Our Probate & Estate Planning Team Are Here To Help You
We provide expert legal guidance for estate planning and probate, for clients in the Detroit Michigan area. As a law firm, we understand that planning for the future can be daunting, especially when managing your assets and ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of after you pass away. Our experienced attorneys are here to provide the personalized assistance you need to navigate these complex legal matters with confidence and peace of mind. Whether you need help with estate planning, creating a will, or navigating the probate process, our team is here to help you achieve your goals and protect your assets. With our extensive knowledge and experience in Michigan law, you can trust that your legal matters are in good hands.
We’re not some guy on a TV commercial that’s never going to see your case or some big firm where you’re just another number. We’re a father and son duo who get to know our clients and give you unrivaled expertise. That’s our specialty. We’ll do right by you with integrity and quality.
Start Your Estate Planning
Waiting for another day or time is easy – especially when your health is good, the future looks bright, and there are many other “pressing” tasks to be done. Unfortunately, none of us can predict the future. What will happen to your spouse or child if something unexpected happens to you? ACT NOW – and know that you have done everything you could for your loved one’s future.
How Estate Planning and Probate Works
One of the most important, yet often neglected, areas of law that might have the greatest impact upon you or your loved ones involves estate planning. In general, estate planning covers the following topics:
Wills
- Wills set who inherits your property and often appoints a guardian for minor children.
Trusts
- A trust is an arrangement by which payments or property is distributed to a beneficiary according to the terms of the trust. (Revocable, ILIT, QTIP, Special Needs Trusts, etc).
Power of Attorney
- Medical Durable Power of Attorney (patient advocate designations), including end-of-life decisions
- Durable Power of Attorneys for Financial Decisions: Financial power of attorney appoints a third party to handle an individual’s finances when they can no longer take care of their own financial affairs.
- Guardianship and Conservatorship
Additional Considerations
- Special Needs Planning: Planning for Children and Adults with Disabilities
Many people mistakenly believe that if they or a loved one should suddenly die or become incapacitated due to illness or accident that another family member automatically steps in and takes control. That may not necessarily be true. Unless you have planned ahead and taken the necessary steps for continuing asset management, the probate courts will decide who is in charge and the person chosen by the court may not be the person you want to take over.
For more information about Estate Planning & Probate, or to schedule an appointment, contact our probate lawyers at Foley Law Offices, PLLC at (734) 462-7500.
We provide our estate planning and probate service in Southeast Michigan and the Detroit Metro area.
Common Questions About Probates and Estate Planning
Probate is a legal process that verifies a deceased person’s will, settles their debts and distributes their assets according to their wishes. It is necessary to ensure that the deceased person’s wishes are carried out properly and that creditors are paid before any assets are distributed to heirs.
Yes, an estate plan is essential for everyone. It includes documents like a will, power of attorney, and trust, which can help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, minimize taxes, and provide for your loved ones in case of incapacity or death. An estate planning attorney can help you create a customized plan that meets your specific needs and goals.
You can minimize estate taxes for your heirs by creating a trust, making gifts during your lifetime, and utilizing tax exemptions. Working with an estate planning attorney can help you navigate these complex tax laws and create a plan that minimizes the tax burden on your estate while still providing for your loved ones.
If you die without a will or estate plan, your assets will be distributed according to the laws of your state. This means that your assets may not be distributed according to your wishes and could cause disputes among your heirs. In addition, the probate process may be longer and more expensive, which can decrease the amount of assets available for distribution to your heirs.