We love our pets, but many of us are still uncomfortable with confronting end of life issues. When accidents occur and people lack essential estate planning tools, it is very common for pets to being end up being sent to shelters or rescue centers. To avoid this unpleasant idea…
Many people understand that estate planning is important, but nobody wants to tackle issues that address end of life because often that means accepting that you too will die. If you get nervous or uncomfortable when it comes to estate planning issues, you aren’t the only one. Failure to…
Regardless of age, for parents who are interested in estate planning, the most pressing issue is almost always caring for children. The expectations that a parent has for their child often end up shaping the estate plans that get written. For single parents, these conversations are often more critical.…
When major life events like marriage and divorce occur, it is a wise idea to review your estate plan. That’s because these life events have the potential to significantly change a person’s estate plan. The purpose of this article is to review some key factors that you should consider…
After creating an estate plan, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you have now done everything necessary to plan for the future. In many cases, however, people fail to make sure that all beneficiary designations as well as assets are titled in a way to…
Three people in Ohio were recently convicted on multiple charges related to a scheme associated with creating and probating a fake will that left the entirety of a $2.2 million estate to a beneficiary and revoked an earlier will the deceased person had executed in 1993. In an additional twist,…
Many investors focus on amassing as large a savings as possible, but some also want to create an estate plans to make sure that these assets are passed on to loved ones. By following some proven strategies, it is possible to reduce the amount of associated estate taxes. The…
The Michigan Supreme Court recently decided the case of Hegadorn v. Dept. of Human Services, which involves the Medicaid spend down process. A “spend down” in this context refers to the process of reducing the assets of a person applying for Medicaid so the individual qualifies for Title XIX…
It’s understandable that people avoid estate planning. Plotting for what happens after we die can be a scary and uncomfortable thought process. To make sure that you receive the best care possible and that your loved ones receive assets from your estate, however, it is critical to create an…
Our experienced estate planning lawyers have helped a number of people create estate plans that can be used to carry out their wishes. We have also encountered a number of clients who attempted to create online estate planning documents, but who ended up facing expensive and substantial obstacles. Do…