Taking on the role of executor in Michigan is a big responsibility. Follow these steps to carry out your duties effectively: Secure the estate Your first task is to protect the deceased's property. This means locking up the home, safeguarding valuables and informing...
Estate Planning
What are the key steps to setting up a pet trust?
Many pet owners want to ensure their furry companions receive proper care if they pass away or become incapacitated. Including a pet trust in an estate plan provides peace of mind and clear instructions for a pet's future care. Here are some key legal considerations...
What are Lady Bird Deeds in Michigan?
A Lady Bird Deed allows you to name a beneficiary who will automatically inherit your property upon death. Unlike a traditional life estate deed, you retain complete control over the property during your lifetime. You can sell, mortgage or change the beneficiary...
The top priorities when you start your estate plan
Starting an estate plan can feel overwhelming, but you do not need to handle it all at once. It is often better to focus on key priorities that lay a strong foundation for the future. By addressing these main priorities, you can protect your assets and take the first...
Estate planning for children with special needs
Taking care of a child with special needs is a lifelong challenge. However, there is an inevitable moment for every parent who has such a child where they come to terms with the fact that they might not be there for their child forever. While this may be hard to think...
3 cost-saving probate strategies for Michigan executors
When a family member passes away, settling their estate can be an emotional and complex process for the family they leave behind. Probate, with its emotional and financial challenges, can feel like the last thing you want to address, especially during times of grief....
How a special needs trust can help you provide for your loved ones
If you have a loved one who is dealing with disabilities and health conditions, you likely wish to take care of their needs and improve their quality of life. There is one estate planning tool that can help you fulfill this goal. The special needs trust offers unique...
How do living trusts bypass probate in Michigan?
As you start planning your estate, legal and financial experts often recommend avoiding probate. But what exactly is probate, and why do professionals advise against it? Probate is the court-supervised process of settling your estate after you pass away. This complex...
The importance of a will in securing your legacy
In the journey of life, one certainty is our eventual departure. Yet, others overlook the significance of planning for this, particularly when it comes to their assets and loved ones. If you are thinking of creating an estate plan, how can a last will and testament...
Key strategies to safeguard your estate
An effective estate plan revolves around more than just asset distribution. It is a dynamic process that requires thoughtful decisions that aim to protect your children’s future when you are no longer around. As time passes and your life circumstances change, your...