Are You Eligible to Use a Ladybird Deed in Michigan?
As spring settles in across Michigan, many families start thinking about the future. With the snow melted and schedules opening up a bit, it’s a good time to tackle the kind of planning we tend to put off. One option that often comes up in these conversations is a ladybird deed. Michigan allows residents to […]
When Your Parent Plans to Disinherit Your Sibling
Your parent has made the difficult decision to omit your brother or sister from their estate plan. While this decision will undoubtedly land heavily on your sibling, the decision also places you in a complicated position. As the child who was not cut out of the estate plan, you may find yourself in an especially […]
Avoid Living Probate: How to Keep Guardians and Conservators Out of Your Estate
While many proactive individuals understand the importance of having a comprehensive estate plan, they often assume that their plan addresses only what happens after they pass away. However, a comprehensive estate plan is also meant to positively impact your life by planning for and providing necessary protections while you are still around to reap the […]
International Inheritance Laws: What US Residents Need to Know
Estate planning can be complicated enough when all your assets (accounts and property) and loved ones are located within one country. But for US residents with international connections, whether through property, citizenship, residency, business interests, or loved ones living abroad, it can become significantly more complex. Different countries have different rules about who inherits, how […]
When Is an Estate Subject to State Death Taxes?
The United States imposes a federal estate tax at death, which is based on the total value of the deceased person’s estate (everything a person owns at the time of their death) and is paid from the estate itself. In addition to the federal estate tax, some states assess their own taxes at death. One […]
When to Update Your Financial Power of Attorney in Michigan
A Financial Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you’re unable to do so. This document becomes particularly important during significant life changes, as it ensures your financial decisions align with your current needs and preferences. Whenever these changes occur, it’s a good […]
Your Cyber Legacy: 3 Tips for Your Digital Assets
Digital assets are a category of commonly overlooked assets that play a crucial role in your estate plan and the legacy you leave behind at your death. It is all right if you did not consider these items when you first created your will or trust; such a mistake is surprisingly common and, luckily, easy […]
Treating Children Fairly Does Not Necessarily Mean Equally
Parents generally try to treat all their children fairly. We often assume that fairness means leaving an equal inheritance to each child. However, “fair” does not always mean “equal.” A thoughtful estate plan considers each child’s unique circumstances to create distributions that truly support their needs. Here are some situations where unequal but fair distributions […]
5 Things Every New Parent Needs to Know About Wills
Congratulations on your new baby! Becoming a parent is an incredible journey filled with joy, love, and a whole lot of sleepless nights. It is also a time when you start thinking about the future in an entirely new way. You want to ensure that your child is always protected, no matter what. While legal […]
Avoid These Common and Expensive Mistakes: How to Leave Assets to Minor Children
You love your children and want to ensure that they are always taken care of. The desire to provide for them may also be shared by their grandparents, aunts, and uncles. However, when leaving money and property to minor children, even the best intentions can lead to big problems. Common mistakes can cause chaos for […]
Nosy Neighbor Nellie Can Find Out About Your Probate
Most people think of probate (the process of collecting, managing, and distributing a deceased person’s money and property) as a private process. However, because probate involves the court system, most filings become a matter of public record. That means your nosy neighbor Nellie can simply go to the courthouse or hop online to learn all […]
What to Do When You Do Not Own What You Think You Own
Imagine the following scenario: You have been living in a house for years. As your mother’s sole heir, you inherited it from her when she passed away. You pay the taxes and insurance. You make the repairs and mow the lawn. You call it home, and everyone in the family calls it “yours.” However, when […]