Welcome! Pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee. Prepare to benefit from our years of experience as we present some of our recent posts about estate planning and estate settlement. If you don’t find what you are looking for, visit our Tuesday with Tom podcast site where you can search over 200 episodes about estate planning and estate settlement.

  • Crummey Letters Are Important For Your ILIT
    by Tom
    A critical yet often overlooked step when managing an ILIT is sending Crummey letters to the beneficiaries. What Are Crummey Letters? Crummey letters are notices sent to the beneficiaries of an ILIT informing them of their temporary right to withdraw contributions made to the trust. … Read more
  • Michigan’s New Uniform Power of Attorney Act Might Require Updating Your POA
    by Tom
    Michigan’s new Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA), effective on July 1, might require your Power of Attorney to be updated. Here’s what you need to know and why it might be important to update your POA. What is the Uniform Power of Attorney Act? … Read more
  • MiABLE: Michigan’s Program for Individuals with Disabilities
    by Tom
    In a world striving for inclusivity and equal opportunity, Michigan has MiABLE—a program designed to support individuals with disabilities in achieving financial security and independence. What is MiABLE? MiABLE stands for the Michigan Achieving a Better Life Experience program. It was established in response to … Read more
  • Navigating Special Needs Trusts: A Guide to Understanding the Different Types
    by Tom
    Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) play a crucial role in ensuring the financial security and well-being of individuals with disabilities. These trusts are designed to manage assets and provide for the needs of individuals with disabilities while preserving their eligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid … Read more
  • Understanding Why a Will Doesn’t Avoid Probate
    by Tom
    In the realm of estate planning, a Last Will and Testament, commonly known as a Will, is often seen as the cornerstone document. It’s where individuals outline their final wishes regarding asset distribution, guardianship of minors, and even pet care. However, there’s a common misconception … Read more
  • Avoid These Top Estate Planning Mistakes
    by Tom
    A good estate plan protects and provides for the decedent’s heirs. It shouldn’t cause more problems than it solves. But not every estate plan lives up to this ideal. If you want your wishes carried out, below are the top mistakes you need to avoid. … Read more
  • Should You Have Joint Trustees?
    by Tom
    Listen to “Should You Have Joint Trustees? (Episode #218)” on Spreaker. Are you considering appointing multiple children to be in charge of settling your estate? If so, then today’s episode is for you. Tom discusses the pros and cons of having multiple children serve as … Read more
  • Why You Might Need a New Certificate of Trust
    by Tom
    [Order your new Certificate of Trust today at our [Legal Store] What is a certificate of trust? Well there have been two different distinct certificates of trust up until a recent change in Michigan Law that combined them into one. For those of you that … Read more
  • When Do I Need a Living Trust?
    by Tom
    Episode Video Episode Podcast Contrary to what you might hear at a free, no obligation dinner discussing investments, not everyone needs a Living Trust. Listen while Tom discusses 6 occasions when you should consider a Living Trust as part of your estate plan.
  • How to Avoid the Six Most Common Estate Planning Mistakes – #5
    by Tom
    Over the 6 episodes beginning January 23 I am discussing how to avoid the six most common estate planning mistakes. In today’s episode, I talk about the importance of using a Durable Power of Attorney and a Health Care Power of Attorney to plan for … Read more
  • How to Avoid the Six Most Common Estate Planning Mistakes – #4
    by Tom
    Episode Video Episode Podcast Over the 6 episodes beginning January 23 Tom discusses how to avoid the six most common estate planning mistakes. In this episode Tom talks about how failing to fund your living trust can cause your estate to have to go through … Read more
  • How to Avoid the Six Most Common Estate Planning Mistakes – #3
    by Tom
    Episode Video Episode Podcast Over the 6 episodes beginning January 23 Tom discusses how to avoid the six most common estate planning mistakes. In this episode Tom discusses why a Will does not avoid probate.