General Estate Planning FAQs

Most people need at least a will, and many benefit from a trust. A will directs the probate court how to handle what is left in your name, while a trust lets you manage and distribute assets outside probate. Which is better depends on your goals, asset mix, and family situation. 

A will-based plan relies on a simple will plus lifetime documents like powers of attorney and a patient advocate designation. A trust-based plan adds a revocable living trust so more of your assets can pass without probate, often with more control over timing and conditions for distributions.

Probate can often be minimized or avoided for many assets with the right mix of a trust, beneficiary designations, and deeds. In practice, whether probate is needed depends on how your accounts and property are actually titled at death. 

As a rule of thumb, you should review your plan every 3–5 years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, a new child or grandchild, a significant change in assets, or a move to another state. 

The first step is a short online intake form. Once you submit it, I review your information, check for conflicts, and then call you to discuss options and whether I can help. 

No. Providing information through an intake form does not create an attorney–client relationship. Representation begins only if we both agree to work together and sign a written engagement agreement. 

Most estate planning work is done on a flat-fee basis, quoted after I review your intake form and understand your goals and complexity. You will know the fee before you decide whether to move forward. 

I typically offer phone and video meetings for convenience, with in‑person signing appointments available when needed. 

In my opinion, this is the most important estate planning document. A patient advocate designation allows you to name someone to make health care decisions for you if you cannot speak for yourself, and to express your treatment wishes in advance. This can help avoid a guardianship proceeding. 

A financial power of attorney lets someone you trust handle financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may need to seek a court‑ordered conservatorship. 

A revocable living trust holds your assets during your lifetime, under your control, and then directs how they are managed and distributed after your death. Properly funded, it can help avoid probate and allow for more tailored distribution to beneficiaries. 

Yes. A “pour‑over” will works with your trust to capture any assets that were still in your name and direct them into the trust through probate if needed. 

 Michigan’s intestacy laws determine who receives your assets and who can handle your estate. The result may be different from what you would have chosen, and the process can be more stressful for your family. 

 You should choose people who are trustworthy, organized, and able to communicate with your family. In some cases, it makes sense to separate roles so no one person has to do everything. 

Most estate planning work is done on a flat-fee basis, quoted after I review your intake form and understand your goals and complexity. You will know the fee before you decide whether to move forward. 

A will allows you to nominate a guardian to care for your child. Your plan can also include provisions so an adult manages money for your child rather than leaving funds outright at 18. 

Yes. I also assist with planning for nursing home Medicaid eligibility and related estate planning tools that coordinate with your will or trust.