Michigan Estate – It may not mean what you think it means.
Estate planning lawyers in and around Grand Rapids often have to confront this mistaken notion that the only people who need our services are the very wealthy. After all, the word “estate” conjures up images of the DeVoses and VanAndels with mansions nestled among perfectly-manicured gardens alongside a garage filled with priceless automobiles. The average person in West Michigan simply doesn’t have an “estate,” right?
Actually, the average West Michigander does have an estate. While we may have grandiose ideas of what an estate is, your lawyer is far more concerned with the legal definition. In the eyes of the law, your “estate” is everything that you own. This includes real estate for sure, but any other assets are also a part of your estate.
When you die in Michigan, your estate is subject to a variety of legal obligations, and working with an estate planning lawyer in Grand Rapids or Muskegon is the best way to minimize the impact of these obligations. The modest home or condominium that you bought when you retired certainly isn’t the same as a sprawling mansion on a hillside, but it is still an estate. And, without legal guidance, a person with less is liable to actually have more to lose.
That’s because the ultra-rich person living in the lap of luxury has probably already worked with estate planning lawyers to set up a variety of trusts and other tools to protect his or her property. By maxing out gift allotments, making the right kinds of charitable donations, etc. this person can minimize the impact that taxes will have on the estate later. And putting assets into trusts allows for family business to stay private rather than going through the probate process, which becomes a part of the public record.
Fortunately, estate planning lawyers aren’t just for the wealthy. “Regular” folks can—and should—utilize their expertise by employing many of the same techniques, although maybe on a smaller scale. Just because they offer the same types of services doesn’t mean that a lawyer has to have a huge price tag, either. The fact of the matter is that a good estate planning lawyer in Grand Rapids or Muskegon will end up saving you many times over the initial cost of hiring a professional.
Finding the right estate planning lawyer in Grand Rapids or Muskegon should involve a bit of research. Take a look around the web, for example; but also listen to what friends and family have to say. How did they feel about their experience with a particular attorney? Would they recommend that person? Why or why not? Having a prepared list of questions to ask as you compare lawyers will also help you in narrowing down your options. And, you’ll want to take advantage of a free initial consultation, if available. This gives you a no-strings-attached opportunity to meet the different lawyers in person so you can get a feel for their style and whether or not you think you’d enjoy working together.
If you would be interested in meeting with an estate planning lawyer from one of our offices in Grand Rapids, Grandville, or Muskegon for a complimentary consultation to find out how we may be able to help you, please feel free to call us at 800.667.5291 and mention this article.
