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Welcome to our blog! The attorneys at Great Lakes Family Probate & Estates are committed to sharing their knowledge and experience to help individuals and families better understand the law. Our blog features informative articles on a variety of legal topics, answers to common questions, and practical guidance for everyday situations.

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  • MICHIGAN FAMILIES ARE WATCHING EVERY DOLLAR. DON’T LET PROBATE TAKE THE ONES YOU CAN STILL SAVE.

    MICHIGAN FAMILIES ARE WATCHING EVERY DOLLAR. DON’T LET PROBATE TAKE THE ONES YOU CAN STILL SAVE.

    For many Michigan families, the financial landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years. The price of groceries seems to climb every month. Utility bills continue to rise. Insurance premiums are increasing. Interest rates remain higher than many homeowners expected, making it more expensive to buy, refinance, or move. Housing inventory remains tight as…

  • CAN AI WRITE YOUR ESTATE PLAN? WHY MICHIGAN FAMILIES STILL NEED AN ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY

    CAN AI WRITE YOUR ESTATE PLAN? WHY MICHIGAN FAMILIES STILL NEED AN ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY

    Artificial intelligence has changed the way many of us work. It can summarize information, generate ideas, improve grammar, organize thoughts, and even draft legal-looking documents in seconds. For busy professionals and families, the appeal is obvious. Why spend time and money meeting with an attorney when an online platform or AI tool can produce a…

  • MICHIGAN GUARDIANSHIP AT 18 FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) AND DOWN SYNDROME: PROTECTING SSI, MEDICAID, AND YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS

    MICHIGAN GUARDIANSHIP AT 18 FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) AND DOWN SYNDROME: PROTECTING SSI, MEDICAID, AND YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS

    GUARDIANSHIP AND SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING IN MICHIGAN: WHAT FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES MUST KNOW BEFORE AGE 18 For most families, a child turning eighteen is a celebration of independence, but for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, or other developmental conditions, the eighteenth birthday brings something very different.…

  • CHILD CUSTODY IN MICHIGAN: HOW COURTS DECIDE AND WHAT TO EXPECT (2026 GUIDE)

    CHILD CUSTODY IN MICHIGAN: HOW COURTS DECIDE AND WHAT TO EXPECT (2026 GUIDE)

    If you are facing a child custody dispute in Michigan, you are likely dealing with one of the most stressful and emotionally charged situations a parent can experience. Questions about where your child will live, how decisions will be made, and how often you will see them are not just legal issues. They directly impact…

  • WHY YOU MAY NEED TO OPEN AN ANCILLARY PROBATE ESTATE IN MICHIGAN OR FLORIDA

    WHY YOU MAY NEED TO OPEN AN ANCILLARY PROBATE ESTATE IN MICHIGAN OR FLORIDA

    If you’ve recently lost a loved one and are working through the process of settling their estate, you may have come across the term ancillary probate. But what does it mean—and do you really need it? If your loved one owned real estate or tangible personal property in a different state from where they lived—especially in Michigan or Florida—there’s…

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SECURE 2.0 ACT?

    WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SECURE 2.0 ACT?

    What you need to know about the SECURE Act, the SECURE 2.0 Act and the recent finalized regulations, including Inherited IRA Beneficiary RMDs and the 10-year rule.  The U.S. retirement system is facing a critical juncture. With most workers required to supplement Social Security with personal savings, the system’s shortcomings have become increasingly apparent. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that only 56% of employees participated in a workplace retirement…

  • WHO IS NAMED AS THE BENEFICIARY OF YOUR IRA OR OTHER RETIREMENT PLAN ACCOUNT? A STANDALONE RETIREMENT TRUST (SRT) MAY BE A BETTER OPTION!

    WHO IS NAMED AS THE BENEFICIARY OF YOUR IRA OR OTHER RETIREMENT PLAN ACCOUNT? A STANDALONE RETIREMENT TRUST (SRT) MAY BE A BETTER OPTION!

