At Witzke Berry PLLC, we are Michigan estate planning lawyers first and foremost.  We holistically review a clients situation including goals, beneficiary designations and funding of a client's Michigan estate plan. Michigan Estate Planning is more than just preparing documents.

Michigan Estate Planning is providing for incapacity. If you were to become incapacitated, you would not be able to manage your affairs. Without proper estate planning, someone would have to petition the court to become your legal guardian or conservator. This process is often called living probate. This can be avoided through proper estate planning through the use of revocable living trusts and powers of attorney prepared by a estate planning lawyer.

Michigan Estate Planning is providing for your medical care through the use of Michigan medical powers of attorney and Michigan living wills. Through proper estate planning, you can appoint a loved one to make medical decisions for you if you were incapacitated. Think of the Terri Schiavo case down in Florida where there was a long, drawn out court battle to determine whether she should be removed from life support. Through proper estate planning prior to incapacity you can make appoint a loved one to make these decisions if you were unable to. The Farmington Hills lawyers at Witzke Berry PLLC assist clients in creating patient advocate designations, living wills, and HIPAA compliant forms.

Michigan Estate Planning is avoiding probate. Many clients desire to avoid the pitfalls of the Michigan probate system. Through proper counseling and the use of revocable living trusts, the Michigan lawyers of Witzke Berry PLLC help their clients avoid this time consuming, expensive, stressful process.

Michigan Estate Planning is providing for loved ones including minor children. In Michigan, children become adults and can inherit property at age 18. For example, if you have life insurance that names your child a beneficiary, that child can inherit the full sum at age 18. Through the use of proper estate planning, including trusts, the Bloomfield Hills lawyers at Witzke Berry PLLC can protect the inheritance from misuse and poor decision making, whether at age 18 or beyond.

Michigan Estate Planning is planning for death taxes. Through proper estate planning you can minimize the effect of the Federal Estate taxes and minimize income tax through proper handling of retirement accounts.

Michigan Estate planning is legal planning for your pets. As a pet owner you have an incredible bond with your pet and you want to make sure that your pet will be take care of if something were to happen to you. Through the use of Michigan pet trusts and Michigan animal care trusts, the Oakland County lawyers of Witzke Berry PLLC can ensure that your pets are cared for after your passing.