Mickey Moves to the Public Domain: What Does it Mean for Your Estate Plan?

As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve 2024, a pop-culture icon waltzed into the public domain: Mickey Mouse. The beloved rodent, first introduced in “Steamboat Willie” in 1928, is now open season for anyone to reimagine, re… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Happy senior woman sitting at a table in her home office, drafting her last will and testament in a journal and taking care to allocate her assets. Retired woman leaving a plan in place for the future.

New Year, New You, New Plan: Why Estate Planning Belongs on Your Resolution List

As the confetti settles and the echoes of “Happy New Year!” fade, we’re all filled with the fresh optimism of a new year. It’s a time for resolutions, for setting goals, and striving for a better version of ourselves. But amid… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
A mixed race senior woman holding her puppy outdoors

Planning for your Pets

Over the last few decades, we have seen a significant change in how pets are perceived, even in the law. Years ago, pets were seen as property without much value or protection under the law, however, much of society has found the true value in having… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning

How to Choose a Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. It is important to choose someone who you trust and who you believe will make decisions that are in your best int… Read More
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Dying without a Will

I get calls almost weekly from people inquiring about the necessity of a will. It is often when a loved one is in the hospital or transitioning to hospice and the family is in a panic to make sure a will is in place. During these phone calls I do my… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning

Gift and Inheritance Taxation

Inheritance Tax in 2021 Inheritance tax is a constant concern I hear from clients. There is so much misinformation regarding what is taxed and what is not. This blog is designed to help clarify some myths regarding gift taxation during lifetime and a… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
COVID-19’s Lesser Known…

COVID-19’s Lesser Known Impact

2020 has been a year of nearly immeasurable change on a global scale. The Covid-19 pandemic has completely altered many peoples’ day-to-day lives. While most of us are settling into this (hopefully) temporary way of living, others have not been so… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning, Probate
Duties of an Agent Under…

Duties of an Agent Under a Power of Attorney in Michigan

A power of attorney allows a person, known as the principal, to give authority to an agent to handle some or all of their financial affairs. This could include managing the principal’s assets while they are temporarily unavailable, making all of th… Read More
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A Patient Advocate’s Re…

A Patient Advocate’s Responsibilities to a Patient Who Is Under Quarantine in Michigan

Designating someone who can make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated is an important part of the estate planning process. This is often known as a “medical power of attorney.” Michigan law calls it a “designation of pat… Read More
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How a Certified Dementia…

How a Certified Dementia Practitioner Can Help You

Dementia afflicts millions of people in the United States, and tens of millions of people worldwide. With improvements in life expectancy, that number is expected to continue to rise in the coming decades. Meeting the needs of dementia sufferers, inc… Read More
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