    Who is named as the beneficiary of your IRA or other retirement plan account? A Standalone Retirement Trust (SRT) may be a better option!  When it comes to estate planning, many individuals focus on their real estate, personal property, and other investments. However, one of the most significant assets in many estates is retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs,…

  • LAST WILL AND TESTAMENTS – WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW

    LAST WILL AND TESTAMENTS – WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW

    Everyone knows what a last will and testament is, but do you really understand how it works? Common knowledge acquired through movies, television and even music can be wrong.  Clients occasionally will ask: when does the reading of the will take place or how much do I have to leave my estranged child to keep…

  • EVEN CELEBRITIES UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF ESTATE PLANNING

    EVEN CELEBRITIES UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF ESTATE PLANNING

    Deciding what should be done with your estate—your land and real estate, possessions, financial securities, cash, and other assets—after you die is easy to put off when you’re busy living your life. It turns out that even celebrities sometimes procrastinate on estate planning, in spite of having often large estates and plenty of legal help…

  • HOW TO APPRAISE AND PASS ON RARE AND UNUSUAL COLLECTIONS

    HOW TO APPRAISE AND PASS ON RARE AND UNUSUAL COLLECTIONS

    Stamps, figurines, movie posters: Lots of people collect these items, and their heirs find it easy enough after the collectors pass away to put them back into circulation. But what if your eye tends to more unusual objects? Do you have a plan for the 11,000 bottles of hot sauce in your basement, or the 105 bagpipes the neighbors…

  • WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DIE OVERSEAS?

    WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DIE OVERSEAS?

    Thousands of U.S. citizens die overseas each year. When it happens, the most immediate concern for their families is bringing them home for a funeral. But when the dust settles, these families, like any other, have to turn their attention to probate issues and settling the decedent’s estate. The difference is how these matters are…

  • GUARDIANSHIPS AND FAMILY DISAGREEMENTS ABOUT CARE

    GUARDIANSHIPS AND FAMILY DISAGREEMENTS ABOUT CARE

    Caring for a family member who has lost the ability to care for themselves is hard. In addition to providing physical care, relatives can find themselves making difficult financial and healthcare decisions, choices made all the more fraught by conflicting priorities and complicated family relationships. Far too often, decision-making conflicts lead to estrangement. Not even…

  • URGENT ESTATE PLANNING AT YEAR’S END – A CHECKLIST TO GETTING IT DONE

    URGENT ESTATE PLANNING AT YEAR’S END – A CHECKLIST TO GETTING IT DONE

    Say, “What are you doing for the holidays?” and most people think you are asking about parties—sharing meals with friends and relatives and ringing in the New Year. With as rough a year as 2022 has been with adjusting to new business practices, market volatility, and soaring inflation, it’s understandable to plan for some fun.…

  • WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY TO WRITE A WILL: EXAMINING THE CHALLENGES OF HOLOGRAPHIC AND ELECTRONIC WILLS

    WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY TO WRITE A WILL: EXAMINING THE CHALLENGES OF HOLOGRAPHIC AND ELECTRONIC WILLS

    In 1948, the heirs of a Saskatchewan farmer walked into a courtroom with a tractor fenderin hand. The farmer, George Cecil Harris, scratched the words “In case I die in this mess, Ileave all to the wife” on June 8 as he lay trapped under the tractor. Saskatchewan law at the time allowed handwritten wills as long…

  • ESTATE PLANNING FOR BLENDED FAMILIES – HIS, HERS, OURS, AND THEIRS

    ESTATE PLANNING FOR BLENDED FAMILIES – HIS, HERS, OURS, AND THEIRS

    It’s not a surprise that second marriages can be complicated. On the one hand, the support of a new partner is often welcome after losing a spouse to divorce or death. On the other, it means combining assets and blending children from two different marriages into one family unit. The Brady Bunch made it look…

  • WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE FAILS TO ADMINISTER THE ESTATE?

    WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE FAILS TO ADMINISTER THE ESTATE?

