Dedicated Estate Planning Attorneys in Novi, Michigan
At Steslicki & Ghannam, our team of highly skilled estate planning lawyers in Novi understands that many people are unsure where to start or how to proceed with estate planning. Unfortunately, this uncertainty often leads to indefinite delays without clear guidance or understanding.
We understand daily life, work, and family responsibilities often precede long-term planning, and finding time to create an estate plan can be challenging. We help the over 66,000 people who call Novi home prioritize their estate planning to give them the peace of mind they deserve, knowing their decisions will be carried out according to their wishes.
Our Oakland County attorneys, with their extensive knowledge and experience, are here to provide the clarity and guidance Michigan residents need to develop the best plan to handle their legal and financial matters—no matter the size or value of your estate.
Contact our skilled estate planning lawyers in Novi today to learn more about your options.
Steslicki & Ghannam Novi, Michigan Estate Planning Attorney Practice Areas
One good reason to partner with our Novi estate planning attorneys is to ensure your estate plan is comprehensive, legally sound, and tailored to your needs and goals. We understand the intricate legal requirements and help our clients navigate the complexities of estate planning to ensure that their documents comply with state and federal laws and are fully enforceable.
By leveraging the experience of our attorneys, you can create a robust and effective estate plan that protects your assets, honors your wishes, and provides for your loved ones in the best possible way.
Our firm offers a broad range of estate planning solutions, including:
- Asset Protection.
- Guardianships.
- Powers of Attorney.
- Wills and Trusts.
We ensure that each client’s current and long-range plans are addressed, whether simple or highly complex. Our attention to detail and broad legal experience make us one of southeastern Michigan’s premiere estate planning firms.
Contact our Novi estate planning attorneys today to learn how we can help provide peace of mind and security for you and your family.
How Can I Ensure My Assets Are Distributed According to My Wishes?
Ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes involves creating a comprehensive estate plan that clearly outlines your intentions and legally binds those instructions.
Our skilled Novi estate planning attorneys help our clients take vital steps to help achieve this, including:
- Creating a will that clearly states who should receive your assets and in what proportions.
- Establishing Trusts to manage your assets during your lifetime and specify how they should be distributed after your death, avoiding probate.
- Ensuring the beneficiaries on all accounts are up-to-date and align with your current wishes.
- Designating beneficiaries to receive assets directly without going through probate.
- Joint tenancy with the right of survivorship is used to transfer ownership to the surviving co-owner upon your death automatically.
- Appointing someone to manage your financial affairs, ensuring your assets are handled according to your wishes if you become incapacitated.
- Specifying your healthcare preferences and appointing someone to make medical decisions ensures your end-of-life wishes are respected.
- Including instructions for managing and distributing digital assets like online accounts, social media profiles, and digital currencies.
Once your estate plan is outlined, discuss the details with your family and beneficiaries to minimize misunderstandings and conflicts. Following these steps, you can create a comprehensive estate plan that clearly outlines your wishes and legally binds those instructions, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your intentions. Regularly updating your plan and communicating with your beneficiaries will ensure your wishes are honored.
Partnering with our Novi estate planning attorneys can provide peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and that your loved ones will be cared for according to your wishes. It also reduces the burden on your family during a difficult time and ensures a smooth transition of your assets. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options to solidify your and your family’s future with the help of a complete and enforceable estate plan.
How Do I Communicate My Estate Planning Decisions to My Family?
Communicating your estate planning decisions to your family is crucial to understanding and respecting your wishes. It can also help to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts among your loved ones.
Our Novi estate planning attorneys offer the following tips to help you get started:
- Plan the Discussion
Planning ensures that the conversation is productive and that all relevant topics are covered. Select a quiet, comfortable setting where you can have an uninterrupted conversation. Avoid high-stress times or emotionally charged situations. List the key points you want to cover, such as the contents of your will, the roles and responsibilities of executors and trustees, and your healthcare wishes.
- Be Open and Honest
Transparency fosters trust and understanding among your family members. Clearly articulate why you made specific choices, such as choosing certain beneficiaries or designating particular individuals as executors or trustees.
- Address Potential Concerns
Acknowledge and discuss any decisions that might be contentious or surprising. For instance, if you’re leaving a more significant portion of your estate to one child due to their greater financial need, explain your reasoning to prevent feelings of unfairness.
- Discuss Specific Roles and Responsibilities
Clarifying roles ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities and can prepare accordingly. Explain the executor’s duties, such as managing the probate process, settling debts, and distributing assets. Make sure the chosen executor understands and agrees to take on this role.
If you’ve established a trust, outline the trustee’s responsibilities in managing and distributing trust assets according to your wishes. If you have minor children, discuss the role of the guardians you’ve appointed and ensure they are willing and prepared to take on this responsibility.
- Provide Access to Documents
Ensuring your family can access essential documents prevents confusion and delays after your death. Inform your family where you keep your estate planning documents, such as your will, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. This might be a safe, a safety deposit box, or a secure online storage service. Consider providing copies of critical documents to relevant individuals, such as your executor, trustee, or healthcare proxy.
- Encourage Questions and Dialogue
Open communication allows your family to understand your wishes fully and feel involved in the process. Encourage your family to ask questions about your estate plan. This can help clear any confusion and ensure everyone understands your intentions. Be prepared for a two-way conversation. Listen to your family’s concerns and feedback, and be willing to explain or reconsider aspects of your plan if necessary.
Contact Our Estate Planning Lawyers in Novi, MI Today
Contact our skilled estate planning lawyers in Novi today to learn how we can help you develop a comprehensive plan covering all aspects of your estate to give you peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and your loved ones will be taken care of according to your wishes.
