Many people co-own assets with other people or entities. When setting up the co-ownership, people often worry about what percentage or fraction of the property each co-owner owns of the property, but what many people do not realize is that the type of co-ownership of the property can be just as important as their percentage  … Read more

One of the biggest misconceptions that our clients in our estate planning practice have is that their will is the “controlling document” when they pass away. However, in many circumstances this is not the case. In fact, what controls the distribution of the deceased person’s assets can rely on a variety of factors. In most  … Read more

If you’re considering bankruptcy in Michigan, you’ll need to understand the means test. This calculation determines whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or if you’ll need to file under Chapter 13 instead. The process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down makes it much more manageable. What the Bankruptcy Means Test Is The means  … Read more

When someone dies, there’s this common assumption that everything goes through probate. It doesn’t. Michigan law actually lets certain types of property transfer directly to beneficiaries without any court involvement. Understanding which assets avoid probate can save your family time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress during what’s already a difficult period. Property With  … Read more

You may have heard of pre-paid funeral contracts from friends or family members. Perhaps your estate planning or elder law attorney recommended that you get a pre-paid funeral contract. In this blog post our Troy, MI estate planning lawyer will attempt to explain what a pre-paid funeral contract is and some of the benefits of  … Read more

Whether you are moving out of state or just downsizing because your children are out of your home, our Troy, MI estate planning lawyer knows that this is a big life decision that will affect many aspects of your life. With all of the other stresses involved in moving, people often do not realize that  … Read more

Special needs trusts protect government benefits while setting aside money for someone with a disability. But not all special needs trusts work the same way. The two main types are first-party and third-party trusts, and choosing the wrong one can create problems down the road. Understanding the difference matters because each type has distinct rules  … Read more

You’re not stuck. That’s the first thing you need to know if you owe back taxes to the IRS. The agency actually has several programs that let taxpayers negotiate their obligations, and they’re designed for people who can’t write a check for the full amount tomorrow. Whether you owe $5,000 or $50,000, there are paths  … Read more

Joint tenancy with right of survivorship is a property ownership arrangement where two or more people own equal shares of an asset, and when one owner dies, their share automatically transfers to the surviving owner or owners. This transfer happens by operation of law, meaning it occurs automatically without going through probate court or following  … Read more

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered under court supervision. The court validates the will if one exists, appoints an executor or personal representative, oversees creditor claims, and authorizes asset distribution to beneficiaries. Understanding each step helps families know what to expect during a process that typically takes six  … Read more