» Estate and Probate
Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets
October 3rd, 2022
Transferring property after someone dies can be complicated. Many people mistakenly believe that their will is sufficient to transfer their assets. They fail to consider the difference between probate and non-probate assets and the effect that transf…
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Why Designated Beneficiaries Are Important in Estate Planning
August 8th, 2022
Designating beneficiaries is an important but often overlooked aspect of a sound estate plan. Many people prepare their estate planning documents, such as their last will and testament or trust, but forget to verify and update beneficiary designation…
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Categories: Estate and Probate
Dementia Awareness: Michigan Patient Advocate Designation
June 10th, 2022
June is Dementia Awareness Month, which provides an opportunity to learn more about this condition and make plans for your future if you or someone you love ever receives this diagnosis. What Is Dementia? Dementia is a general term for a group of sym…
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Categories: Estate and Probate
Avoiding Family Disputes and Litigation Over Your Will or Trust
February 1st, 2022
One of the goals of a properly-prepared estate plan is to avoid a family dispute after a loved one passes away. When planning and preparing your estate plan, it is wise to consider some of the issues that can divide a family so you can craft your est…
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How to Choose the Right Power of Attorney or Personal Representative
December 6th, 2021
When it comes to selecting someone to serve as your power of attorney or personal representative, you simply cannot be too careful. This is a person who will handle your legal and financial affairs if you are unable to do so, and the person who will…
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Categories: Estate and Probate
Protecting Minor Beneficiaries
October 13th, 2021
Preparing your estate plan inevitably requires that you consider your own mortality. If you have children under the age of 18, planning to provide for and protect your family is even more important. But can a minor be a beneficiary at all? One of the…
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Categories: Estate and Probate
What is a Last Will and Testament, and Why You Need One
October 5th, 2021
What is a Last Will and Testament? A Will, also known as a Last Will and Testament, is a legal document that states your intentions for the distribution of your assets and property after your death. The State of Michigan requires the person creating…
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Categories: Estate and Probate
How to Protect Your Legacy from Immature Financial Decisions
August 10th, 2021
As you work with your lawyer to develop your estate plan, you will consider the legacy you want to leave to the people you care about most. But sometimes the people we love need to be protected from themselves. This is where a spendthrift provision c…
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Categories: Estate and Probate
The Importance of a Durable Power of Attorney
June 29th, 2021
A durable power of attorney allows you to appoint another person to make decisions for you if you lose the mental capacity to make decisions on your own. Choosing someone who will act as your power of attorney is an important decision that should onl…
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Categories: Estate and Probate
10 Reasons to Update your Will or Trust
May 18th, 2021
Your estate planning documents, and especially your Last Will and Testament (Will) and any trusts you have created, are living documents that need regular maintenance. As your life and circumstances change over time, your estate planning documents mu…
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Categories: Estate and Probate