    When a loved one passes away, dealing with the administrative matters of an estate can be a big job. But when someone entrusted as the estate’s executor or personal representative fails to administer it according to the law and the deceased’s wishes, the experience can become frustrating for everyone involved. Thankfully, Michigan law protects the…

  • PROTECTING tHE FAMILY COTTAGE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

    PROTECTING tHE FAMILY COTTAGE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

    A hundred years ago, an immigrant couple built a beachside cottage and raised a large family there. The kids grew up and built their own cottages nearby, and the beach became a kind of communal area where family reunions would happen spontaneously. As the family expanded into a third generation, questions about ownership of these…

  • THE EMOTIONAL JOURNEY OF BECOMING THE GUARDIAN OF AN ELDERLY PARENT

    THE EMOTIONAL JOURNEY OF BECOMING THE GUARDIAN OF AN ELDERLY PARENT

    One of life’s major transitions arrives when a parent’s health declines to the point that they can no longer care for themselves, and one of their children becomes their guardian. It may happen suddenly–perhaps after a medical emergency requires a prolonged recovery period. Other times, the realization of the need is more gradual: You may…

  • PLANNING FOR MINOR CHILDREN – WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW

    PLANNING FOR MINOR CHILDREN – WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW

    As you plan for your family’s future, it’s important to think about what will happen to your children if you become incapacitated or pass away. In Michigan, minors can’t directly inherit property or assets. This means it is crucial that you create an estate plan that takes this into account. A revocable living trust is…

  • SPOUSAL RIGHTS AFTER MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, OR SEPARATION – DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE!

    SPOUSAL RIGHTS AFTER MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, OR SEPARATION – DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE!

    When we reach certain milestones in life like marriage, the birth of a child or grandchild, divorce, or second marriage, we all know that we should update our estate plans. It can be challenging to make time to take a comprehensive look at how a divorce or remarriage can affect our plans. But in this…

  • NAVIGATING PARENTAL RIGHTS IN ALLEGED CHILD ABUSE DURING PREGNANCY CASES

    NAVIGATING PARENTAL RIGHTS IN ALLEGED CHILD ABUSE DURING PREGNANCY CASES

    Allegations of child abuse are very serious.  There are many laws which address child abuse and the repercussions when a parent who is found to have abused their child.  In serious cases of child abuse with aggravated circumstances, the court can terminate parental rights.  Recently, the issue of whether a mother can lose her parental…

  • ESTATE PLANNING AND CRYPTOCURRENCY

    ESTATE PLANNING AND CRYPTOCURRENCY

    In the last few years, cryptocurrency has been all the rage in investing. More than 15% of Americans have traded in digital currency, looking for a reliable long-term way to maintain value. Because digital currencies are limited in number, governments can’t manipulate them, and digital currency isn’t subject to artificial inflation or devaluation. While the…

  • SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS— RECENT CHANGES THAT MAY IMPACT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

    SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS— RECENT CHANGES THAT MAY IMPACT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

    A special needs trust can be a crucial tool to protect the financial well-being of a disabled person. However, when considering the creation of a special needs trust, recent changes in the law are significantly impacting special needs trusts. Worryingly, gaps in the relevant new law leave many questions unanswered. This means that families should…

  • HOLIDAY GATHERINGS AND FAMILY DISPUTES

    HOLIDAY GATHERINGS AND FAMILY DISPUTES

    Although the holiday season brings happy memories and cheerful thoughts to many people, for some it is a stressful time and fighting increases. Family disputes sometimes occur and often strong discussions take place regarding relationship status, living arrangements, and what is best for the children.  Clients wonder how to initiate a divorce in Michigan and…

  • WHAT THE BUILD BACK BETTER ACT COULD MEAN FOR FUTURE IRS AUDITS

    WHAT THE BUILD BACK BETTER ACT COULD MEAN FOR FUTURE IRS AUDITS

    Co-Author: Tomasz Dow The Build Back Better Act is currently making its way through the legislative process, with the U.S. House of Representatives approving the legislation in November 2021. The legislation is now being considered in the U.S. Senate. Among other provisions, including paid family leave and clean energy initiatives, the Build Back Better Act includes…

