Protecting Futures With Estate Planning
Creating an estate plan is essential to protecting your loved ones from strife should the unexpected occur. It is never too early to design an estate plan. Parents of minor children can designate the person or couple they want to raise their children. Older adults can use an estate plan to determine health, Medicaid and tax plans. Through a last will and testament, you can let your family know how you want your legacy to be distributed.
Creating The Appropriate Estate Plan For Your Family Dynamics
Our lawyers at Kershaw, Vititoe & Jedinak, PLC, in Monroe, Michigan, understand how important your family is to you. We also know that no two families are identical. We will sit down with you to discuss your estate planning goals and concerns. We are dedicated to providing clients with candid advice about the variety of estate planning tools that are available. Our goal is to help you select only the tools you need to achieve your goals. We strive to craft the most appropriate and meaningful plan to give our clients peace of mind.
We offer comprehensive planning services, including:
- Estate planning
- Drafting wills
- Establishing trusts
- Probate strategies
- Establishing health care directives
- Long-term care planning
- Declaring powers of attorney
- Medicare and Medicaid planning
- Creating living wills and health proxies
- Establishing guardianships and conservatorships
- Estate and gift tax issues
Thinking about the future can be emotionally trying and stressful, especially when you are forced to think about what may happen in the event of death or incapacity. We understand the weight of these decisions and genuinely care about your future and the legacy you wish to create. When necessary, we also help our clients through the probate process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Estate Planning
Having a clear estate plan in place helps protect your wishes and guide your loved ones through important decisions. However, many people have concerns about the process that prevents them from creating a plan. The following information addresses common concerns to help clear any confusion you may have about estate planning in Michigan.
Do I need a will if I do not have many assets?
Yes. A will is still essential even if you have a modest estate and few assets. Michigan’s intestacy laws will determine who receives your property if you pass away without a valid will. Unfortunately, this may not reflect your preferences. A will also allows you to name a personal representative, outline specific gifts and designate guardians for your minor children.
Additionally, a will can serve as a set of instructions that help reduce confusion and limit potential disputes among family members. Even small estates benefit from clear directions that support efficient administration.
What happens if my beneficiaries are minors?
Minor beneficiaries cannot directly receive or manage inherited property in Michigan. When a minor inherits assets, the probate court may appoint a conservator to oversee the funds until the child becomes an adult. This process can be time consuming and may require ongoing court supervision.
Many families use tools such as trusts to manage property for minors and provide structured oversight. Trusts allow you to select a trustee, define distribution terms and avoid unnecessary court involvement. Planning ahead helps ensure inherited assets are protected and used responsibly.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Your estate plans should be reviewed regularly to help ensure it continues to reflect your current circumstances and goals. Major life events often signal the need for updates, including marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or significant changes in assets. Michigan residents should also revisit their documents when laws change or named fiduciaries become unavailable.
Periodic reviews can maintain accuracy and prevent outdated instructions from causing delays or complications. Our attorneys recommend evaluating and updating your plan at least every few years to confirm that it still meets your needs.
Sustaining Your Legacy And Accommodating Your Interests
It is never too early to create an estate plan. If you wish to make or revise an estate plan to accommodate your future and that of your loved ones, we can help. Contact us today to get the process started. Call our Monroe office at 734-636-0960 to set up a consultation with our estate planning attorney. We assist clients throughout southeastern Michigan with all estate planning needs.