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Brown Borkowski & Morrow
  • Home
  • Firm Overview
    • Why Hire Us?
  • Our Team
    • Attorneys
      • Susan Leigh Brown
      • Thomas J. Borkowski, Jr.
      • Matthew N. Morrow
      • David James Eagles
      • Mary A. Mahoney
      • Sara Gorman Rajan
    • Support Staff
  • Practice Areas
    • Business & Corporate Law
    • Business Property Tax Appeals
    • Family Law
    • Estate Planning
    • Probate & Estate Administration
    • Trust Administration
    • Elder Law
    • Real Estate Law
    • Insurance Defense
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A GREAT LEGAL TEAM TO GUIDE YOU

3 important inclusions for your Michigan estate plan

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Aug 17, 2022 | Estate Planning |

Your estate plan should be as customized as your wardrobe is. It needs to fit your unique needs and cater to your personal values. While generic documents can work for just about anyone, they won’t protect you as well as something you customize for your specific needs.

The right tools and solutions are completely different from family to family. What worked for your sibling or your parents may not work for you. Still, there are certain tools that are useful for almost every single testator creating a Michigan estate plan.

What are the basic documents that most people should have?

A will or trust

A will is the simplest estate planning document that allows you to designate recipients for your assets and to name a guardian for your underage children. Some people will use a trust to arrange for the descent of their property when they don’t have minor children or when they have complex personal holdings.

Some families will use a combination of these two different documents to achieve optimal protection for dependent family members while also reducing tax risks and other financial concerns.

An advance directive

How much do your loved ones really know about your medical preferences? Do you expect that they will remember the details of your conversations in an emergency?

Most people will benefit from the creation of an advanced directive that explains if they want to make an anatomical gift, how they feel about opioid-based pain management and what degree of life support they would prefer to receive in an emergency.

Powers of attorney

Creating an advanced directive won’t do much good if you don’t designate someone to access your medical records and assume authority over your medical decisions. Financial power of attorney can also be helpful, especially if you do not have a spouse with the authority to access your bank accounts or talk with your doctor about your care.

Exactly what terms you include in these documents, which people you designate to hold authority or receive property and what restrictions you place on the estate administration process, will all differ significantly depending on your wishes and your relationships.

Learning more about the basic estate planning tools in Michigan can help you choose the right documents for your personal needs.

Key commercial lease clauses Michigan business owners must know

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 6, 2025 | Real Estate Law

Leasing commercial space is an important step for your business. Before signing, make sure you fully understand what you are agreeing to. A commercial lease is a contract that can affect your establishment for years. The terms can increase costs, limit your options or...

No will? What parents should know about their children’s future

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 4, 2025 | Estate Planning

If something happens to you tomorrow, will your children be in good hands? Estate planning may sound like a lot of work, but more than anything, it is an act of love and responsibility. It is about protecting your children’s future, ensuring their best interests long...

Probate vs. non-probate assets: What is the difference?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 2, 2025 | Estate Planning

When someone passes away in Michigan and there is no will in place, their representative settles their estate according to probate laws. An essential part of that process is understanding the difference between probate and non-probate assets. Knowing what does and...

What is Michigan’s law on tenant rights and eviction?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | May 20, 2025 | Real Estate Law

If you're a tenant in Michigan, understanding your rights is essential. Tenant rights laws are designed to protect you from unfair treatment and ensure that landlords uphold their responsibilities. In Michigan, there are rules that govern the landlord-tenant...

What is a special needs trust?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | May 16, 2025 | Estate Planning

A special needs trust helps ensure that your loved one with disabilities receives the support they need while protecting their eligibility for government benefits. These trusts are specifically designed to preserve access to programs like Medicaid or Supplemental...

How is business debt handled during a divorce?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Mar 21, 2025 | Family Law

Going through a divorce is challenging, especially when you own a business. Business debt can complicate the process, and understanding how you’ll handle it can make a difference in your settlement. If your business has debts, it’s important to know how those...

How can companies prevent IP theft in the digital world?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Mar 7, 2025 | Business & Corporate Law

Businesses use intellectual property (IP) to stay ahead of competitors. IP includes copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. These protect creative work, brand names, inventions, and private business information. In today’s digital world, it is easier than...

How does the bundle of rights affect property ownership?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Feb 20, 2025 | Real Estate Law

Property ownership includes more than just having a physical structure or land. The "bundle of rights" is a legal concept that explains the different rights attached to real estate ownership. These rights allow owners to use, transfer, and control their property in...

How does Michigan law address parental relocation?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Feb 6, 2025 | Family Law

Parental relocation can be a challenging issue after a divorce or custody order. Michigan law has specific rules to ensure that moving does not negatively affect the child’s relationship with both parents. If you share custody and want to move, you must follow legal...

What should seniors know about Medicaid’s look-back period?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jan 23, 2025 | Elder Law

Understanding Medicaid’s look-back period plays a critical role in planning for long-term care. This policy directly affects eligibility for financial assistance with nursing home expenses. Proper planning avoids costly mistakes and ensures access to necessary care....

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Recent Posts

  • Key commercial lease clauses Michigan business owners must know
  • No will? What parents should know about their children’s future
  • Probate vs. non-probate assets: What is the difference?
  • What is Michigan’s law on tenant rights and eviction?
  • What is a special needs trust?

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Brown Borkowski & Morrow
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Farmington Hills, MI 48331

Ph: 888-757-1681

Farmington Hills Law Office
Brown Borkowski & Morrow
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248-987-4040
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