Estate planning at Arbor Law involves creating a comprehensive strategy to manage and distribute your assets according to your wishes. Without proper planning, your estate may go through a lengthy probate process and be distributed according to state law rather than your preferences. We help you protect your loved ones, minimize taxes and fees, and ensure your healthcare wishes are respected.

A will takes effect after death and goes through probate court, while a trust can manage assets during your lifetime and after death without court supervision. We help you understand which tools best suit your situation. For some clients, a simple will is sufficient; others benefit from a trust’s privacy and control. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each option for your specific circumstances.

We help you evaluate potential executors based on important criteria: trustworthiness, organizational skills, and ability to handle financial matters. The executor should be willing to serve and able to remain impartial. We’ll discuss the importance of naming alternates and help you understand the executor’s responsibilities under Michigan law.

Advance directives are essential documents that express your healthcare wishes and designate someone to make medical decisions if you become incapacitated. At Arbor Law, we ensure your directives comply with Michigan law and clearly communicate your preferences. We recommend advance directives for all adult clients to protect their interests and provide guidance to family members.

We develop tax-efficient estate plans based on your specific situation. This may include gifting strategies, trust structures, and other planning tools appropriate for your asset level and goals. We help you understand current tax laws and exemptions, and can  implement tax-saving strategies while achieving your estate planning objectives.