Insights

Digital assets can be part of an estate plan for Michigan folks

There are many factors and assets that need to be considered as part of any comprehensive estate plan. Today, technology plays more of a role in daily life than many may ever consider. Because of the importance and reliance on technology, it is becoming more important to incorporate digital assets

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An estate plan is a smart New Year’s resolution

When people sit down at the end of the year to evaluate their lives or decide on resolutions, creating estate plans may not automatically come to mind. Even so, the New Year is the perfect time to take stock of assets, funds and life choices and to create an estate

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An estate plan should reflect a family’s unique situation

The day of the traditional family being the majority may be coming to a close. Today, American families come in all sorts of varieties and combinations, and an estate plan should reflect the individuality and uniqueness of a family in today’s modern world. Michigan families may want to consider the

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A trust can provide asset protection for Michigan families

When it comes to time decide estate planning details and strategies, there are a wide range of options for the modern family to implement. Michigan families should realize that not all estate plan options work for every family and an individualized approach may be helpful. One tool many find to

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Digital assets need to be included in an estate plan

As the world changes and technology evolves, that technology needs to be dealt with in ways that some innovators may have never imagined. One area of concern when it comes to technology is how digital assets are handled when a person passes. Because of how much the Internet has permeated

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Beware of loss of control in an estate plan

Creating an estate plan can be an overwhelming and emotional journey. For some, outlining the division of assets or funds can pose unique complications. Anyone in Michigan who is involved in creating an estate plan may want to carefully consider his or her options before relinquishing control of any aspect

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Avoid making estate plan mistakes through proper planning

When it comes to life lessons, there are a few lessons to be learned from the lives of certain celebrities. There are also lessons about what not to do based on mistakes exhibited in the estate plans of the rich and famous. While each and every estate plan is unique,

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Proactive tips for an estate plan in Michigan

Creating an estate plan typically involves drafting, signing and filing a few key documents. While this is an important part of the process, there are other recommended steps for creating an estate plan. Michigan families may be interested in the following tips and ideas, if they are in the midst

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Estate planning can include what kind of legacy to leave behind

Estate planning often revolves around who will get an inheritance and who won’t. The question of how much money and what assets to leave to whom is an essential part of the estate planning process for Michigan families. However, families have recently begun to think about what else they leave

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An estate plan for single parents should be done early

There are many challenges that come with being a single parent. A single parent may find him or herself in a situation where he or she is solely shouldering the burden of ensuring a stable financial future for his or her children. Michigan single parents may want to stop and think

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Tips to not let an estate plan go horribly wrong

When the time comes for a family, couple or an individual to set up an estate plan, that party or parties may have very clear ideas about what they want to happen or what they foresee the situation to be. Nevertheless, most Michigan families realize life circumstances and family changes

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Without knowledge of an estate, an estate plan can be complicated

People may know they need an estate plan, but that can mean different things to different people. Anyone in Michigan who attempts to create an estate plan will need to understand what their estate actually entails. It is then important to understand what one’s wishes are and how to make

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Potential pitfalls of not making an estate plan

No one likes to think about needing an estate plan. An estate plan essentially forces a person or family to think about their mortality or the mortality of a loved one. However, not planning accordingly or not being prepared can be costly to loved ones and can also leave more

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Creating an estate plan isn’t just for the elderly

When people think about estate planning, they may automatically assume it is a concern for those who are of a certain age and lot in life. However, there is never an age that is too young to think about an estate plan and ensure that the process is handled correctly.

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Michigan residents may want to consider a trust fund

Michigan residents who are looking to begin the estate-planning process may be a bit overwhelmed by the different documents that they may be able to set up. Many individuals are aware of how a will works and may believe that this document is the most important one. While individuals should

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College Savings accounts a good estate plan option

Parents and grandparents are always looking to make preparations for providing for the next generation. One of the most pertinent concerns families in Michigan have is saving for college for their children and grandchildren. A parent or grandparent may want to consider incorporating a 529 college savings account in his

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An estate plan can entail a number of documents in Michigan

When it comes time to think about how to handle the estate-planning process, there may be more than meets the eye. Each person’s estate plan can be vastly different than another person’s. Anyone in Michigan who is in the beginning stages of the estate plan process may want to be

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A power of attorney should be part of any Michigan estate plan

The decision to begin the estate planning process may seem overwhelming and confusing. However, regardless of age or life circumstances, anyone involved in an estate plan should consider the benefits of having a power of attorney as part of the process. In Michigan, there are many reasons a person should

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Simple mistakes can lead to chaos for an estate plan

Many people might not give too much of their time and energy to thinking about the estate planning process. However, having a comprehensive estate plan long before it is needed is the best way to ensure that a Michigan family is properly cared for. However, if an estate plan isn’t

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Things people get wrong when preparing an estate plan

The process of creating an estate plan may seem like a cut and dried kind of endeavor. However, there are aspects of an estate plan that people commonly get wrong or disregard altogether. It is important for Michigan residents to understand the mistakes of others to ensure they are on

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A special needs trust may be ideal for some situations

Families can be complicated, and the individual needs of family members or other beneficiaries may be just as complicated. This means that each family may have specific and very different needs as they move forward with the estate planning process. For some Michigan families, the creation of a trust, specifically

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Inheritance solutions for estranged children in Michigan

When it comes to leaving assets to beneficiaries, the process can be difficult for families if there are estranged children or strained family relations to be considered. For Michigan families, there are creative solutions for dealing with how to leave an inheritance to estranged children. While leaving that person out

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Estate plan needs vary for childless couples in Michigan

Oftentimes, when people think about beneficiaries of assets and funds, they may automatically think about parents leaving an estate to be split between children. However, for Michigan couples and individuals without children, the process of crafting an estate plan may be slightly different. It may require some more thought regarding

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Finding out more about a trust is important

There are many options for estate planning and no one plan will work for everyone. However, regardless of the size of the estate, a trust may be a good idea to consider. For anyone in Michigan who is venturing into estate planning, learning about the different types of trusts can

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Estate plan mistakes of James Gandolfini may be lesson for others

Oftent, people think those who have a great deal of assets must have all of their estate planning ducks in a row. However, the death of Soprano’s star James Gandolfini showed that not everyone has taken the necessary steps to ensure that a comprehensive estate plan is in place. Because

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Tips for how Michigan residents should not estate plan

Every estate plan is different. Despite the size of an estate or the value of any assets, an estate plan is pretty much the same process for all Michigan residents who want to protect their family and also protect all for which they have worked. For those who have not

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Estate plan of The Velvet Underground’s Lou Reed made public

Whenever a celebrity dies, the news is typically flooded with every last detail of their demise. Then, details about the value of their estate may be made public also. One way to avoid having these details made public is for celebrities or others who have a high value estate to

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Michigan families may find inheritance less than expected

The entire estate-planning process can be tricky for families to navigate. It may be challenging for an elderly family member or spouse to disclose assets and financial information to the people to whom they may be closest. However, the more transparency there is when it comes to an inheritance and

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Drawing up a will could alleviate future stress in Michigan

Broaching the topic of estate planning can be somewhat uncomfortable for many people. However, it is better to have these plans in place long before they are needed in order to ensure that end-of-life decisions are handled accordingly. Estate planning covers various subjects from creating a will to appointing a

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Michigan residents should not put off drafting an estate plan

Many people wrongfully assume that they do not need to think about such things as estate planning if they are just starting out or do not have a great deal of valuable assets. Yet, anyone in Michigan who has children would be wise to make estate planning a priority. Also,

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