A recent case in Huron County Probate Court has raised an important question for estate planning attorneys and individuals involved in probate proceedings: Are disinherited heirs and estate creditors considered “interested parties” in probate matters? The court’s ruling suggests that the answer may be no—at least under certain circumstances. Read the full opinion of In […]
Are Disinherited Heirs Interested Parties in Probate? Read More »
The Ways and Means Committee’s recent report explores potential changes to tax policy that could impact estate planning strategies. These changes include modification of IRA rules, elimination of Head of Household filing status, reduction of the estate tax exemption, and repeal of the SALT deduction. These proposals could significantly affect how you plan for the
Proposed Tax Changes That Could Impact Estate Planning Read More »
The IRS has released adjustments to the estate tax exemption, annual exclusion for gift taxes, and the marginal tax rates for the tax year 2025. Below are some of the important tax adjustments. For more information, see the IRS publication here. Estate tax credits. For an estate of any decedent dying in calendar year 2025,
IRS Releases the 2025 Estate Tax Exemption Amount Read More »
Estate planning is often focused on the big picture: wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. These are great tools for estate planning but one critical detail often overlooked is who will handle your funeral arrangements. In Michigan, a funeral advocate designation ensures your wishes for your final arrangements are respected. But what exactly is a
Does Your Estate Plan Include a Funeral Advocate Designation? Read More »
When planning for the future, many people are unsure whether to set up a will, a trust, or both. While both tools provide a means to pass assets to loved ones but their differences are important, especially in Michigan. Every day, we’ve seen firsthand how making the right choice can impact families for generations. Let’s
Understanding the Differences Between a Will and a Trust Read More »
Dealing with the estate of a loved one after their passing can be a complex and emotionally taxing process. If your loved one’s affairs require probate court, this adds stress to the grief of losing a loved one. Probate court administration is a procedure that can be time-consuming and expensive. However, for those who have
Avoiding Probate for Small Estates: A Practical Solution Read More »
In August, presidential candidate Kamala Harris disclosed some of her proposed tax policies. Kamala Harris’s proposal brings significant changes to estate planning that would increase taxes and substantially impact how individuals and families manage their wealth and plan for the future. This article covers a few of the proposed policies and their implications. To read
Kamala Harris Reveals Estate Tax Policies Including 55 Percent Estate Tax Read More »
Estate planning is the process of setting up your affairs to plan for incapacity and avoid court interference at death. Estate planning provides a private means of transferring assets to the next generation while reducing litigation, taxes and administrative costs. Every estate plan is unique and implements a detailed plan for the individual’s situation. Setting
The Basics of Estate Planning Read More »
If you would like to schedule a meeting to review your estate plan, or if you have any questions, please call the attorneys of Wakefield Law, P.C. at (248) 457-9860. *This article is meant for informational purposes only. Please recognize that nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. If you have any questions, comments, or
What To Look For When Reviewing An Estate Plan Read More »
Will and Testament: Wills are legal documents that inform the probate court of your wishes regarding the management of your assets and care for your children. These wishes can include appointing a guardian and conservator for your children, the distribution of funds, and the appointment of a personal representative for your estate. Unlike a living
What is Included in an Estate Plan? Read More »
