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You’ve got ten more good years. Don’t spend them in an unhappy marriage just because you’ve been in it for thirty. We say this to clients more often than you’d think. Not because we’re trying to talk anyone into a divorce – but because by the time someone is sitting in a family law attorney’s … Read more
A Shelby Township couple owns a home worth $350,000, holds retirement accounts, and has two kids under 12. One of them dies unexpectedly without a trust in place. That house – the one they spent years paying off – is now tied up in Macomb County Probate Court at 40 N. Main Street in Mount … Read more
Nobody budgets for probate. That’s part of the problem. When a loved one dies, the last thing families expect is a bill from the court system – but that’s exactly what Michigan probate delivers. Filing fees, inventory fees, attorney fees, publication costs, appraisal charges, and personal representative compensation. By the time the estate closes, families … Read more
Many Michigan residents wonder whether a will is sufficient or if a trust offers better protection. We assist clients throughout Oakland County, Macomb County, and Southeast Michigan in understanding these options and selecting the best fit for their needs. Wills and trusts serve distinct purposes and provide different benefits. Michigan law determines estate administration, property … Read more
Selecting a personal representative is a critical step in Michigan estate planning. This individual manages the estate, pays debts, and distributes assets according to the will or state law. The choice directly affects the efficiency of estate administration and the likelihood of family disputes. Michigan law sets clear rules for who may serve and outlines … Read more
Michigan’s Medicaid asset limit for a single applicant in 2026 is $9,950 in countable assets. That’s not a typo. If you or a parent ever need nursing home care – which costs $10,000-$15,000 per month in Michigan – the state expects you to spend down nearly everything before it helps. And yet, the number one … Read more
When a loved one passes away in Michigan, families often encounter the term “probate” but may not understand its meaning or impact. Probate is the legal process for administering a deceased person’s estate, settling debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. Although sometimes necessary, probate can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful for families. However, with proper … Read more
You’d spend $4,500 to prevent a $100,000 problem in any other area of your life. If your mechanic told you a $4,500 repair today would prevent $100,000 in engine damage next year, you wouldn’t think twice. If your doctor said a $4,500 procedure now would avoid a $100,000 surgery later, you’d schedule it tomorrow. Estate … Read more
If you and your spouse both die tomorrow, do you know who raises your children? If you don’t have a guardianship nomination in place, the answer is simple and terrifying: a Michigan probate judge who has never met your family decides. Under MCL 700.5204, the court appoints a guardian based on the child’s best interests … Read more
An estate plan should not be signed and forgotten. As life, laws, and finances change, an outdated plan can cause confusion or conflict among family members. Many clients in Southeast Michigan have discovered that major life events rendered their documents obsolete. Michigan estate planning is governed by the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), MCL … Read more