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.

  • 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.
  • Do you know about Funeral Representatives in Michigan?
    by Amanda Bevel
    If you haven’t heard, new legislation took effect in June last year regarding funeral arrangements. Any legally competent individual may appoint a funeral representative to make decisions about what happens to that individual’s remains after he or she dies.  The funeral representative has the authority … Read more
  • Does My Will Override a Beneficiary Designation?
    by Tom
    Episode Video Episode Podcast Tom explains why if there is a conflict between a beneficiary designation on your bank account (naming one child) and what you say in your Will (divide your estate between all 5 children), the beneficiary designation wins, and your bank account … Read more
  • – Where Should I Store My Estate Plan?
    by Tom
    Episode Video Episode Podcast Your estate planning documents will not do you any good if they are lost, or destroyed by a hurricane, flood, tornado, fire or other natural disaster. Tom discusses the pros and cons of various options available for keeping your original estate … Read more
  • – The Many Roads To A Professionally Prepared Personalized Estate Plan
    by Tom
    Episode Video Episode Podcast In today’s episode, Tom discusses the various ways that he and Amanda can help you with your estate plan wherever you happen to be in Michigan. From personal consultations in Lansing or Grand Rapids, or consultation with us by telephone, to … Read more