, or manage complex distributions (minor children, blended families, special needs). We’ll advise candidly.
Is a notary required for a Michigan will?
A will typically must be signed in the presence of two witnesses. Notarization is not required for validity, but a self‑proving affidavit (notarized) can make probate smoother.
Are handwritten (holographic) wills valid in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan recognizes holographic wills if certain requirements are met (including that material portions and signature are in the testator’s handwriting and it is dated). These are often more prone to challenges—formal wills are safer.
What is a Lady Bird Deed and is it right for me?
It’s an enhanced life estate deed that transfers property automatically at death while you retain control during life. It’s powerful, but not one‑size‑fits‑all; we’ll compare it to trust planning.
How long does probate take in Michigan?
It varies by county, complexity, and whether the estate is supervised or unsupervised. Proper planning can minimize or bypass probate for many assets.
What about small estates?
Michigan allows simplified procedures for smaller estates; thresholds change over time. We’ll advise on the current rules when needed.
Can I keep my family cottage or cabin in the family?
Yes—through trust provisions, limited liability companies, or usage agreements that set rules and reduce conflict.
Packages & Pricing
We offer transparent, flat‑fee packages whenever possible:
What to Bring to Your Consultation
Service Areas
We work with clients throughout Michigan and regularly serve families in Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, St. Clair County and beyond. Virtual options available statewide.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Ready to put a plan in place?
Call: (586) 573-9000
Email: [email protected]
Schedule: Book your free consultation online
Life changes—marriage, children, homes, businesses, retirement. A well‑crafted estate plan ensures:
- Your assets go where you intend, when you intend.
- Someone you trust can make financial and medical decisions if you cannot.
- Loved ones avoid unnecessary court delays, costs, and conflict.
- You minimize taxes and protect eligibility for key benefits (e.g., Medicaid) when appropriate.
Our Michigan Estate Planning Services
Wills
A Last Will and Testament names who receives your assets and who will administer your estate. In Michigan, a will generally requires two witnesses. We draft clear, enforceable wills and help you integrate them with beneficiary designations on accounts and life insurance.
Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable living trust helps:
- Avoid or streamline probate for most assets titled to the trust
- Provide privacy and continuity if you become incapacitated
- Distribute assets efficiently to beneficiaries
Powers of Attorney (Financial)
A durable power of attorney lets a trusted person handle finances if you’re unable to act. We tailor authority to your comfort level and coordinate with banks and institutions.
Patient Advocate Designation (Health Care)
Also called a health care power of attorney in Michigan, this appoints someone to make medical decisions if you can’t.
Lady Bird Deeds (Enhanced Life Estate Deeds)
Common in Michigan, a Lady Bird Deed can transfer real estate to your beneficiaries on death without probate, while you keep full control during life (including the right to sell or mortgage). We’ll discuss when it fits—and when a trust or other tool may be better.
Beneficiary Designations & Transfer‑on‑Death (TOD/POD)
We coordinate your plan with account titling and designations so everything works together.
Blended Families & Remarriage Protections
Trust‑based plans to balance care for a surviving spouse with inheritances for children from prior relationships.
Guardianship & Conservatorship Guidance
If a loved one lacks capacity and no planning is in place, we guide families through practical next steps and alternatives.
Our Process
- Initial Consultation: Understand your goals, family, and assets.
- Design Meeting: Choose the right tools—will, trust, Lady Bird deed, powers of attorney, and more.
- Drafting & Review: Plain‑English drafts, iterative edits, and funding guidance (retitling, designations).
- Signing Ceremony: Witnesses and notary arranged; you leave with a complete, organized plan.
- Funding & Follow‑Through: Deed recordings, beneficiary updates, financial‑institution letters, and a personalized checklist.
- Life‑Event Updates: Flat‑fee tune‑ups available for births, deaths, moves, marriages, or major purchases.
What Sets Us Apart
- Michigan‑Focused: Local rules, forms, and recording practices—done right the first time.
- Plain‑English Documents: Understand what you’re signing.
- Predictable Fees: Flat‑fee packages whenever possible; no surprise invoices.
- Responsive Team: Calls and emails returned promptly; virtual options statewide.
- Holistic Coordination: We align deeds, account titles, and beneficiaries so your plan actually works.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a trust in Michigan?
Not everyone does. Trusts are especially helpful to avoid probate, keep matters private, plan for incapacity, or manage complex distributions (minor children, blended families, special needs). We’ll advise candidly.
Is a notary required for a Michigan will?
A will typically must be signed in the presence of two witnesses. Notarization is not required for validity, but a self‑proving affidavit (notarized) can make probate smoother.
Are handwritten (holographic) wills valid in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan recognizes holographic wills if certain requirements are met (including that material portions and signature are in the testator’s handwriting and it is dated). These are often more prone to challenges—formal wills are safer.
What is a Lady Bird Deed and is it right for me?
It’s an enhanced life estate deed that transfers property automatically at death while you retain control during life. It’s powerful, but not one‑size‑fits‑all; we’ll compare it to trust planning.
How long does probate take in Michigan?
It varies by county, complexity, and whether the estate is supervised or unsupervised. Proper planning can minimize or bypass probate for many assets.
What about small estates?
Michigan allows simplified procedures for smaller estates; thresholds change over time. We’ll advise on the current rules when needed.
Can I keep my family cottage or cabin in the family?
Yes—through trust provisions, limited liability companies, or usage agreements that set rules and reduce conflict.
Packages & Pricing
We offer transparent, flat‑fee packages whenever possible:
- Essential Will Plan: Will, financial power of attorney, and patient advocate designation
- Trust‑Based Plan: Revocable living trust, pour‑over will, powers of attorney, funding guidance, Lady Bird deed (if appropriate).
- Specialized Add‑Ons: Special needs trust, business succession, cottage trust/LLC planning, Medicaid pre‑planning.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- List of assets (homes, accounts, business interests) and how they’re titled
- Current beneficiary designations (retirement, life insurance)
- Family/beneficiary list and guardians for minor children
- Prior estate planning documents (if any)
Service Areas
We work with clients throughout Michigan and regularly serve families in Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, St. Clair County and beyond. Virtual options available statewide.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Ready to put a plan in place?
Call: (586) 573-9000
Email: [email protected]
Schedule: Book your free consultation online
