Wills And Trusts Are The Cornerstones Of An Estate Plan

Estate planning is a core concentration of our law practice at Bieber & Lubinski, PLLC. Through the drafting of wills, trusts and other estate planning documents, our goal is to help clients provide a measure of security for their families.

If you need an experienced estate planning attorney to draft, review or modify a will or trust, contact Bieber & Lubinski, PLLC, today. Our law office is in Center Line, in the heart of Warren, Michigan. We can handle all of your estate planning needs, including:

• Wills
• Revocable living trusts
• Irrevocable trusts
• Joint trusts
• Family trusts
• Powers of attorney
• Special-needs trusts
• Health care directives (living will)
• A-B trusts

Your Last Will And Testament

It is never too soon to start planning for the future. Wills are not simply for the sick or elderly. No one plans to be in a fatal car accident, suffer a sudden heart attack or contract a serious illness. In your will, you can nominate a guardian and conservator for your minor children. By planning ahead and taking care of your children and loved ones today, you can put your mind at ease knowing that your estate is in good order. You do not want the government (by Michigan statutes) determining who should receive your property.

Trusts Are Essential

Trusts are no longer just for the wealthy. Even if you have an average-sized estate, a trust may be necessary to help you limit exposure to costly inheritance taxes and probate costs.

Revocable Trusts

A revocable trust is designed to give you control while you are alive. You can act as trustee, manage the assets and make changes as life evolves. If you become unable to handle your affairs, a successor trustee can step in without delay or court approval.

• What they do: Revocable trusts hold property during your lifetime and direct how it is managed and distributed. Our firm prepares revocable trusts that clearly define trustee authority and distribution instructions, reducing the risk of delays or disputes if someone else must step in.
• Benefits: Flexibility, privacy and continuity if incapacity occurs. Assets can pass to loved ones without probate. We structure these trusts to align with Michigan law and your personal goals, helping ensure assets pass smoothly and privately to intended beneficiaries.
• Limitations: Because you retain control, the assets are still considered part of your estate and remain reachable by creditors. We review your broader estate plan to identify whether additional tools are needed to address exposure or future concerns.

Revocable trusts are suitable for individuals who want organization and peace of mind without giving up authority. They work best when properly funded and kept up to date as laws or family situations change.

Irrevocable Trusts

An irrevocable trust, on the other hand, serves a different purpose. Once assets are placed into the trust, they are no longer owned by you personally.

The terms are fixed, and a trustee manages the property according to the instructions set out at the beginning.

• What they do: Irrevocable trusts remove assets from personal ownership and place them under defined rules. Our attorneys help determine which assets are appropriate to transfer and draft terms that reflect your long-term intentions.
• Benefits: Can help reduce estate taxes, protect property from creditors and preserve assets for specific beneficiaries. We evaluate how an irrevocable trust fits within your overall plan to support asset preservation and family security.
• Limitations: Changes are limited, and access to the assets is restricted once the trust is established. We take time to explain the lasting impact of these decisions so clients move forward with clarity and confidence.

A Special Needs Trust is a common type of irrevocable trust. It allows families to provide financial support to a loved one with disabilities while protecting eligibility for public benefits.

Choosing the right trust depends on your assets, your family and your goals.

Let Us Review Your Estate Plan

Even if you already have a will or trust, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with an estate planning attorney at our firm. At your consultation, we will review your will and trusts to determine if any changes are necessary. You may need an update due to new laws or new situations in your life.

The Michigan Trust Code came into effect in 2010. We can review your trust and will to determine if they comply with the code.

Discuss Your Plans With Us

To schedule your consultation with an estate planning lawyer at Bieber & Lubinski, PLLC, call 586-754-1450 or contact us by email.