A Michigan 529 plan is more than just a college savings tool. For many, it serves as a valuable component of an estate plan. These accounts allow families to save for education in a tax-advantaged way, with contributions growing tax-deferred and withdrawals remaining tax-free when used for qualified expenses such
Spendthrift provisions are clauses within trust documents designed to protect a beneficiary’s interest by preventing them from transferring or pledging their share before it is distributed. Their primary purpose is to safeguard trust assets, ensuring they are preserved for the long term benefit of beneficiaries rather than prematurely depleted. These
In certain situations, a minor may require an adult to legally be placed in charge of their finances to ensure their financial well being is protected. A minor conservatorship is a court-ordered arrangement that allows an adult to manage the finances of a child under eighteen. Its purpose is to
When parents cannot care for their children, the legal system offers an arrangement to ensure their kids are cared for. Known as a minor guardianship, this arrangement is when the court appoints an adult to take over the responsibilities of caring for the child. The goal of guardianship is to
When a homeowner dies, the legal title to their property does not automatically transfer to surviving family members. Even if relatives continue living in the home or maintaining the property, the name on the deed remains that of the deceased owner until legally updated. This becomes a major issue when
When someone dies and owns a home, transferring it to new owners is rarely as simple as changing the name on the deed. In most cases, the process must go through probate, a court‑supervised process that makes sure the property is legally transferred to the correct heirs or beneficiaries. Probate
When an individual passes away with an unresolved personal injury claim, that claim may not die with them. Instead, it often becomes an asset of their estate, handled through the probate process. This means the right to pursue compensation continues, even after death, and must be managed in accordance with
Probate litigation over end-of-life medical decisions is becoming more common, especially when family members disagree about a loved one’s care. While patient advocate designations are intended to provide clarity by appointing someone to make medical decisions during incapacity, they often can become sources of conflict. This is particularly true in
For individuals without a spouse, children, or close relatives, estate planning may not feel urgent. However under Michigan law, the absence of traditional heirs creates unique legal risks. Without a will or trust, the state determines how property is distributed using default rules that often ignore personal values or wishes
It is common for individuals to own real estate in more than one state, whether it be a vacation home, a rental property, or inherited land from a relative. While this can be considered a valuable part of an estate, it also introduces legal complexity if not properly addressed in
