Established Michigan Estate Planning Attorney Helps You Prepare for the Future

Trusted firm advises clients in the Bloomfield Hills area on wills, trusts and conservatorships

No one knows what tomorrow may bring, but there are some inevitabilities for which you can prepare. You have worked too hard to risk your assets, personal security or the legacy you leave, so it is wise to establish an estate plan you can count on no matter what comes your way. At Borkowski Law, I help clients in the Bloomfield Hills area and throughout Michigan guard against the unpredictable and leave instructions they feel confident about. Whether your estate is small, modest or substantial, I can work with you to design an estate plan that fits your unique circumstances and addresses your concerns.

Skilled lawyer provides counsel for thorough estate plans

Establishing a well-thought-out estate plan allows you to provide protection for your property, finances and medical care. Your answers to these and other questions will inform your choices: Do you want to avoid probate court? Maximize your heirs inheritance? Ease the process of estate administration? Preserve a vacation home? Provide for a child with special needs? Disinherit an heir? Appoint a decision-maker in the event you become incapacitated? To address these concerns and others, you can rely on me to help with a comprehensive estate plan. I may provide legal assistance with the following:

• Will drafting, execution and review
• Revocable Living Trusts
• Irrevocable Trusts
• Advance Healthcare Directives (a/k/a Living Wills)
• Powers of Attorney
• Estate and Gift Tax issues
• Probate Avoidance
• Guardianships
• Conservatorships
• Prenuptial / Post-nuptial Agreements
• Family Limited Liability Companies
• Special Needs Trusts
• Charitable Planning
• Succession Planning
• Federal Estate Tax Returns
• Choosing the appropriate Personal Representative / Executor
• Elder Law

Each person has different concerns and goals for the future. I work closely with you to determine your priorities and create precise instruments to carry out your intentions.

Thoughtful attorney handles wills, guardianships and powers of attorney

Estate plans can include instructions not only for distributing your property after you’ve passed but should also appoint the appropriate person to handle decisions in the event of your disability when you can no longer make them for yourself. Though it may be difficult to think about your mortality, clear and thorough plans can remove the fear of uncertainty. I can help with:

• Wills — Your last will and testament provides the opportunity to distribute property, establish care for children and otherwise express your final wishes. A will is also the primary means by which you can leave property to a person or entity other than a blood relative.
• Trusts — Trusts are flexible instruments that allow you to put conditions on gifts and provide an allowance for a beneficiary rather than a lump sum. When you set up a living trust, for example, you can enjoy your property during your lifetime and transfer wealth seamlessly at your passing, helping your loved ones avoid probate.
• Powers of Attorney — A durable power of attorney allows someone to manage your financial  affairs. A medical power of attorney (also known as a living will) allows someone to make medical decisions and treatment for you. The powers of attorney can be as broad  or narrow as you desire.
• Guardianships — A guardianship allows another to care for and make medical decisions for someone that has become legally incapacitated. If you have an incapacitated parent, it’s important to care for them. If you have minor children, it’s important to plan for their care in the event you and their other parent pass away. While a guardian for your children can be provided for in your Will, the court must approve and appoint the nominated person to serve in that capacity. Choosing a reliable, capable and trustworthy guardian can help ensure your children grow up feeling cared for and loved.
• Conservatorships — A conservatorship allows another to manage the assets for someone that has become legally incapacitated. If you have an incapacitated parent, it’s important to care for them. If you have minor children, it’s important to plan for their care in the event you and their other parent pass away. While a conservator for your children can be provided for in your Will, the court must approve and appoint them to serve in that capacity. Choosing a reliable, capable and trustworthy conservator can help ensure your children's money is used for their care and needs, as well as being preserved for their future.
• Advance directives — Advance directives allow you to clearly articulate your preferences for medical treatment and lifesaving interventions. They can set forth instructions on various matters, including who should serve as your healthcare proxy (or power of attorney) if you are incapacitated. Advance directives can also include Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders.

Knowing that you have planned for the long-term well-being and financial security of your loved ones can be comforting. At Borkowski Law, I thoroughly analyze your issues and strategize the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship and supporting philanthropic causes.

Contact a trusted Michigan estate planning law firm

For comprehensive estate planning services in Michigan, call Borkowski Law at 248-309-6515 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation.