Reviewing My Estate Plan: How Often?

How often you should have your estate plan reviewed depends largely on where you are in life: In your 30s and 40s, every three to five years. In your 50s and 60s, every two to three years. In your 70s, every one to two years. In your 80s and beyond, every year. There...

Do You Need an Estate Plan?

Do you really need to have an estate plan? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you need to take the time to plan for your future and that of your family: Do you want to determine who will represent your interests after you’re gone? Do you...

Five Essential Estate Planning Documents

A proper estate plan must include at least these five documents.  Will—A will explains how you want your property to be distributed at the time of your passing and who should handle that distribution. In Michigan (and other states), a will must be filed with the local...

Estate Planning Checklist

Six Steps to Helping You Protect Your Family’s Financial Future: Your Estate Planning Checklist   One of the most common questions I get from prospective estate planning clients is this: “Do you have a checklist?” I tell them I do. Here it is. Step 1—Meet with an...