Making the decision about who will be in charge of administering an estate can be tricky. Not only is it important to select an executor (or executors) who can be trusted, but it's also critical to make sure the designation is valid and the named individuals are up to the job.
Paul Walker took the right steps to protect estate
Michigan car enthusiasts probably took notice in November of last year when Paul Walker, the actor most famous for his roles in the "Fast and Furious" franchise, died in a car accident. It was a sad event for a number of reasons, but mostly because Walker was only 40 years old and in the prime of life.
The perils of forgetting about long-term care in an estate plan
Many of our Michigan readers may think that all of their estate planning needs will be met once they have a will, a trust and the appropriate power of attorney forms. While these instruments are vital to a good, comprehensive estate plan, there is another aspect that needs to be considered - long-term planning for care in advanced age or poor health.
The estate planning may be done, but updates are important
Any of our Michigan readers familiar with previous posts here know that there are a wide variety of estate planning instruments to consider when it comes to protecting assets and avoiding probate litigation. Some will choose trusts because of the relative ease with which assets can be passed on to future generations. Others choose the tried-and-true will, in which the estate planner can designate property distribution as well as detail important decisions like naming guardians for minor children. There are many approaches, and having an estate plan is almost always better than leaving an estate in the hands of state intestate laws.
