Important Considerations for Funding a Living Trust
A revocable living trust — also known as an inter-vivos trust — is a useful estate planning mechanism for many reasons. Living trusts can be
What Does “Protected Individual” Mean in the Michigan Probate Courts?
In a previous post for this site, we explored a bit of the history and context surrounding Michigan’s Estates and Protected individuals Code (EPIC). In
Should Digital Assets Be Part of Your Estate Plan?
Today, most of us use computers, phones, and tablets to send messages, check in with friends, carry out important financial transactions, watch TV and listen
How Do I Access a Decedent’s Safe Deposit Box in Michigan?
In a previous article for this site, we wrote about the importance of taking care to thoughtfully organize, store, and safeguard your estate planning documents
What Is a No-Contest Clause In a Will or Trust?
Will and trust contests can often cause estate administration to drag on — while pitting family members against each other. To minimize the likelihood of
Can a Trustee Be Challenged or Removed?
A trustee has many important responsibilities and duties, including managing, controlling, and distributing trust property, while keeping beneficiaries and other relevant parties informed about the
What Is a Testamentary Trust?
When you’re gone, your most important assets will remain — and they will be reallocated. Estate planning is a process that keeps you in control
7 Common Estate Planning Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Estate planning is one of the most powerful and important steps you can take to prepare for the future — and it’s crucial to make
Updating Your Estate Plan After a Divorce
Whatever stage of life’s journey you may currently be facing, estate planning is one of the most important ways to prepare for whatever the future
Can You Challenge or Remove a Personal Representative in Michigan?
When someone passes away, their assets must be collected and distributed and their estate must be guided through Michigan’s probate courts. The personal representative is
What Is a Pour-Over Will?
Over the course of a lifetime, we acquire assets. When we pass on, those assets remain and they will be reallocated. The question is —
Organizing and Safeguarding Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare for the future and protect your family, even when you’re gone.
How to Provide for Someone With Special Needs as Part of Your Estate Plan
If you are the parent or sibling of a loved one with special needs, you know the importance of making sure they’re protected and able
When to Consider Choosing a Professional Fiduciary
Setting up your estate plan isn’t always a pleasant thing to think about; however, it’s a very important step to take when you have the
Can You Disinherit an Adult Child In Michigan?
When you pass away, what will happen to the assets you’ve spent a lifetime acquiring? Developing an estate plan is a process that keeps you
The Downsides of DIY Estate Planning
You may be familiar with the concept of “Do It Yourself,” or “DIY.” In short, this ethos is all about tackling important projects on your
Understanding Michigan’s Homestead Allowance, Family Allowance, and Exempt Property
Losing a loved one is always difficult and emotionally trying. The loss of a family member can take on a new dimension when the decedent
Power of Attorney Abuse: What to Know and How to Prepare
Unfortunately, it’s inevitable for bad things to happen. Fortunately, it’s possible to take precautions to make bad situations easier to manage. If something happens that
What Is a Holographic Will?
Here in Michigan, a will is an important estate planning tool — one that can allow you to maintain control over the distribution of your
What Can a Probate and Estates Attorney Do for You?
When you have a foot problem, you go to the podiatrist. When you have a heart problem, you go to the cardiologist. When you want