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Estate Planning
What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of legally organizing your assets and healthcare decisions so your wishes are carried out if you become incapacitated or pass away. A comprehensive Michigan estate plan may include:
Revocable living trust or last will and testament
Financial power of attorney
Healthcare power of attorney
Living will
Beneficiary coordination
Asset protection strategies
If you're unsure what level of planning you need, you can review our guide on Estate Planning Costs in Michigan to understand typical pricing and options.
Why Proper Estate Planning Matters
A properly structured estate plan eliminates uncertainty and gives your family clarity during difficult moments. Without a clear plan in place, families often face:
Probate court delays
Public legal proceedings
Unnecessary legal fees
Confusion or disputes between heirs
Benefits of Estate Planning
Prevent Family Disputes
Provide legally enforceable instructions your family can follow.
Simplify or Avoid Probate
Strategic planning can reduce or eliminate court involvement.
Protect Your Assets
Structure your estate to safeguard wealth and control distribution.
Stay in Control
Decide how, when, and to whom your assets are transferred.
What's Included in Estate Planning
Allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and avoid probate after death.
Last Will & Testament
Provides a clear directive for asset distribution and guardianship of minor children.
Durable Power of Attorney
Appoint a trusted person to make financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designates someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you're unable to do so.
Living Will
Outline your healthcare preferences for end-of-life care.
Asset Protection Strategies
Protects your wealth from potential creditors or legal disputes.
Beneficiary Designations Review
Ensures all beneficiary accounts (retirement, insurance) are updated and reflect your current wishes.
Digital Asset Planning
Manages and plans to distribute digital assets like online accounts, cryptocurrencies, etc.
Business Succession Planning
Ensures a smooth transition of business ownership and management to preserve the business's value for future generations.
Lady Bird Deeds
A specialized deed that allows real estate transfer outside probate while you retain control during your lifetime.
Michigan Estate Planning FAQ's
Do I need a living trust or a will in Michigan?
Does estate planning avoid probate in Michigan?
What is a Lady Bird Deed and do I need one?
What happens if I die without an estate plan in Michigan?
Can I update my estate plan after it is created?
How long does estate planning take at JBM Law?
Client Reviews
Why Families Choose JBM Law
Estate planning requires foresight, precision, and experience.
With over 13 years of litigation and estate planning experience, we understand both sides of the equation. We know what a strong plan looks like, and we know what happens to families when planning is done incorrectly.
13+ years of litigation and estate planning experience
We have seen what happens when plans fail and we build to prevent it
Complex estates, blended families, and business succession
Clear pricing with no surprises
Our focus is simple: build a plan that works when your family needs it most.
Schedule Your Estate Planning Consultation
Planning ahead gives your family certainty.
During your consultation, we will:
Evaluate your assets and family structure
Determine whether a will or trust is appropriate
Provide clear pricing
Outline next steps
Take control now instead of leaving your family to navigate court later.