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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

When facing car repossession, consulting with our Southfield, MI Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer may be the best step toward regaining control of your vehicle and your financial future. At Gudeman & Associates, P.C., we help clients use Chapter 13 bankruptcy to stop repossession and create a manageable plan to pay off what they owe while  … Read more

In 2015, the United States Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, legalizing same-sex marriage throughout the country. Prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Obergefell, many states, including Michigan, had laws that made same-sex marriages illegal. In the current political climate, the idea of the Supreme Court overturning  … Read more

For parents and students alike, graduating high school and going off to college is the culmination of lifelong dreams. However, many people underestimate the legal significance of the student turning 18 and going off to college. If you have a child who is about to turn or is already 18 or older, our Troy, MI  … Read more

Many families come to us with questions about how probate works and whether they need legal support to move forward. If you’re looking for clear answers, we’re here to help. Below, we’ve addressed some common questions people often ask about probate, estate planning, and the legal processes involved. If you have more questions or are  … Read more