A lot of people don’t have an estate plan/will or haven’t updated it in many years. However, it’s important to have one or update one that is outdated. Knowing some of the basics about estate planning can help you in your decision making. 1. It’s not just for the wealthy Many people equate estate planning…
Estate planning is a very large term, but I try to pair it down to: Estate Planning really is nothing more than the orderly transition of assets from one person to another. Generally, we see folks wanting to leave stuff obviously to their spouse and or to their children. Sometimes it’s step children or nieces…
L.L.C. is an acronym for limited liability companies, and we’ve seen a lot of those spring up here in Michigan in the last 15 years. L.L.C.’s, after they’re filed properly and they’re issued a separate Employer Identification Number (EIN), every year they have to file with the state of Michigan, something called a MAR. A…
Powers of attorney are very valuable documents, very valuable to an individual who might encounter, say, a health issue. If somebody has a health issue and they need assistance with checking accounts, or grocery shopping, or whatever it is they need help with, they can appoint a powers of attorney. You would appoint somebody you’re,…
I get asked a lot, “What is the difference between a will and a trust?” I get asked that almost every day. The difference is this: If you have a will, and your assets pass through that will, your estate will be probated. Lots of folks want to avoid probate. I probate lots of estates.…
A Gift List is a very important piece to have in your Estate Plan. It seems kind of simplistic but it isn’t. Normally with either a will or a trust it will include a provision that include a Gift List. A gift list is nothing more than a document saying which personal property items are…
I get asked all the time, “Why Should I Have an Estate Plan?”. Here are some of the reasons you should have an Estate Plan: Family harmony is a big one, avoiding disputes, avoiding probate, and sometimes, avoiding taxes, like estate taxes. It’s important to remember that everybody’s situation is different. Both financial & family situations…