Essentially, an estate planning fire drill is like a standard, old-fashioned fire drill. It begins with the premise that you are gone. From there, you gather your family members and other important individuals and speak about how you would like your estate to be handled after you’re gone

One of the most important things people can do after a divorce is to update their beneficiary designations, and indicate who should get the assets in various accounts if they should unexpectedly pass away.

When you’re deciding how to divide your assets among multiple heirs, it’s very important to consider who will pay your estate’s debts out of their share. Two bequests that look equal in theory might be very different in practice once debts are taken into account.

A Trust Protector may be a terrific option for many families who already have a trust or are creating a trust. A Trust Protector is someone who is appointed to watch over a trust that will be in effect for a long time and ensure that it is not adversely affected by any changes in the law or circumstances.

I am often asked what are the legal and religious issues regarding the keeping, transporting and spreading of ashes here in Michigan?  In response, I thought it best to pass along some information.

The Federal Aviation Administration, in response to a series of more than a dozen such shootings, recently confirmed that shooting down a drone is a federal crime…

About 20 years ago, we started seeing the use of Lady Bird Deeds here in Michigan. These deeds are also called "enhanced life estate" deeds.

The idea of having Mom move in with an adult child, or an adult child moving back home, seems like an ideal solution at the start. They can share expenses, and having a child in the home will lessen the chance of ever needing nursing care. Right? That is what the other family members are told. But unfortunately, it rarely works out in everyone's best interests.

Your estate plan is an investment in you and your family's future. As years pass by, your family will grow, your assets will change, and new laws will be passed. Everyone should review their estate planning documents at least once every year.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that changing a will is not a “do-it-yourself” process. Generally, any changes to your will or trust must be made with the same formalities as the original document itself, including witnesses and signatures.

Many people are aware that seniors are entitled to collect Social Security benefits that are calculated based on their spouse’s work record. What’s less well-known is that this benefit applies in many cases to divorced spouses. In fact, ex-spouses may even be entitled to survivor’s benefits in certain circumstances.

Trusts can be used for all kinds of purposes.  One successful businessman, so grief-stricken over the loss of his wife and 2 daughters, used his trust to prepare for their reincarnation.