Blog

Estate planning abstract concept vector illustration. - will and living trust concept

Should You Have Both a Will and a Living Trust?

One of the most common questions estate planning attorneys hear is “Do I need a will, a living trust, or both?” Often, the question is asked by a new client who has been doing research on estate planning, or who has been advised by a friend or fa… Read More
Read More
Categories: Estate planning

Do you have concerns about your client's capacity?

You may have come across a situation where you have concerns that your client has, or you suspect has, evidence of some loss of memory, and/or problems with language, problem solving, and other thinking abilities. Perhaps you have an elder client who… Read More
Read More
Information about Estate planning - preparing for estate planning concept

How to Prepare for an Estate Planning Meeting

If you are getting ready to attend your first estate planning meeting with an attorney, congratulations! That means that you’ve already taken the most difficult step: making the decision to make an estate plan. Now you may be concerned about what y… Read More
Read More
Categories: Estate planning
Caring For an Elderly Par…

Caring For an Elderly Parent When You Live Out of State

Just a few generations ago, it was common for young adults to continue living in the community in which they grew up, close to friends and family who did the same. Grandparents helped to care for grandchildren, and when they themselves grew older and… Read More
Read More
Categories: Elder Care
Mature woman writing in a notepad - holographic will concept

Is a Holographic Will Valid in Michigan?

It’s not hard to make a valid will. In Michigan, all a will needs in order to be valid under the law is to be in writing; signed by the person making it (or by someone else at that person’s conscious direction); and signed by two witnesses to eit… Read More
Read More
Categories: Estate planning
Cute family in their living room, at home portrait - estate planning for children concept

Estate Planning for Minor Children

For many people, the motivation for creating an estate plan is the birth of a child. Becoming a parent and becoming responsible for another life tends to focus your attention on planning for the future! The hope, of course, is that you will be around… Read More
Read More
Categories: Estate planning
Last Will and testament document with pen - Find a will concept

What to Do If You Can’t Find the Will After Someone Dies

The days and weeks after a loved one’s death are difficult, as you deal with your grief and begin adjusting to life without your family member. Unfortunately, the mourning period often involves the need to probate your loved one’s estate. Probate… Read More
Read More
Dollar or cash in burlap sacks and a white paper cut out of family on wood balance scale - Funding a trust concept

What Does It Mean to Fund a Trust?

Trusts have become increasingly popular as an estate planning tool in recent years. Trusts aren’t just for the wealthy. They are useful for anyone who does not want their assets to have to go through probate at their death. A trust is a legal relat… Read More
Read More
Close up of death certificate - do I need a death certificate to open an estate in Michigan?

Do I Need a Death Certificate to Open an Estate in Michigan?

In the moments after a family member’s death, the need to open an estate for them is probably not the first thing on your mind. But in the days and weeks that follow, you will come to realize that you need to take steps to settle their estate—pay… Read More
Read More
Child and adult holding hands - Guardianship of a minor concept

Difference Between Full and Limited Guardianship

When a person lacks the legal capacity to make decisions on their own behalf, they need someone who can make those decisions for them. Being under the age of 18 is such a legal incapacity. For most children, the decision maker is a parent. But if the… Read More
Read More
Categories: Guardianships