MICHIGAN ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY
Michigan Estate Planning Attorney
The subject of protecting your hard-earned assets and advocating for your health in life, sickness, and death is not one that should be taken lightly. As your Michigan Estate Planning Attorney, Macie Law can assist you with creating an estate plan that encompasses all of you and your family’s needs.
Probate Court
Probate Court is the court in which a decedent’s assets and property are distributed.
When an individual does not have the proper estate planning documents, the distribution of the assets and property is approved through the probate court. In most cases, a family member or heir to the estate is appointed Personal Representative. However, assets and property are typically distributed equally to heirs according to specific provisions of the Michigan statute. The probate court process can be time consuming and often times costly. Therefore, having a Michigan Estate Planning Attorney prepare the necessary documents to avoid a lengthy probate court process is important.
Last Will and Testament
A Last Will and Testament is a legally binding document that designates what should happen to your property, assets, and/or children after your death.
An estate planning attorney will prepare a will that represents your wishes with respect to who inherits specific property and/or assets. Further, if you have children under the age of 18, it will designate who will be appointed guardian in the event that both parents are deceased.
In most cases, an estate must still go through probate court even if there is a will. However, the probate court process is much simpler and expeditious .
Revocable Living Trust
A Revocable Living Trust is a document that allows you to transfer your current property and assets to a trust. Additionally, beneficiaries are named with respect to the distribution of the property and assets upon your death. While you are alive, you are the trustee and in control of all property named in the trust. Unlike a will, property left through a trust can be distributed to the beneficiaries almost immediately without going through probate court. However, you should still have a will prepared as a backup. A will covers anything that was inadvertently omitted from the trust and/or obtained after the trust was prepared.
Durable Power of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney is a document that allows you to appoint a person to make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer capable. A durable power of attorney is effective upon the disability or incapacity of an individual. However, the designation ceases at the time of death. The designee may be given limited or broad authority to make legal decisions. Some of these decision include such things as medical care, finances, and/or property.
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare allows you to direct medical professionals on what medical steps you would like taken in the event you become sick or injured and are unable to speak for yourself. In addition, a Durable Power of Attorney allows you to appoint patient advocate(s). When you appoint patient advocate(s), you are designating them to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable. Some of these decisions include:
- what medical care you will receive such as surgeries and medications,
- what facilities you will receive medical care,
- what doctors or providers will oversee your medical care, and
- where you will live should you need to be placed in an assisted living or nursing home.
MACIE LAW, PLLC IS A MICHIGAN ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY YOU CAN COUNT ON!
Although facing a family law matter can be an intimidating situation to handle, you should not wait to consult a family law attorney. Contact our office for a free initial consultation!
