Blog
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...
The Missing Piece in Your Estate Plan: Why You Need a Financial Advisor
When most people think of estate planning, they picture a mahogany desk, a stack of legal documents, and an attorney. While the legal "blueprint" is essential, a plan is only as strong as the assets that fuel it. That is why you need your financial advisor to be part...
Power of Attorney and Patient Advocate Designation — Two of Your Most Important Documents
Creating an estate plan is crucial for ensuring that your wishes are honored and your affairs are managed according to your preferences in case you become unable to make decisions yourself or pass away. Two of the most important documents in an estate plan are the...
Putting a Child’s Name on Real Estate Can Be a Catastrophic Mistake
Adding a child's name to the title of real property can have several potentially catastrophic consequences, including tax implications, loss of control, exposure to the child's creditors, and complications with estate planning. Below is a detailed look at several...
Do It Yourself Estate Planning — Why it is worth what you paid for it!
We often run across people who have attempted to complete an estate plan using forms they find online or with the latest zippy law online website. Unfortunately these unsuspecting folks often get what they paid for -- which is not much. Worse yet, the "free" or "low...
Lady Bird Deeds in Michigan
Here is a recent video recorded regarding the use of Lady Bird Deeds in Michigan. These types of deeds are frequently used as part of a comprehensive estate plan. If you are interested in learning more about these types of deeds or if you want to see if this type of...
