» Estate Planning

woman visiting her senior father in the hospital and holding his hand while they smile at one another - designated patient advocate concept

Make a Patient Advocate Designation Part of Your Core Estate Plan

A core estate plan protects you and your family’s well-being. One important document that should be part of every core estate plan is a Patient Advocate Designation, sometimes referred to as a “Power of Attorney for Health Care”, in which you d… Read More
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Blank power of attorney form with paperwork, phone and digital tablet. Close up

Make the New Michigan Power of Attorney Part of Your Core Estate Plan

A core estate plan will protect your financial interests and family’s well-being, and includes four important documents. One important document that should be part of every core estate plan is a Durable Power of Attorney (DPA). A DPA allows you to… Read More
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desk with calculator, documents, and small house model on it - estate planning awareness concept

National Estate Planning Awareness Week: An Important Reminder

National Estate Planning Awareness Week, which was adopted in 2008, occurs every year in October and provides an important reminder about making the effort to create an estate plan, or to review your plan if you already have one. An estate plan deter… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
lake house - estate planning for family vacation house concept

Estate Planning for Your Vacation Home

The family vacation home, whether it is a cabin, cottage, house or condo, is often cherished for the lifelong memories and family traditions it provides. Many Michiganders want to keep their vacation properties in the family for their children and fu… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
parents with young kids walking while holding hands - joint revocable living trust for parents concept

Joint Revocable Living Trusts For Parents with Minor Children

In Michigan, establishing a Joint Revocable Living Trust as part of your estate plan can be an excellent choice if you have minor children or young adult children. What is a Joint Revocable Living Trust? A joint revocable living trust (JRLT) is a sin… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Making plans for my future - Starting an Estate Plan concept

Starting an Estate Plan in Michigan

Estate planning is for everyone. It provides a method for an orderly distribution of your assets and property following death and also serves the equally important purpose of protecting you and your family during your lifetime in the event you become… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
last will and testament

The Importance of Coordinating your Beneficiary Designations with Your Will and Living Trust

Using beneficiary designations offers a simple and cost-effective method for the transfer of your assets at death. It is also important for estate planning because naming beneficiaries on bank and financial accounts, life insurance policies, annuitie… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
someone holding a small model home in their hands and passing it to someone else - lady bird deed estate planning concept

Estate Planning with a Michigan Lady Bird Deed

A lady bird deed, also called an enhanced life estate deed, is a popular estate planning tool that avoids probate and accomplishes other estate planning objectives. It is a special method of automatically transferring your home and other real propert… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Writing new years resolutions, list on notepad with ballpoint pen, January calendar in background - new years estate planning resolution concept

Why Estate Planning Should Be One of Your New Year’s Resolutions

Studies indicate that about 40% to 50% of us make promises to improve as the calendar turns over to a new year. For 2024, your resolutions should include creating, or reviewing and updating, your estate plan. New Year, New Estate Plan An up-to-date e… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Estate plan file in a filing cabinet

The Problems of Not Having an Estate Plan

Not having an estate plan means that your family and loved ones may encounter problems when you die — and also during your lifetime. Some of those problems may not be easily resolved, causing tension in family relationships and leading to outcomes… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning