When most people hear the words “estate planning,” they have an instinctual reaction: “I don’t have to worry about that. That’s something older, richer people do.” Part of this might come from the name itself. The word “estate” makes people imagine a big gleaming mansion with a wrought-iron gate, … Read more about Michigan Estate Planning Basics: Everything You Need to Know
Is a Living Trust Better Than a Will?
Thanks to terms like “trust fund baby,” most people think that trusts are just for rich people who have piles of cash to give away to their children. In fact, though, a living trust is a versatile and helpful estate planning tool that lots of people can benefit from. So what is a living trust? … Read more about Is a Living Trust Better Than a Will?
What Happens If a Beneficiary Dies Before the Person Who Made the Will?
Most people usually include friends and family who are younger than they are in their will, with the expectation that they will outlive them and inherit a share of their money and property. In some cases, however, one or more of these beneficiaries (known as a “predeceased beneficiary”) might pass … Read more about What Happens If a Beneficiary Dies Before the Person Who Made the Will?
What Do I Need to Write a Will in Michigan?
A will makes sure your most prized assets and possessions fall into the right hands after you die. Without one, the Michigan probate court will distribute your estate according to intestate succession laws. In other words, default laws will determine who gets your stuff—and it might not be someone … Read more about What Do I Need to Write a Will in Michigan?
Need to Hire a Business Lawyer? Here’s How
Hiring an attorney to support your business as it grows and evolves to face new challenges can be one of the most beneficial choices you can make. It can also be an intimidating one. At the Law Office of Kari Santana, we believe that working with the right attorney can be one of the best things … Read more about Need to Hire a Business Lawyer? Here’s How
I Just Moved to Michigan — Do I Have to Write a New Will?
If you made a will in another state and move to Michigan (especially since USA Today named East Grand Rapids the best place to live in Michigan!), you may be wondering if your estate plan is valid in your new home. Fortunately, the team at the Law Office of Kari Santana has over a decade of … Read more about I Just Moved to Michigan — Do I Have to Write a New Will?
Do You Need to Renegotiate Your Business’ Lease Agreement? A Business Lawyer Can Help
Renegotiating your commercial lease is an excellent option for saving money, especially when times are tough. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect how many of us do business, company owners are reconsidering their needs, their space, and their best options moving forward. Whether … Read more about Do You Need to Renegotiate Your Business’ Lease Agreement? A Business Lawyer Can Help
The Michigander’s Complete Estate Planning Checklist
Estate planning is a valuable and practical way to make sure your family stays secure and your assets get distributed according to your wishes, no matter what happens to you. However, many people feel intimidated by the idea of planning their estate. To help with the initial anxiety of estate … Read more about The Michigander’s Complete Estate Planning Checklist
Protect Your Family and Your Wishes With a Testamentary Trust
Trusts are a great estate planning tool you can use to protect specific assets or look out for family members with special needs. There are many different kinds of trusts that can be tailored to your unique family circumstances. A trust can also help you make provisions for unique life … Read more about Protect Your Family and Your Wishes With a Testamentary Trust
3 Things Michigan Business Owners Need to Know About Non-Disclosure Agreements
After years of hard work, you’ve launched your own hot sauce company using your grandma’s secret recipe. Business is heating up, and you need to work with a bottling company so you can ramp up production and match demand. However, the partnership requires you to provide the bottling company with … Read more about 3 Things Michigan Business Owners Need to Know About Non-Disclosure Agreements
3 Things You Should Know About Alternative Dispute Resolution
When your business is dealing with a legal dispute, it can take a huge toll on your mental and emotional health. The legal process can eat up your time and energy and distract you from your business’ health and growth. If your legal issue has to be dealt with in court, it could go on for several … Read more about 3 Things You Should Know About Alternative Dispute Resolution
What’s the Difference Between an Advance Directive and a Living Will?
No one likes to imagine a time when they can no longer make decisions about their healthcare. The end-of-life conversation is normal, but it’s also a difficult talk for many people to have. That’s why there are tools like advanced directives and living wills to help make this process easier for … Read more about What’s the Difference Between an Advance Directive and a Living Will?
What You Need to Write Your Will in Michigan
Writing a will is a critical step if you want to ensure that your loved ones and property are cared for according to your wishes after you die. From where your money goes to who cares for minor children, the instructions in your last will and testament should be abundantly clear. However, writing … Read more about What You Need to Write Your Will in Michigan
What are Co-Personal Representatives
Choosing who may make decisions about your assets after you die is a deeply personal process, and it’s different for every family. Selecting your personal representative doesn’t just affect the person you choose. Your choice may affect everyone connected to your will or probate estate. Some … Read more about What are Co-Personal Representatives