Estate Planning

West Michigan Estate Planning Attorneys

What would happen if you were in an accident tomorrow? Do you know what you want your family to do? More importantly, do they know your wishes?

Have you been divorced? If so, is your ex spouse still listed as your primary heir?

We can help with answers to these and other questions. At the Dykema Law Offices, P.C., our lawyers have years of estate planning experience. We work closely with you to create an estate plan that provides for your family and clarifies your wishes. We can also review your current plan to ensure that it meets your needs. To discuss your estate planning needs in more detail, contact the Dykema Law Offices, P.C. for an initial consultation.

Simple Estate Planning

All adults should have a will, a General Durable Power of Attorney, and a Health Care Power of Attorney. A will divides your assets, gives instructions for paying your debts, and names a guardian for your minor children, if applicable. A POA gives another person the power to make financial decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. A Healthcare Directive, which includes a living will, gives your family the power to make decisions about your health if you are incapacitated.

Asset Protection

Not everyone's estate is so simple. If you have a larger, more complex estate, we have the tools to help you achieve your goals. If you would like to minimize your estate tax, or provide money for a specific purpose, we can help you establish any type of trust, including

• Special needs trust
• Revocable or irrevocable trust
• Education trust
• Charitable trust
• Life Insurance trust

You can establish and use trusts while you are still alive. You can also use them to keep your assets out of the public record.

There are many different tools available for asset protection--too many to mention them all here. If you would like to find out more about estate planning, we would be happy to discuss your needs and goals with you.