Estate Plans

At some point in your life you realize that you are responsible for protecting your family‘s financial future. Life insurance and gathering assets in accounts with banks, credit unions, mutual funds and investments are common steps to take. Scheduling a meeting with an attorney at Martin L. Rogalski, PC is also a step to take to secure your family’s financial future.

The attorney will counsel you in planning your estate, should you become disabled or die. The benefits of using Powers of Attorney for finances and health care are discussed. Whether a Will or Trust is right for you can also be determined.

The feeling of comfort with having your estate in order is priceless. Our fees in this area are reasonable, allowing access to appropriate estate planning for anyone who wants to protect their loved ones. Contact our office to discuss your estate planning needs.

Wills: Every person should have, at a minimum, a Will. A Will is complemented by two Powers of Attorney – one for your finances and one for health care. Michigan does not have a “living will”. Instead, the health care power of attorney is authorized by state law. Wills, however need to be probated.

Trusts: A Trust is a device utilized to avoid the Probate Court process and to minimize or even eliminate inheritance taxes. This firm offers one type of Trust to address the avoidance of probate. A second type of Trust is offered if tax avoidance is sought.

Power of Attorney:
Financial Power – The Power of Attorney is a legal document which can allow your family member(s) to formally aid you in your financial matters, as you age. Instead of adding names to your deeds and bank accounts, you appoint a relative or friend to aid you in writing checks, signing tax returns, and otherwise managing your assets should you become unable to do so. Placing people’s names on documents can transfer ownership interest in your assets. This “joint ownership” step to avoid probate can backfire should your designee file bankruptcy, become divorced, become a defendant in a lawsuit, or have a judgment entered against them.

Health Care – To avoid litigation concerning your health care treatment as you age, you should appoint a family member as your patient advocate. This person can communicate with your health care providers regarding the level of health care which you want, when you cannot communicate with your doctors, hospital staff or nurses. With today’s implementation of the Hippa laws, this is a must for every adult who may need medical treatment and is unable to communicate with medical personnel.