Create A Will That Ensures That Your Wishes Are Carried Out
Last updated on February 28, 2024
A will is perhaps the most important piece of paper a person will create during a lifetime.
A will can be quite creative, ensuring that the testator’s wishes are carried out in a personalized manner. But it is crucial for the will to be written with extreme care. One seemingly minor mistake or omission can profoundly affect the distribution of assets.
When it comes to wills, it does matter what attorney you choose. It is important to select an experienced lawyer who will carefully listen to you.
At Brown Borkowski & Morrow, we pride ourselves on being “experienced, successful and responsive” attorneys. Our Michigan law firm has lawyers with extensive experience drafting wills and assisting with other estate planning issues. Contact us for a free consultation and learn how Brown Borkowski & Morrow distinguishes itself from the others.
Can You Save Money By DIY Wills?
People often ask us, “Why should I use an attorney to create a will when I can purchase do-it-yourself software and save money?”
The short answer is that you are taking a huge gamble that may end up costing you far more money to fix. Even worse, a do-it-yourself will may cause your assets to be distributed in a manner inconsistent with your wishes.
Sadly, any mistakes in a do-it-yourself will are likely to remain undiscovered until after the testator has died. Sure, DIY wills have worked for some people, but are you willing to risk leaving your loved ones with a stressful, contentious and expensive mess after you’re gone?
Frequently Asked Questions About Wills In Michigan
Wills are a complicated, fraught subject that anyone would have a lot of questions about. You don’t need to have any uncertainty about your will because our estate planning lawyers will give you the answers you want and need. To get you started here are the answers to questions our clients most often have:
What are the different types of wills used in Michigan?
It may surprise you to learn that not all wills are the same. In Michigan, a formal will, which adheres to all the legal requirements of MCL 700.2502, is the most familiar. However, holographic (handwritten) wills are permitted (even unwitnessed), and so are “self-proving” wills that are witnessed under MCL 700.2504(1). Statutory or fill-in-the-blanks wills can also be used according to MCL 700.2519, as can “writings intended as wills” per MCL 700.2503.
Why are wills so important to have?
Wills are crucial as they outline your wishes for asset distribution, guardianship of minors and more. Without a will, the state decides how to distribute your assets, which may not align with your preferences nor accomplish your goals.
Is it better to have a will or a trust in Michigan?
Whether to have a will or trust in Michigan depends on your circumstances and goals. Wills are generally simpler but subject to probate, while trusts can provide more control and privacy and skip probate – but are often more complex to establish and administer. Trusts have become much more commonplace in recent years, even for families of modest means, as a way of protecting generational wealth.
What type of lawyer is best for wills?
Estate planning and wills attorneys, such as those here at Brown Borkowski & Morrow, have the experience necessary to guide you through the estate planning process and make certain that your goals are defined and protected. A wills lawyer can make sure that your documents are clear, correct and enforceable.
What is required for a will to be legal in Michigan?
It depends on the type of will. Typically, for a formal will, the testator must be at least 18 years of age, the will must be in writing, the testator must sign the will and two witnesses must also sign.
Work With A Proven Wills Lawyer
Brown Borkowski & Morrow is a client-centered law firm. Our lawyers have more than 30 years of combined experience helping people in Michigan with estate planning issues. It is not recommended that you change your Will without an experienced attorney or by using a DIY kit; go with proven success.
Call Brown Borkowski & Morrow at 888-757-1681 or contact us online for a free consultation with a Will preparation lawyer at our Farmington Hills office.