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Michigan Estate Planning

Estate planning helps you manage your assets and protect your legacy. Our attorney-drafted templates are quick and easy to complete.

intro Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning involves creating documents that outline how your assets will be managed and distributed after your passing. Explore our subcategories to find the templates that best suit your needs.

Common Michigan Estate Planning documents

  • Last Will and Testament — specifies how assets will be distributed.
  • Living Trust — allows for asset management during life and after death.
  • Power of Attorney — designates someone to make decisions on your behalf.
  • Healthcare Directive — outlines your medical care preferences if you cannot communicate.
  • Probate Documents — required for the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate.

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Similar documents: key differences

  • Will vs. Trust — a will directs asset distribution after death, while a trust can manage assets during life and after.
  • Durable Power of Attorney vs. Healthcare Power of Attorney — the former handles financial decisions, while the latter focuses on medical decisions.
  • Living Will vs. Healthcare Directive — both express medical preferences, but a living will is more specific to end-of-life decisions.
  • Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets — probate assets go through court, while non-probate assets pass directly to beneficiaries.

  • Documents require proper signing and capacity to be valid.

  • Many documents may need witnesses or notarization for authenticity.

  • Beneficiary settings and titles should match across documents.

  • Updating documents is crucial after significant life events.

  • Selecting responsible parties is essential for effective estate management.

  • Original documents should be stored securely to ensure accessibility.

How to get started

Start in minutes with these steps.

  • Find a template or package that fits your situation.
  • Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
  • Get full access with a subscription.
  • Complete it in the online editor.
  • Export or send: download, email, USPS mail, notarize online, or send for e-signature (Premium).

Practical tip

Many users find it helpful to list their assets before starting the estate planning process.

FAQs

Estate planning helps ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Consider updating your estate plan after major life events, like marriage or the birth of a child.

Yes, you can amend or revoke your will at any time as long as you have the capacity to do so.

While not required, consulting a lawyer can provide valuable guidance tailored to your situation.

Glossary

  • Will - A legal document stating how assets will be distributed.
  • Trust - An arrangement allowing a third party to hold assets for beneficiaries.
  • Power of Attorney - A document granting someone authority to act on your behalf.
  • Healthcare Directive - A document outlining your medical treatment preferences.
  • Probate - The legal process of administering a deceased person's estate.
  • Beneficiary - A person designated to receive assets from an estate.
  • Executor - An individual appointed to manage the estate's affairs.
  • Living Will - A document specifying your preferences for end-of-life care.

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