Areas of Practice within Estate Planning

Wills & Pour-over Wills

 

A will is one way to clarify how you want your property to be distributed. If you don’t have a will, Michigan law has a distribution plan known as intestate distribution, which may or may not align with your wishes. Thus, it’s important that your voice is heard and you have your will drafted by a professional.

Revocable Trusts

 

A revocable living trust is a popular estate planning tool that you can use to determine who will receive your property when you pass away. It’s “revocable“ because you can modify it as your circumstances or wishes change. It’s “living“ because it’s created during your lifetime.

General Durable Power of Attorney

 

This is your financial power of attorney. In the event you become incapacitated, your named agent (attorney-in-fact) has the authority to act in a wide range of legal, business, and financial matters. For example, your attorney-in-fact would have the power to act on your behalf for banking, contracting, dealing with your personal and real property, dealing with tax authorities, paying your bills, and redirecting your mail to name a few powers. The effective date can be either immediate or a future day if two treating physicians state that you’re no longer capable of

Medical Directives

 

A Medical Power of Attorney is the document that outlines your wishes regarding your medical decisions in the event you’re unable to make your own medical decisions. As the principal you give the person of your choice (your patient advocate) the authority to act on your behalf.

Trust Amendments

 

It’s not uncommon for a client to have previously created a revocable living trust and then a few years later want to make a few changes regarding the distribution of assets in the trust. Most modifications can be completed with a Trust Amendment, which is read in addition to the original trust.

Documents for Recording

 

When it comes to estate planning, there could be two documents that will need to be recorded at the Register of Deeds in the county where you reside. The documents are the Deed and The Certificate of Trust and Authority. If a deed is involved in your estate plan, I will also provide you with the necessary Property Transfer Affidavit to meet the requirements of your local tax assessor.

Estate Planning Reviews & Consultations

 

If your existing estate plan is dated and you don’t remember what you had completed however many years ago, allow me the opportunity to review your plan and see if any of the documents still reflect your current wishes. If they do, you’ll have the peace of mind that your plan has been professionally reviewed. If changes need to be made, I will be happy to guide you through any amendments or revocations that may be needed.