Helpful Resources

Yes. Estate planning is about more than wealth — it determines who raises your children, who makes medical decisions if you're incapacitated, and who inherits your property. Without a plan, Michigan law decides for you, which may not match your wishes. A basic plan is affordable and essential for anyone with a family or property.

Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person's estate. In Michigan, it is public record, often takes 12–18 months, and costs attorney and court fees that reduce what your heirs receive. With proper planning — including a living trust — your estate can transfer privately and immediately, with no court involvement.

We recommend reviewing your plan every 3–5 years, or after any major life event — marriage, divorce, birth of a child or grandchild, death of a beneficiary, significant change in assets, or a move to a new state. Michigan and Florida laws also change periodically, which can affect your plan's effectiveness.

Absolutely — this is one of our specialties. Attorney Wakefield is licensed in both Michigan and Florida, so we can address the unique rules of each state under one roof. Florida's homestead protections, for example, require careful coordination with a Michigan-based estate plan to function properly.

A durable power of attorney authorizes a trusted person to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may need to go to court to obtain guardianship — a slow and costly process. We strongly recommend this document for all adults, regardless of age or wealth.

If you die "intestate" (without a will), Michigan's intestacy laws determine who inherits your assets. The result may surprise you — for example, a surviving spouse does not always inherit everything. Your assets will also pass through probate, which is public and time-consuming. A simple will or trust prevents this.

We believe in transparent, reasonable pricing. Costs vary depending on the complexity of your plan, but we discuss fees openly at your free initial consultation — before you commit to anything. Most basic estate plans are far more affordable than people expect, and far less costly than probate.

Yes. Medicaid planning is a critical component of our elder law practice. We help clients structure their assets well in advance of needing long-term care, so they can qualify for Medicaid benefits without first spending down their life savings. Early planning is key — reach out as soon as possible.