Estate Planning for Blended Families: Special Considerations and Options
Blended families, composed of spouses with children from previous marriages, require careful consideration to ensure everyone's needs are met and potential conflicts are minimized. In this article, the estate planning lawyers Thompson Legal detail the special issues and considerations that blended families face, as well as the estate planning options they have to protect their legacies.
🐾 Guardianship Beyond the Grave: The Power of Pet Trusts in Your Estate Plan 🐾
Under Michigan law pets are considered property and cannot own or care for themselves. Pet Trusts provide a legal arrangement wherein your pet companions are to receive continued care, maintenance, and support, even after you are no longer there to provide it.
What You Need to Know About Michigan's New Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA)
Michigan's Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA) is set to revolutionize how we approach standard Power of Attorney (POA) documents. The UPOAA expands agent responsibility and liability, creates guidelines for financial institutions, provides clearer terms for succession and termination. While the changes won't officially roll out until July 1, 2024, Thompson Legal has detailed what's in store and how it affects you and your family.
Estate Planning with Joint Property Ownership in Michigan: Life Estate, Joint Tenants, and Tenants by the Entireties
Understanding the various types of joint property ownership available to property owners is essential for crafting a solid estate plan. In this article, we'll explore three common forms of joint property ownership used in Michigan for estate planning purposes: Life Estate Deed, Joint Tenants with Full Rights of Survivorship, and Tenants by the Entireties.
Family LLC’s - The Future of Estate Planning For Your Family Cottage
Family LLC’s are a unique and flexible way to safeguard your family cottage or vacation home future generations to come. Family LLC’s provide owners with liability protection and privacy, while also being easier to control, maintain, and amend.
Special Estate Planning Considerations for Young Families
Estate planning for young individuals and families involves a unique set of considerations, from naming guardians to utilizing trusts and life insurance.
Michigan Estate Tax Considerations: What to Know
In this blog post, we'll explore the Michigan estate tax, the federal estate tax, and the anticipated changes in 2026 due to sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
Correcting Mistakes on Savings Bonds: Requesting a Reissue with FS Form 4000
Fortunately, the U.S. Department of the Treasury provides a solution for correcting these mistakes through the use of FS Form 4000. In this article, we will guide you through the process of correcting mistakes on savings bonds and requesting a reissue using FS Form 4000.
Wills vs. Trusts - Which is Right for You?
Estate planning is a vital step in securing your family's future and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Two primary tools used in estate planning are wills and trusts. In this blog post, we'll delve into the benefits and differences between these different estate planning instruments to help you make informed decisions about your estate plan.
Michigan's Statutory Will Requirements
In Michigan, one option that simplifies the process is a Statutory Will. This legal document offers a straightforward way to express your final wishes without the complexities of drafting a custom will.
Lady Bird Deeds in Michigan: A Powerful Estate Planning Tool
Among the various tools available to ensure your assets are passed on efficiently and according to your wishes, one lesser-known but highly effective option in Michigan is the Lady Bird Deed. This type of deed provides a unique way to transfer property while retaining control during your lifetime.