A Will is a necessary part of every estate plan. It is a document controlling the disposition of your estate after your death, allowing you to:

• Direct who will inherit your assets

• Name a personal representative (executor) to manage your estate

• Nominate guardians for minor children

• Express personal wishes regarding property or family heirlooms

I’ll ensure your Will meets all Michigan legal requirements and reflects your personal intentions, so that your loved ones won’t be burdened with uncertainty. Poorly drafted Wills can be costly and put a strain on relationships.

While a well drafted Will can be an excellent tool for disposing of your assets according to your wishes, sometimes a Will alone is not enough to accomplish your goals. If you want to avoid the costs of probate or have more control over the future of your assets, Real Estate Transfers or Trusts might also be suggested. At Hoikka Law P.L.L.C., I pride myself on the specificity and thoroughness of my Wills. There is no one size fits all approach and no cookie-cutter forms!

A Trust can be best described as a set of rules that any property inside of the Trust must follow. It can offer flexibility, privacy, and control over how your assets are distributed. Many clients use a Revocable Living Trust to avoid probate and make administration easier for family members. Trusts can also help:

• Manage assets for young or financially inexperienced beneficiaries

• Protect a loved one with special needs

• Plan for blended families

• Minimize estate taxes

• Avoid court supervision and court fees

I’ll help you determine whether a Trust makes sense for your situation and design one that meets your specific goals. Each family has different needs, and while some couples might be best served by a Joint Revocable Living Trust, others might need separate Trusts. I also handle Supplemental Needs Trusts, Credit Shelter and Irrevocable Trusts, and Gun Trusts. I also prepare the related documents, such as pour-over Wills and Trust funding guidance, to ensure your plan is complete and effective.

While a Trust allows for the most control, flexibility, and privacy, it is not right for everyone. Some individuals or families are served perfectly well with Wills and Real Estate Transfers, like a Lady Bird Deed. As your estate planning attorney, I will communicate the options to you clearly and make the best suggestion for your unique situation.

A Durable Power of Attorney allows someone you trust, called the “agent,” to handle financial, legal, and business matters on your behalf. It is called “durable” because the power you give your agent continues even if you become medically or legally incapacitated. Without a Power of Attorney naming a responsible agent, your family may need to petition the court for guardianship or conservatorship—a stressful, expensive, and time-consuming process.

Many people are familiar with Powers of Attorney from helping relatives and friends. Maybe you have been an agent before. If so, you have likely experienced the frustration of a bank rejecting the Power of Attorney document because it was not drafted properly. At Hoikka Law P.L.L.C., I draft Powers of Attorney that comply with Michigan’s recent changes to the Power of Attorney Law as well as ensure that the documents cover every scenario that could be needed—all tailored to your individual goals.

I’ll help you select the right person and define their powers clearly, balancing protection with flexibility.

Also called a Healthcare Proxy, this document lets you appoint someone to make medical decisions for you if you cannot communicate your wishes. It’s an essential part of every plan.

I take the time to discuss your healthcare values and preferences, ensuring your appointed advocate has clear guidance. This helps prevent conflict and confusion among family members during emotional times, as well as gives the doctor reassurance that your appointed advocate is truly following your wishes.

Transferring real estate is a key part of many estate plans. I prepare and record Quit Claim Deeds, Lady Bird Deeds (Enhanced Life Estate Deeds), and other instruments to ensure your property passes smoothly and in accordance with your wishes—often avoiding probate entirely.

Sometimes a new Deed is the best option, and it is more cost effective than a Trust. To find out which options best suit your situation and goals, contact me today to schedule a free initial consultation.