  • SIMPLE ESTATE PLANNING ERRORS CAN BE VERY COSTLY AND MAKE THE ADMINISTRATION PROCESS DRAG ON INDEFINITELY

    SIMPLE ESTATE PLANNING ERRORS CAN BE VERY COSTLY AND MAKE THE ADMINISTRATION PROCESS DRAG ON INDEFINITELY

    For peace of mind over what happens to your assets when you die, an experienced estate planning attorney is essential for navigating the inherently complex process. Given that even the smallest mistake can result in requiring a probate estate to be opened, holding up the entire process of distributing assets and causing unnecessary expense. Here’s a look…

  • SHOCKING FACTS ABOUT THE STAGGERING COSTS OF LONG-TERM CARE FOR SENIORS

    SHOCKING FACTS ABOUT THE STAGGERING COSTS OF LONG-TERM CARE FOR SENIORS

    The costs of care for seniors are staggering. If you or a loved one experiences an illness or medical condition that requires long-term care—whether medical, personal, or financial—the costs can add up quickly. As with most things, it is far better to be prepared for these potential expenses than to be caught by surprise.   Not…

  • DIGITAL ASSETS — UNDERSTANDING YOUR DIGITAL ESTATE AND HOW TO PROTECT IT

    DIGITAL ASSETS — UNDERSTANDING YOUR DIGITAL ESTATE AND HOW TO PROTECT IT

    In 2013, British computer engineer James Howell tried to get rid of some clutter when he decided to throw out an old computer hard drive he was no longer using. It was only after the city disposal crew had taken the drive to its local landfill that Howell remembered that he had stored 7,500 Bitcoins on the…

  • HOW SHOULD YOU TALK TO YOUR PARENTS IF YOU SUSPECT THEIR FINANCIAL AFFAIRS ARE A MESS?

    HOW SHOULD YOU TALK TO YOUR PARENTS IF YOU SUSPECT THEIR FINANCIAL AFFAIRS ARE A MESS?

    Perhaps your parents made a somewhat cryptic reference to their holiday plans or resisted an invitation to join you during an upcoming event. Maybe they seem to be cutting down on expenses. Or they’re going to the other extreme—giving you or your children gifts you think are too extravagant. Maybe you just can’t figure out…

  • THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S BIGGEST CHANGES TO TAX AND ESTATE LAW IN 2021: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S BIGGEST CHANGES TO TAX AND ESTATE LAW IN 2021: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    With any new presidential administration come new financial priorities, and the Biden administration has been no exception. In 2021, we have some major overhauls to tax and estate law, including the expiration of many pandemic-related credit and assistance programs. Here, we’ll summarize some of the major tax and estate law changes for the year and…

  • PRACTICE PANTHER SPOTLIGHTS GLFPE

    PRACTICE PANTHER SPOTLIGHTS GLFPE

    We’re excited to be featured in PracticePanther‘s Law Firm of the Week series! Learn more about each of our practice specializations and how we lead with a client-focused approach at our firm: https://www.practicepanther.com/…/great-lakes-family…/

  • FAMILY COTTAGES AND SUCCESSION PLANNING

    FAMILY COTTAGES AND SUCCESSION PLANNING

    Family cottages hold happy memories for many Michiganders.  Clients often inquire about succession planning strategies to keep the beloved getaway home in the family.  A client’s family dynamics and overall objectives determine the best strategy.  Options available include: distribute the property under a Last Will and Testament; distribute the property to beneficiaries of a Revocable Living Trust;…

  • DRESS, FLOWERS, CAKE…AND A PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT

    DRESS, FLOWERS, CAKE…AND A PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT

    Wedding season is officially here!  With wedding season kicking off, lovebirds all over Michigan are discussing their future together.  A great long-term planning strategy for couples contemplating marriage is to consult with an attorney to discuss a prenuptial agreement.  A prenuptial agreement allows a couple to define the terms on which their pre-marital assets, potential…

