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Family Estate planning document

Start a Conversation with Your Family About Estate Planning

This may be a good time to start a conversation with your family members about your estate plan. We are all susceptible to a critical change in our health at any time. These uncertain times bring a renewed focus on the need to have a plan in place sh… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Lake Superior shoreline.

Should You Consider a Cottage Trust For Your Family Vacation Home?

Many Michiganders own a family vacation home or cabin up north or elsewhere that holds a lifetime of memories and is an integral part of the family’s legacy. But what happens to the property when the original owners (usually the parents) pass away?… Read More
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Covid-19

How Estate Planning Addresses Coronavirus (Covid-19) Concerns

The current coronavirus pandemic is a time of uncertainty and uncharted territory. Despite the physical distancing between us, people are coming together and families are reconnecting. We all have a shared concern for our families, friends, businesse… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
for sale by owner

Michigan Seller Disclosure Act Requirements for FSBO (For Sale By Owner) Residential Real Estate Sales

Under a state statute, the Michigan Seller Disclosure Act (SDA), every seller of residential real estate that includes between one and four dwelling units is subject to specific disclosure requirements. The law applies to many types of residential re… Read More
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Categories: Real Estate
Estate Planning

What Happens If You Die Without a Will or Estate Plan?

If you do not have a Last Will and Testament or an estate plan, your family and loved ones will likely encounter problems when you die — and possibly during your lifetime as well. Some of those problems may not be easily resolved. They can create t… Read More
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Living Trust and estate

Setting Up a Living Trust in Michigan (What You Need to Know)

Living trusts are a valuable estate planning tool. But a living trust is not appropriate for everyone or every estate plan. If you consider making a living trust part of your estate plan, your first step is to understand how a living trust works and… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Estate law

3 Pitfalls of Do-It-Yourself / DIY Wills and Estate Plans

The ready availability and intense marketing of online services that create a Last Will and Testament, Trust, and other legal documents may make it tempting to bypass talking face-to-face with a lawyer and create your own estate plan. Unfortunately,… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Estate Planning

Make a New Year’s Resolution to Create Your Estate Plan or Update Your Existing Plan

The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions goes back more than 4,000 years. Today, studies indicate that about 40% to 50% of us make promises to improve as the calendar turns over to January 1. For 2020, your resolutions should include creating… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
new home

Year-End Real Estate Planning Considerations

The end of the year provides wonderful opportunities for celebrating holidays with family and friends. While you enjoy the festive atmosphere, it’s also a good idea to give some thought to year-end planning concerns, especially those relating to re… Read More
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Categories: Real Estate
Revocable trust

Do You Need a Lawyer to Establish a Trust?

Wills and trusts are the core documents in an estate plan. Most people have a general understanding of the nature of a Will. Trusts are more complicated than Wills for a number of reasons and often are somewhat confusing to individuals creating an es… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning