Estate Planning

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?

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?

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?

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

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

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?

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

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

As soon as you have a child, it’s important to begin planning for the future and preparing for the unthinkable. That means putting together an estate plan, which should include a will that names the people who will care for your child in case you pass away or become incapacitated. If you’re in … Read more about How Do I Name a Guardian for My Children in My Michigan Will?

In Michigan, a medical power of attorney is a legal document completed in advance of an incapacitating medical emergency. It empowers you to choose a trusted friend, family member, or confidant to make medical decisions on your behalf when you can’t make them for yourself. This individual is also … Read more about What to Know About Medical Power of Attorney in Michigan

With an uncertain future ahead of us, the global pandemic has made it clear that even otherwise healthy people and families need an estate plan to protect their future. Anyone with children, significant assets like a house or car, savings, or even insurance policies can benefit from having an … Read more about What the Coronavirus Taught Us About Estate Planning

One of the best ways to protect your children is by creating a comprehensive estate plan that outlines their future care and provides for their needs. However, many young or new parents don’t understand how an estate plan can help support their kids for many years into the future — and put their own … Read more about 4 Ways to Protect Your Children With Your Estate Plan