Resources
Client Information Worksheet
This is often the very first step of our relationship, where I ask you to fill out this Client Information Worksheet.
Why Do I Need An Estate Plan?
Thanks to the large federal estate and gift tax exemption (currently $5.49 million for individuals and $10.98 million for married couples), most people do not need estate planning for the purpose of saving
Minor Children
Of course, no one is expecting to die young or while your children are young. But the responsible thing to do, as a parent, is to plan for that possibility no matter how remote it seems. A good estate plan for a young family includes two major features: (1) naming a guardian for your minor children and (2)
What is probate? Do I need a Trust?
A basic estate plan in Michigan includes a Will which deals with your property and allows you to nominate guardians for minor children. It also includes a Living Will and Patient Advocate Designation and a Durable Power of Attorney, both of which allow someone to manage your financial affairs and make
Planning for Incapacity
Death is certain but estate planning shouldn’t contemplate just your death. You should plan for the event, however remote, you become incapacitated and unable to make medical or financial decisions.
Dangers of DIY Estate Planning
There are many online DIY legal providers that charge little for estate planning documents, but the problem is that they lure you into a false sense of security. The main problem with these standard forms is due to their one-size-fits-all packaging – the documents are pre-drafted and you have a limited
Recent Blog Posts
Thanksgiving is a Good Time to Start the Estate Planning Conversation
Thanksgiving is often the only opportunity in the whole year when all of your family members get together. While it’s a time to relax and spend quality time together (for some of us, at least, since I realize Thanksgiving is…
What Happens to Frequent Flier Miles After You Die?
More and more people are using credit cards with travel rewards programs or they have frequent flier miles with their favorite airlines. This is a great review of each airline’s policies on what happens to your frequent flier miles when…
Women Really Need an Estate Plan
With Mother’s Day coming, I thought I’d write about how estate planning is just so important for mothers and women generally! While everyone needs an estate plan, as well as a financial plan, women in particular face unique concerns in…
What Happens If You Are Not Survived By Anyone?
You and your family is flying on the same flight to your destination. The plane crashes into the sea. Nobody survives. This is the unthinkable. What happens to your assets? This is so remote but there is a statute in
Incapacity Planning: how to make sure your estate is in good hands if you become incapacitated
There’s nothing more certain than getting older and eventually dying. But what about in between if you become incapacitated? Proper planning can help ensure that your estate is in good hands as you age when
Estate Planning Starter Kit for Newlyweds
Wedding season is coming – wedding bells are in the air! Even young first-time newlyweds in Michigan without many assets should have a basic estate plan in place. Additionally, if newlyweds have a pre- or post-nuptial agreement, the Wills need to…