Estate Planning Process
Steps In The Estate Planning Process
Estate planning is planning ahead to guide your family on how to handle your affairs after you have gone. It protects your property, making sure assets go where you want them to, and your family, making sure that they are well cared for after you’ve passed.
Consultation
When creating an estate plan, there are many different assets you will need to consider, including both intangible and physical assets. Talk to an attorney before continuing to ensure you fully understand your options.
Determine Need for an Estate Plan
The old cliché used to be that if you didn’t write a will, the state would write one for you through intestacy laws. Much the same thing is true of an estate plan. As you and your spouse get old, some tasks that used to be easy become hard. And, if you lose your spouse, some matters, like medical decisions, can become even harder. Having a complete, overall estate plan can anticipate and resolve all these issues.
Understand Options
Estate planning isn’t just about having a will anymore. It can involve your retirement, your business succession, significant charitable donations, planning for healthcare and disability, leaving a legacy, and planning for gifts. A Michigan estate planning attorney can help you figure out how to handle any of these that apply to you and your family. Â
Collect Information
Gather information on your assets, both physical and intangible, and other considerations. A few assets to keep in mind include your life insurance policy, mutual funds, stocks, business assets and individual retirement plans.
Special Considerations in Your Michigan Estate Plan
- Children: Do you have minor children or no children? Both conditions suggest that you need an estate plan. You will need to appoint a guardian and perhaps create a trust to provide financially for the minors. If you have no children, you’ll need to figure out who you want to make your heirs and arrange for help with medical and financial matters as you get older. You can do that with financial and medical powers of attorney in your estate plan.
- Medical Issues: Make sure to have a living will, health care directive, and health care power of attorney in your estate plan. Otherwise, someone will make healthcare decisions that you don’t want and might not approve of. Â
- Home and Other Assets: An estate plan, sometimes using a trust, can keep all your significant assets out of probate and move them to your heirs more quickly. Â
- Business Assets: Make sure someone you approve of will be running your business after you. Put a succession plan in place. Arrange through life insurance or other assets to keep the company together if your family will continue to run it.
- Blended Families: Today’s family mix of children who are yours, mine, and ours calls for careful estate planning. Each of you will want to make sure that the right children get the right things. Otherwise, the state will make those decisions. Â
- Special Needs: If you have a child with special needs, you can deal with those needs in your estate plan. Set up a special needs trust to ensure that the child will continue to receive the quality of life you intended. Â
Appoint Fiduciaries
A fiduciary is an appointed individual who has a legal responsibility to continue duties of the estate plan in the case that the original party cannot do so, such as after death. This individual is tasked with supporting your best interests as outlined in your estate plan.
Review and Revise Your Estate Plan
As life changes, your estate plan may need to be updated. An attorney can help you make necessary modifications to better suit your ongoing needs. Divorce, the birth of a child, getting a new job, and other major life events can impact your plan.
Contact A Michigan Estate Planning Attorney Today
It’s always easy to put off making an estate plan. But, as you get older, the problems and issues can get bigger. The best plan for your estate is to contact a Michigan estate planning attorney today and begin the process of securing your estate for your heirs.
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Hear From Our Clients
Top notch counsel!!! The BEST.
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Vince and his team are super detailed, friendly and you will be represented in the best way. Highly recommended.
I’ve been a client for over ten years. Vince is fantastic, as well as Kim and Jenna! I would not handle my legal matters anywhere else.
Vince was an absolute god send! He helped me thru a very rough patch in my life and without his knowledge and expertise I don’t know that I would have had such a positive outcome. I would and will recommend him and his firm to everyone that I come across in the future who needs representation in Macomb Co. Thank you Vince and Bianca. You were both wonderful to work with and I can’t thank you enough!
I had the absolute pleasure of being represented by Vince Manzella in a custody case. To say he got the job done is an understatement. He is extremely professional and has a wealth of knowledge in the Macomb County court system. He was always available if I had any concerns or questions. His secretary Donna was extremely pleasant and always very punctual with responses. Vince got me more than I ever could have expected, and never let me give up…
Amazing lawyers and friendly receptionist too! Everyone at this firm is awesome. Very strong and professional. I was facing my 5th felony and bound to be on my 4th habitual. Considering all that made me super nervous but the lawyer Kim was very kind and patient with me. She talked me through everything and pretty much assured me that the judge would not revoke my bond as long as I kept doing what the courts asked me to do. Then…
I would like to thank Vince for representing me for my case. He did an excellent job, and I will recommend him and his firm to anyone.
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Very supportive, and very confident in himself and his ability to represent me was outstanding. I would say Manzella is very intelligent and motivated to help others.
