Documents
Wills
A will is the simplest way to put your wishes in writing. For many families it is all they need, and we will tell you honestly if that is you.
In plain words
A clear will that says who receives what, who is in charge, and who would raise your children.
A will is a written set of instructions for after you die. It says who receives your things, and it names a person to carry out those wishes. In Michigan that person is called your personal representative. Many people still say executor, and that is fine.
A will usually goes through probate. Probate is the court process that checks the will is valid, pays final bills and hands out what is left. It is handled by the probate court in the county where you lived. It is not always slow or costly, but it is public and it takes some months.
If you have children under 18, your will is also where you nominate a guardian. That is the person you would want to raise them if both parents were gone. It is the single most important line many parents ever write.
Is this for you?
It may be a good fit if any of these sound familiar.
- You have children under 18 and want to name a guardian
- Your will was written before a marriage, divorce, move or new grandchild
- Your estate is fairly simple and your accounts already name beneficiaries
- You have never written anything down and want to start with the basics
- You want to leave something to a charity, a friend or a godchild
What's included
Everything we do for you, written down
- A will written in plain English, not legal boilerplate
- Guardian nominations for children under 18
- A review of your beneficiary forms for life insurance, 401(k)s and IRAs
- A signing meeting with witnesses and a notary arranged by us
- Your original kept in our fireproof vault, with copies for you
- Small updates free for 12 months after you sign
Will or trust?
A will and a living trust, side by side
Both are good tools. The right one depends on what you own and what matters to you. Here is the honest comparison we give at the first meeting.
| Question | Will | Living trust |
|---|---|---|
| Goes through probate court? | Yes, usually | No, for anything placed in the trust |
| Private? | Becomes part of the court record | Stays private |
| Helps if you can no longer manage money? | No. You also need a power of attorney | Yes. Your backup trustee steps in |
| Cost to set up with us | Will Plan, from $1,450 | Trust Plan, from $3,400 |
| Upkeep | Very little | New accounts should be opened in the trust's name |
Many families with a modest estate do perfectly well with a will and up-to-date beneficiary forms.
How it works
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Step 1: A first conversation
Free, about an hour, at our office, your home or on video. You talk, we listen and explain your options.
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Step 2: Drafts in plain words
Within about two weeks you get a short summary and the drafts. Read them at home, mark anything that feels off.
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Step 3: A calm signing
About 45 minutes. We read through the key parts together, then sign with witnesses and a notary.
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Step 4: We stay in touch
Every three years we send a short letter asking whether life has changed. Updates are easy.
What it costs
Included in the Will Plan
From $1,450 for one person or $1,950 for a couple, with powers of attorney and health care documents included.
A flat fee, agreed in writing at the end of your free first meeting. It only changes if you ask us to add something.
Can I write my own will?
Michigan accepts a will you write yourself if it is signed correctly, and some people do fine that way. The trouble is usually what gets left out: a backup guardian, what happens if a beneficiary dies first, or accounts the will cannot reach. If you have already written one, bring it. We are glad to look.
What happens if I die without a will?
State law decides who inherits, usually a spouse and children in set shares. A court appoints someone to handle things, and nobody has nominated a guardian for young children. It works, but it may not be what you would have chosen.
Do my retirement accounts follow my will?
No. Life insurance, 401(k)s, IRAs and many bank accounts go to whoever is named on the beneficiary form, no matter what the will says. That is why we review those forms with you as part of every plan.
How can we help?
The first consultation is free and takes about an hour, at our office, in your home or by video. You will leave knowing what you need and what it costs.
Book a free consultation