» Estate Planning

Adirondack Chairs overlooking a beautiful sunset lake on a vacation property.

What are the Advantages of Using a Trust to Keep your Michigan Vacation Property in your Family?

Keeping Your Getaway in the Family for Years to Come Vacation Property in Michigan has many forms and can include, cottages, cabins, open land for camping or hunting and even second homes. However, what happens to the family vacation property when th… Read More
Read More
Mother father and baby, Visual concept for an estate planning blog discussing Michigan Estate Planning for New Parents.

Michigan Estate Planning Essentials for Parenthood

Key Estate Planning Considerations for Michigan Parents Estate Planning for Parenthood is about making thoughtful and proactive decisions to protect your loved ones, whether you are expecting your first child or already have a minor child or children… Read More
Read More
Categories: Estate Planning
Copper Harbor, MI - Group of kayakers paddling into the sunset. Visual concept for a legal blog discussing the advantages of a Lady Bird Deed and other tools to avoid probate.

How to Avoid Probate with a Lady Bird Deed

What is Probate Administration and why should I avoid it? Probate administration in Michigan is a court supervised process for distributing a person’s estate after he or she passes away, with or without a Will. It can be costly and time consuming a… Read More
Read More
Reviewing Estate Plan with an attorney. Visual concept for a legal blog discussing the transparent flat fee rates and estate planning cost at Ager Law Office.

How Much Does a Basic Estate Plan Cost?

An estate plan will determine how your assets and property will be managed and distributed after you are gone. Many people put off creating an estate plan because of concerns about the cost. Estate planning attorney Bill Ager at Ager Law Office under… Read More
Read More
Categories: Estate Planning
Ink pen, old pair of glasses laying on an estate planning document. Visual concept for a legal blog discussing common estate planning mistakes in Michigan.

Michigan’s Top Ten Estate Planning Mistakes

Estate planning is a critical step for not only ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes, but also managed properly if you are incapacitated and unable to make decisions. However, many people put off estate planning or make estat… Read More
Read More
Categories: Estate Planning
Senior spouses/grandparents looking over documents with questions. Visual concept for legal blog titled: Top Five Questions about Estate Plans Answered.

Top Five Questions about Estate Plans Answered

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to protect your assets and loved ones. Many people have questions about estate planning: What is it? Why do I need it? What happens if I don’t have one? This post answers t… Read More
Read More
Categories: 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
Read More
Categories: Estate Planning
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
Read More
Categories: Estate Planning
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
Read More
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
Read More
Categories: Estate Planning