You probably have heard that having a will is a very good idea. It will make things much easier on those you leave behind when you die. It helps the state know what to do with your assets and can be used to assure minor children are taking care of according to your...
Wills & Trusts
What is a statutory will?
Under Michigan law, there are options in the type of will you can create. All wills have to be drawn up according to the law. As explained by the Michigan Legislature, one option is the statutory will. This type of will has limits on what you can do with...
The definition and benefits of a holographic will
Regardless of a person's age, financial status or obligation to dependents, the decision to organize and articulate a will is one of the best decisions that anyone can make. A person's decision to invest in his or her future and create a meaningful plan for his or her...
Numerous fiduciaries are involved in estate administration
For those in Michigan with little experience in matters of estate planning, the terminology associated with it may be intimidating enough to repel some from investigating the benefits. Nevertheless, because planning one's estate is important, it is worth gaining an...
Wills and trusts carry legal protections
Aaron Hernandez died under a cloud of dishonor, committing suicide after one court convicted him of murder and leaving his estate in debt to the tune of at least $1 million. However, there is evidence that some of his final acts may have been to protect his 5-year-old...
The varied and flexible uses of a trust
A trust is one element a Michigan resident can include in an estate plan. A trust essentially owns the assets funded to it, and the person who creates a trust assigns a trustee to manage the assets according to instructions provided. When people consider adding a...
Protect your family with a will before traveling
The fall and winter are seasons where families travel for many reasons. Whether a family travels for a vacation or because of the many holidays in the coming months, these travels always include a risk that many parents do not want to consider: Something tragic may...
Jerry Lewis disinherits his children in his will
Jerry Lewis was known for many things. Generations of people in Michigan and across the world appreciated his brilliant comedy in movies and stand-up routines. Each year at summer's end, Lewis's telethon raised millions of dollars to find a cure for children afflicted...
All parents, even divorced parents, must create a will
Most people only want to think about pleasant thoughts. This is one reason why some parents don't make plans for what is going to happen with their children if both parents pass away. Having minor children at home is a big responsibility. If both parents die, someone...
Cause of death may trigger disputes over wills and trusts
The mysterious and suspicious circumstances under which a man in another state died are at the heart of a family battle over the man's estate. The man's four daughters expected to inherit his $29 million estate after he was shot three times in his bed in Dec. 2013....