Throughout your life, you have been a peacemaker, seeking to avoid conflicts and making sure that everyone got along. But when it comes to the reading of your will, you may be fooling yourself into thinking that matters will go smoothly. A surprise may or may not be...
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Wills
Include these points in your will
A will is the backbone of the estate plan that lets your loved ones know your wishes when you pass away. There are some specific points that you should include in your will. Remember, you also have other estate planning tools, including trusts, to help you care for...
Who’s entitled to challenge a testator’s will?
It's common for there to be some unhappy people once the contents of a testator's will are revealed after that individual dies. You must understand that not everyone is entitled to challenge a person's will, and they're not allowed to do so for just any reason either....
Know what assets don’t belong in your will
Creating a will is a critical step in making your estate plan, but you don't have to include everything you own in the will. Instead, there are some specific things that don't have to be discussed in this document. It's imperative that you understand the distinction...
Beneficiaries are often notified when a family member dies
A will allows a deceased person to dictate what happens to his or her assets after passing. In Michigan and most other states, the will is verified during probate. The document can also name the executor of the estate as well as who would look after a minor child if...
Gifts can be a key part of estate planning
Estate planning can be a complicated subject in Michigan. Not only can it be a fearful experience as it acknowledges mortality, but there could be concerns about disputes arising among relatives as to how the assets are divided. Tax implications are also a common...
Can a person cut their spouse out of their will?
In September, rock and roll legend Ric Ocasek passed away in his mid-seventies. Ocasek suffered from a number of heart-related illnesses and was recovering from surgery when he died of natural causes. He was found by his wife, model Paulina Porizkova, from whom he had...
Key requirements for a valid Michigan will
A Michigan resident does not have to panic when they consider how and when they will draft their estate planning documents. Attorneys are well-versed in the requirements that apply to trusts, wills, and other important tools. Because estate planning documents must...
Challenges to wills can draw out probate
The loss of a beloved family member can be difficult for a Michigan resident. As they work through their emotions and manage the decedent's end-of-life plans, they may begin to think about what will happen to the decedent's possessions and property. When a person...
Helping you draft a will that meets your needs
For some, thinking about the future comes natural to them. They have certain hopes and desires, and they want to takes steps to ensure that these fall into place and are protected. In contrast, some individuals in Michigan and elsewhere do not like thinking too far...