Estate planning is one of the most important, and often most neglected, matters people should tend to during their lives. Drafting a last will and testament, planning your estate, and preparing for the probate process can be stressful tasks. At Collis, Griffor & Hendra, our attorneys can help guide you through this process. You are not alone, and we can help make sure your estate is set up properly so your family and loved ones are provided for after your death. From setting up your estate to avoid unnecessary tax consequences to using a trust to put property into a line of succession so it’s separate from business lineage, we have the know-how and experience to help you create a plan that reflects the wishes and desires of your estate. Contact the estate planning attorneys here at Collis, Griffor & Hendra today to learn how we can assist you.
Our Estate Planning Services
At Collis, Griffor & Hendra, we proudly represent clients across Michigan who need assistance as they prepare for the future. We serve clients in Ann Arbor, Bellville, Canton, Romulus, Saline, Wayne County, and Ypsilanti. Some of our many estate planning and elder law services include the following:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Power of Attorney
- Probate
- Estate Litigation
- Estate Administration
- Conservatorships
- Medicaid Planning
- Guardianships
- Advance Healthcare Directives
- Asset Preservation
Estate Planning Documents in Michigan
Our experienced estate planning lawyers can assist you in considering and completing a variety of estate documents that can help you plan for the worst as you prepare for the best. This kind of advance planning can help make a difficult time more bearable for your loved ones. These documents include:
- Last will and testament: This document is essential for planning how your assets will be distributed upon your death. Without a will, your assets will pass through intestacy — in other words, by the rules of the state rather than by the decedent’s desires.
- Power of attorney: A power of attorney is used to give an adult the power to act on behalf of another adult. There are a variety of types of powers of attorney, which can be tailored to fit the needs of a particular situation.
- Health care advocate: Although Michigan does not recognize living wills, it does authorize medical powers of attorney that give another person the ability to make health care decisions when the person who signed the document is unable to do so.
- Trust documents: There can be many reasons for creating a trust. Many individuals desire a trust to avoid probate. It can also help protect from spendthrift beneficiaries, disabled beneficiaries, and control funds long after one’s death.
- Special needs trust: Also known as a supplemental needs trust, a special needs trust allows individuals to hold an unlimited amount of assets in trust for an individual with special needs precipitated by certain illnesses or physical or mental disabilities.
Contact Our Washtenaw County, MI Estate Planning Attorneys
If you or a loved one is beginning to think about the future, it is important to consider creating a comprehensive estate plan. Estate planning may seem daunting to some, but it can allow you to ensure that your belongings are passed along to beneficiaries of your choosing. Estate planning is comprised of much more than executing a will. You may also want to create trusts, healthcare directives, obtain a power of attorney, and more. Be sure to have an experienced legal team guide you through the estate planning process. Contact Collis, Griffor & Hendra today to learn how we can assist you.
