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Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, and Probate Attorney in Grand Haven MI
Estate Planning
There is no better way to protect your family than through the use of proper estate planning techniques. Estate plans are relatively inexpensive, and they provide great security for you and your family. Avoiding probate is only one of the goals of estate planning. A properly drawn estate plan will incorporate your unique wishes into a legally binding set of documents that will give you the peace of mind you deserve. When drafting documents we “Hope for the Best and Plan for the Worst.” While there is virtually no limit to the goals you can accomplish with a well drafted estate plan here are a few:
- Designate a third party (ie guardian) to care for your minor children and a trustee that will be responsible to manage the money that is available for your children’s care
- Protecting your assets if you or your spouse must live in a nursing home
- Planning for the needs of a special needs child
- Ensuring that the family cottage will remain in the family
- Plans for adult children with substance abuse problems
- Protecting assets from creditors
- Designating a Patient Advocate as well as a person to manage your financial affairs if you are unable to do so yourself
- Minimizing, delaying, and avoiding estate tax liability
- There are too many more to list
Trusts
Contact Van Tubergen, Treutler & Hayes to schedule an appointment to determine whether or not a Trust is the proper method of estate planning for your needs. A Trust gives its creator, or “Settlor” greater control over his or her assets both before and after death. They also may be used as an efficient means incorporate many of the goals of your estate plan. Another benefit of Trust Agreements is they help you avoid probate and keep your financial affairs private. Trusts cost more than wills because they are more complicated; however, they offer greater protection and personalization than a will.
Power of Attorney
Power of attorney documents should be a part of all estate plans as well. Power of Attorney Documents establish who is to make decisions for your financial and medical well being if you are unable. Van Tubergen, Treutler & Hayes, PLLC has experienced attorneys who will work with you to establish an estate plan that best fits your individual needs. Contact us today for a free, initial consultation. 616-844-3000.
Wills
One of the best known methods of estate planning is through the use of a will which allows a person designate the distribution of his or her assets after death. They allow you to appoint a Personal Representative who is in charge of handling the affairs of the estate as well as nominate a guardian and conservator for your minor children.
Probate
Probate is the process (in the absence of a Trust or other probate alternative) that is used to administer person’s affairs after he or she has died. The laws of Michigan establish a system for the distribution of property to the descendants of a person who passes. Probating an estate can be a very stressful and complicated process. There is no reason to do it alone.
Contact Van Tubergen, Treutler & Hayes, PLLC to assist you with probating the estate of a loved one.
Areas We Practice
Bankruptcy
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Estate Planning/Elder Law
Probate Estates & Administration of Trusts
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Terms & Definitions
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As you browse through the pages of this website, we hope you will begin to understand how we continue to make client success our mission! Contact us today for a free initial Consultation!
