About Wills

A will assures the distribution of property and assets according to your wishes. If you are a parent, you may want a will that will also name a guardian to care for your young children should something happen to you and the other parent. It can name a personal representative to carry out your wishes. Finally, as financial or personal circumstances change in your future, we will work with you to amend your will.

Without a will, state law will provide for distribution of property according to a set formula. Leaving the distribution of your property in the hands of the state may, or may not, meet your wishes.

About Trusts

A trust is an arrangement under which one person, called a trustee, holds legal title to property for another person, called a beneficiary. You can be the trustee of your own living trust, keeping full control over all property held in trust. Different kinds of living trusts can help you avoid probate, reduce estate taxes, or set up long-term property management. A "living trust" (also called an "inter vivos" trust) is simply a trust you create while you're alive, rather than one that is created at your death.

Do I Need A Durable Power Of Attorney?

With a durable power of attorney, you can give a trusted person authority to handle your finances and property if you become incapacitated and unable to handle your own affairs. The person you name to handle your finances is called your agent or attorney-in-fact (but doesn't have to be an attorney). You can make the power of attorney effective upon signing it, or if you become disabled.

About Health Care Directives

Writing out your wishes for health care can protect you if you become unable to make medical decisions for yourself. Health care directives in Michigan are known as “designation of patient advocate”, which is a power of attorney for health care. This document gives someone you choose the power to make decisions if you can't.

Delegation of Parental Powers for Parent(s) with Minor Children

Are you planning a trip? Are your kids in school and there might be times when it is difficult to reach you?

If your child needs non-emergency medical, dental, or surgical services, whether in a doctor’s office or in the hospital, you as a parent must give permission.

In an emergency, your child may be treated without your consent if a physician determines that your child needs immediate medical care and further delay would increase the risk to your child’s life or health. In situations that are not emergencies, your child may need unexpected care. In these cases, contacting parents for permission can delay treatment and create unnecessary anxiety or discomfort for your child.

Your delegation of parental powers will assure prompt medical attention for your child when you are away, can’t come with your child to medical appointments, or think you might be hard to reach.