Blog
What Exactly is Probate, and Why Does Everyone Want to Avoid It?
If you’ve ever sat down to discuss estate planning, you’ve likely heard the word "probate" tossed around like a cautionary tale. It’s often spoken of in hushed, frustrated tones, usually followed by the advice: "Whatever you do, make sure your family avoids it." But...
The Unwritten Plan: What Happens if You Die Without a Will or Trust?
Most of us don't like to spend our Friday afternoons thinking about "the end." It’s much more fun to plan a vacation than to plan an estate. However, there is a common misconception that if you don't have a will, your assets simply "go to the state" or that your...
Do I Really Need an Estate Plan If I’m Not Rich?
There’s a common misconception that "estate planning" is a term reserved for people with private jets, sprawling mansions, and Swiss bank accounts. Many of us hear the word "estate" and immediately think of The Great Gatsby. But here is the reality: If you have a bank...
Beyond the Basics: Understanding the Difference Between Wills and Trusts
Estate planning is often one of those "I’ll get to it eventually" tasks. But in 2026, with digital assets, complex family dynamics, and a fast-moving legal landscape, waiting is no longer a safe bet. When you sit down to protect your legacy, the first question usually...
Why Your Estate Plan Needs a Team (and How We Help You Build One)
When people think about estate planning, they often picture a quiet office, a stack of legal documents, and a signature. But in reality, a truly effective estate plan isn’t a solo act—it’s a team sport. As your estate planning attorney in New Baltimore and...
Annuities can be Risky
Annuities are often marketed as the "ultimate safety net"—a way to ensure you never outlive your money. While they can be a valuable tool for retirement income, they carry unique "fine print" risks that can complicate, or even derail, a thoughtful estate plan. If you...
Beyond the Policy: Why Buying an Annuity Isn’t an “Estate Plan”
We’ve all seen the seminars or received the mailers: a sleek presentation promising "guaranteed income for life" and a "hassle-free way to leave a legacy." Often, these conversations revolve around one specific financial product—the annuity. While annuities can be a...
Michigan Estate Planning Guide 2026
This guide provides an overview of the 2026 estate planning landscape in Michigan. Whether you are starting from scratch or updating an existing plan to account for recent tax shifts, here is what you need to know. The 2026 Shift: What’s New? The most significant...
Why “One-Size-Fits-All” Estate Planning is a Dangerous Myth
In the age of DIY internet downloads and "push-button" legal forms, it’s tempting to think that estate planning is just a matter of filling in the blanks. You find a template, type in a few names, and check it off your to-do list. But here is the cold, hard truth: An...
Don’t Deed it and Forget it: A Guide to Ladybird Deed Complications
Ladybird deeds (formally known as Enhanced Life Estate Deeds) are fantastic tools for avoiding probate, but they aren't a "set it and forget it" magic wand. They come with some specific legal and financial quirks that can trip people up if they aren't careful. Here is...
