The state of Michigan has two types of advance directives. The first is the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. The second is a Do-Not-Resuscitate Declaration. Both can be vital components of your estate plans and your health care plans.A Durable Power of...
Brown Borkowski & Morrow
Year: 2015
The connection between prenups and estate planning
Last week we talked about the importance of understanding the legalities of alimony when you are planning to end a marriage. This week, we're looking at the importance of the prenuptial agreement when you plan on starting a new marriage, especially when you do so...
Why a power of attorney completes your estate plan
Is your Michigan estate plan really complete? Many of our clients think that all they need is a will, and their estate planning is squared away. The truth is that estate planning can be a little -- or a lot -- more complicated than just a will, depending on your...
You don’t always need to avoid probate
Some people in Michigan believe that it is best to avoid the probate process if possible, and they do this by using living trusts instead of standard wills. These trusts can distribute assets while a person is still alive so that less must be done when he or she...
Why estate planning documents make a great gift
If you are the parent of adult children in Michigan, you might struggle to find them the perfect present -- after all, what do you get the young grown-up who seems to have everything? We have you covered for at least the next major event: Consider purchasing estate...
Thinking about gifting? Know these estate administration rules
Would you rather that your loved ones receive their fair share of your estate when you die -- or do you want to hand over your assets to the tax man? That is the burdensome question that many seek to answer when they enlist the help of an estate administration...
Same-sex marriage brings estate planning benefits
For many Americans, the ruling to permit nationwide same-sex marriage had moral or social implications. In all of the excitement, it is unlikely that many celebrants took the time to think about the effect the rule change would have on estate administration and estate...
What are the different types of wills used in Michigan?
Michigan allows individuals who are 18 years of age or older and considered to be of sound mind to make a will. A will is a legal document that provides instructions for how an individual wants his or her property to be distributed upon his or her death. An executor,...
What happens to your automobile when you’re gone?
It's not something that most people like to think about but once you have passed, something has to be done with all of your possession, including your car. What your heirs must do, however, can vary depending on the circumstances.If you leave behind a surviving...
Robin Williams heirs scheduled for hearing over actor’s trusts
While you may think that having a will or trust is enough to settle family disputes over money and property once you have passed on, one really doesn't have to look much further than the ongoing case of Robin William's battling heirs to see how easily things can go...