  • SETTLEMENT OF FLINT WATER CASES AND SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

    SETTLEMENT OF FLINT WATER CASES AND SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

    Registration to participate in the civil settlement In re Flint Water Cases with the state of Michigan, McLaren hospitals and Rowe Professional Services Co. closes on Monday, March 29th. The settlement’s major focus is on the individuals that were most impacted by the lead poisoning – young children. Parents claim the lead in the water…

  • INDOOR FAMILY VISITS ARE FINALLY ALLOWED AT NURSING HOMES

    INDOOR FAMILY VISITS ARE FINALLY ALLOWED AT NURSING HOMES

    Last month I was with an 81-year-old client at a nursing home. We stood knee deep in a snow drift outside a window looking in at her husband of 56 years. Peering in the window, shivering, my client held a cell phone to her ear while her other hand tapped on the glass. My client…

  • THE $188 BILLION QUESTION: CAN WE FIX THE GREAT LAKES WATER & SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE CRISIS? | JOIN THE ALLIANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES THIS THURSDAY, MARCH 11 AT 11 ET/10 CT!

    THE $188 BILLION QUESTION: CAN WE FIX THE GREAT LAKES WATER & SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE CRISIS? | JOIN THE ALLIANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES THIS THURSDAY, MARCH 11 AT 11 ET/10 CT!

    Communities across the #GreatLakes are grappling with crumbling, antiquated drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. Join the Alliance for the Great Lakes this Thursday, March 11 at 11 ET/10 CT for a conversation with three experts who can help us understand the scale of this problem and opportunities to equitably tackle water and sewer infrastructure projects…

  • ALLIANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES | AMBASSADOR ANNOUNCEMENT

    ALLIANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES | AMBASSADOR ANNOUNCEMENT

    Christina M. Lejkowski has been selected to the prestigious position of Ambassador for the Alliance of the Great Lakes.  As an Ambassador, Ms. Lejkowski will act as a representative of the Alliance of the Great Lakes to inform the community about various issues facing the Great Lakes.  Particular concerns of the Alliance include furthering the…

  • SUNSHINE BRINGS THOUGHTS OF SPRING AND SUCCESSION PLANNING

    SUNSHINE BRINGS THOUGHTS OF SPRING AND SUCCESSION PLANNING

    The sun is out and the snow is melting!  Michigan is reopening and people are smiling, driving fun cars, and enjoying each other’s company.  Spring brings thoughts of new life and longevity.  Many people agree that the best peace of mind comes with knowing our family and friends are happy and healthy.  Although we all…

  • GUARDIANSHIP – NOT A THRILLER

    GUARDIANSHIP – NOT A THRILLER

    I Care a Lot – the #1 movie on Netflix has many people wondering about guardianship and the real possibility of losing control of everything in life. The idea of a complete stranger in charge of your health care and living arrangements and everything you own is unsettling.  Is it possible?  Of course, it is.  There…

  • SNOWY DAYS AND THOUGHTS OF LONG TERM CARE

    SNOWY DAYS AND THOUGHTS OF LONG TERM CARE

    Snowy days encourage many of us to be thankful for warmth and safety.  Vulnerable populations, including elderly individuals, are particularly at risk of being unable to adequately care for themselves.  Although children and friends help elderly people out as much as possible, life is busy. Long term care planning is often put on the back…

  • THE PERFECT VALENTINE’S GIFT – MAY BE A CIVILIZED DIVORCE

    THE PERFECT VALENTINE’S GIFT – MAY BE A CIVILIZED DIVORCE

    Valentine’s Day is typically marketed as a holiday which encourages people to express love and affection by giving gifts to others.  The thought of flowers, chocolate and dinner with your spouse may have once brought you the excited feeling of butterflies in your stomach.  Now, that feeling is replaced with apprehension and anxiety. Divorce is…