Upon their death, most Michigan residents want to make the transition of property and assets as simple and easy as possible for surviving family members. Estate planning is a great way to do this. Estate plans can encompass many types of documents, but the most common...

Estate Planning And Probate
How a solid estate plan can reduce the need for probate
Though most people understand why an estate plan is important, getting one is often something they put off. They may be nervous about dealing with end-of-life choices or even want to avoid potential family conflict, but not doing anything could have a significant...
How do I use a durable power of attorney?
One of the most important terms in estate law is durable power of attorney. But it is also a misunderstood term by a lot of people who need to know what one is and why one should have one. In short, a durable power of attorney lets someone choose who makes the...
It’s time to update your estate plans: Here’s where to start
It's probably been a while since you looked at your estate planning documents. If it's been five years or longer, the experts say that you need to drag out those papers and go through them because you can't trust your memory about what they contain.A lot can happen in...
A loved one died without a will, what next?
If you recently lost a loved one who did not have an estate plan in place, you may feel that the logistical aspects of settling their estate are an additional stressor in addition to the grief and sense of loss that you are experiencing. It's important that you reach...
When do you distribute inheritances from someone’s estate?
As the executor of your friend's estate, you want to handle everything properly. However, their anxious heirs are already asking questions about the decedent's assets, both big and small. Your reluctance to pass out their inheritances is starting to create some...
Coronavirus should make you consider estate planning
The impact that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on the world cannot be denied. People all over the world are in quarantine, travel has been restricted and many major events -- such as all NFL and NHL games or the March Madness tournament -- have been canceled or...
Prince’s estate encounters new complications
When music icon Prince died, people were shocked that the singer and songwriter didn't leave behind a will. His six siblings stood to inherit roughly $100 million. However, the licensing rights on many of his unpublished works could be worth much more.Two of those...
How the SECURE Act changes trust planning
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act went into effect at the beginning of 2020. Among other things, it changes some of the rules on certain kinds of trusts -- which means that you may need to revise your current estate plans.In the...
Is probate always necessary?
When a person passes away, their estate is typically subject to probate. Probate is a process that is overseen by the courts and provides a way for an estate to be settled and appropriately distributed in accordance with the instructions of the will.However, probate...