Drafting A Will In Michigan

A will is certainly not the only estate planning document that people use in Michigan. The overall estate plan could also include trusts, powers of attorney and much more. A will is often the starting point and forms the basis for the overall estate plan. It’s a very important document, and people must know how to draft and file their will correctly per state law.

Here at Kershaw, Vititoe & Jedinak, PLC, our estate planning attorneys have more than 20 combined years of valuable experience. We are known for putting our clients first, and our lawyers can travel across Michigan to meet with clients when necessary. We offer personalized advice, so contact us today to set up your initial consultation.

What Are The Requirements For A Valid Will In Michigan?

When drafting a will in Michigan, there are certain rules that must be followed:

• The document must be in writing.
• The testator has to sign the will, or an authorized agent can do so on their behalf.
• The will needs to be signed by two witnesses.

There are exceptions to these rules, such as a holographic (handwritten) will, but it’s important to go over the details to ensure that your will is valid and will be upheld in court.

What Are The Benefits Of Working With An Estate Planning Attorney?

Creating a will is not a “do-it-yourself” process. Working with an estate planning lawyer allows you to obtain personalized legal guidance that is specific to your situation and concerns. That affords you the opportunity to better protect your assets, minimize the taxes against your estate, lower probate costs (or avoid probate altogether) and make sure that your wishes are properly documented. 

What If You Die Without A Will?

Dying without a will in Michigan is known as dying intestate. This means that the intestate laws Michigan already has in place will be used, so state law will govern who receives certain assets and how your estate is divided. This can be problematic because assets may not go to people who expected them, and there could be negative tax implications. If you want to take more control over how your estate is processed, it’s important to create a plan in advance.

Call Now For A Consultation

If you’d like to set up your initial consultation with our experienced team, just call us at 734-636-0960 or use the online contact form today.