Category Archives: Beneficiary Designations
What is a holographic will?
This is a will that is handwritten by the testator (the person creating the will) and is not witnessed. Michigan is one of several states that recognizes and accepts holographic wills. For a holographic will to be recognized it must meet the following requirements; The holographic will must be dated The testator must sign the […]
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Tagged Holographic Wills
Who is your digital asset fiduciary?
A fiduciary is a person appointed to manage the property of another person. A digital asset fiduciary can manage digital property like computer files, web domains and virtual currency. Current law restricts fiduciary access to electronic communications such as email, text messages and social media accounts unless the original user consented in a will, trust or power […]
Also posted in Estate Planning, Identity Theft
Tagged digital assets, Estate Planning, fiduciary
Legal Tune Up
One claim of a good lawyer is they don’t let their clients end up in court. With proper planning that claim is often true. Let me remind you of a few legal housekeeping tips, that if ignored, might lead to bigger problems only solved by a trip to the courthouse. Does your estate plan avoid […]
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Planning for Social Security
One of the great mysteries of our 60’s is when to claim your social security benefit. The dilemma is whether to start at the earliest opportunity (62), wait until full retirement age (66) or delay until 70 to receive the maximum benefit. The question is compounded when we are married and have the option to […]
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Planning for your elder care
Thinking ahead to your golden years is difficult because there are so many unknowns. Yet failure to give consideration to what’s ahead can result in the loss of assets, poor care and hardship for your spouse or other family members. You can express your wishes regarding the level of care you’d like, how you’ll pay […]
Also posted in Estate Planning, Personal Protections
Digital Asset Estate Planning
Did you know you own assets, separate from your real estate and personal property known as “digital assets”? A digital asset is digitally stored content or an online account owned by an individual. Your digital assets have personal value and in some cases significant financial value (think of bitcoin or a domain name). Like other […]
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Tagged Estate Planning
Common Questions About Probate
What is probate? Before the terms of your will can be carried out the court must accept the document. Probate is the name for the acceptance process. What documents are needed for probate? The court needs a copy of the will and a death certificate. Once the process is underway, an inventory of all assets and debts […]
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Tagged Probate
What is Elder Law?
In our practice, Elder Law refers to planning for the health and economic well being of older adults or people with disabilities. This includes dealing with issues related to long term nursing care, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid and more. At the heart of this legal work is asset protection and advanced planning. The aging process is […]
Also posted in Estate Planning, Personal Protections
Tagged Elder Law
Your Estate: Give It Way
It’s not easy dealing with the many possessions of a loved one after they pass away. In some cases it can even create family conflict. But you can make things considerably easier for your family and beneficiaries by giving away your prized possessions before you die. Only you know and understand the value and sentiment […]
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Estate Planning: Talking About the Inheritance
Many parents find talking about money with their children as difficult as talking about sex.It may be awkward, but talking to your children about their inheritance benefits everyone. If kept in the dark, children may think their parents are “loaded” and expect a significant windfall upon their passing. They may worry about the cost of […]
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Tagged Estate Planning, Estate Planning; Financial, Lenawee County, Tecumseh