I had the absolute pleasure of hiring Angelo D'Onofrio. A complete professional in every way. So calm, so caring. He helped me through a tough time. My life was pretty much on the line. I will tell you one thing. It was the best money I ever spent. Without a doubt. Thank you Angelo. When you walk into this law firm, the first person I would be asking for is Angelo. He's everything you want in a lawyer. Hands down.…
Gave great legal advice. The fact that he even listened to me and didn't take advantage of my situation just details how efficient they are! If I ever need an attorney, I'll definitely be calling.
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I would highly recommend Vince Manzella and staff. They get the job done.
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I reached out to Vince during the most trying time of my life when it came to Family court and custody matters. Vince was always there when I needed answers regarding my case. I hired Vince because during the first 10 minutes of our consult I knew he was the best, and my family deserved the very best to get through this difficult case. Vince stepped in near the end of my case and worked diligently to gather everything we…
My only choice for any issues. Vince came highly recommended. From my wife's custody battle to my driver's license restoration Vince was there ready to prove the facts and fight in my defense. Results are priceless. Hiring them to be on my side...was worth it to sleep resting assured I was in good hands.
Vince and his assistant, Donna, are such a great team. I feel heard, and that is #1, in my opinion. We are just starting in this process, but every interaction has left me feeling confident.
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We seriously could not of asked for a better attorney. Our prior attorney dropped us due to our case being too much, (custody with one parent moving long distance), she did although refer us to Vince. We got a SAME DAY consult with zero hesitation from Vince to take us on. Donna was our main point of contact through Vince. So many ups and downs happened in the last year and Donna & Vince stayed consistent and helped us through…
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Vince is an excellent attorney that helped me navigate through a difficult divorce and custody battle. I still retain Vince as my lawyer today. Vince doesn’t give you the answer you want to hear, he gives you the answer that you need to hear. Vince is a man of principle and has values. However, ultimately it was his understanding of the law and how to navigate the judicial system that got me a favorable outcome that’s in the best interest…
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Vincent Manzella and his team go beyond their duty.
I am so lucky I was referred to Vince. He helped me keep a PPO in place. The situation was very stressful and scary for me, but I always felt comfortable and confident with him representing me. I will definitely refer him to other in the future. I wish I would have had him for my actual divorce. He is EXCELLENT.
I highly recommend this Attorney's office!! Kimberly DiBartolomeo is the best!!! Her assistant Mary as well.
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"Honest attorney"
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"Top-notch trial attorneys who fight tirelessly for their client's causes. I recommend Vince Manzella and his team for anyone facing a difficult divorce or criminal prosecution. You won't be disappointed."
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"I have been a client here for over 10 years and will continue to be a client in the future. Mr. Manzella is all about helping the client rather than making money. All you have to do is spend 5 minutes with him and you can see that he is genuine. It takes time to find good honest attorneys and can be extremely costly when doing so. I highly recommend this firm for anyone looking. You will not be disappointed."
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"Went back to see Vince about a custody situation with my ex. He went above and beyond again. He did a great job with explaining the process to me. While we were in court it was obvious he knew what he was doing by our end result. I was so glad I had him by my side."
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"We use Lucido and Manzella Law firm for our business and personal needs. Their staff is welcoming, helpful and most importantly knowledgeable. We appreciate all your hard work."
"Vince is hands down the best attorney I have ever worked with. Vince was very professional and efficient. His actions in circuit court helped saved our property values from a bordering development. I highly recommend Vince Manzella!"
"Pete and Vince have always treated me like a person. Kim and Doreen are the best. I can’t describe how much these people mean to me. I am at ease every step of the way."
"Great law office for Macomb MI. Always my go-to people. ?"
"Lucido & Manzella is a very professional law firm. I have known Pete and Vince for many years and they have always given great advice. Vince has excellent working knowledge and understanding of the law and has always been very highly respected in the legal community. I believe they are a law firm with care and compassion for all their clients."
"I have used the firm for my divorce. Each time I met with Vince through the process he was very helpful and understanding. Having to go through something like this was not fun but I felt a lot better knowing that I had him on my side."
"Good honest firm."
"Very nice staff easy to talk to."
"Vince is one of the best lawyers in Metro Detroit. He has taken care of multiple issues for me and my family. Whether it was probate or family law or anything else for that matter he does it swiftly, professionally and correctly! Thank God for lawyers like him!"
"I highly recommend Vince he helped my son out. He was there every step of the way, kept every promise, and was honest about the situation. He answered any questions we had and ensured us the best outcome. If you're looking for a great lawyer you don’t have to look any further. I would recommend Vince to anyone."
“Vince is a great attorney and will do his best to make sure that your legal matters are handled. I have used him and other attorneys in this firm and everyone is very knowledgeable and takes the time to help. This firm handles all matters and treats the client with respect…would recommend them to anyone!”
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