Will Attorneys For Individuals And Families In Novi, Michigan
A will is one of the most direct steps you can take to protect your family. It puts your wishes in writing and gives the people you trust the legal authority to carry them out. At Fleming & Borowicz PLC, our will attorney team serves individuals and families across Novi, Oakland County and Metro Detroit. We help clients prepare a last will and testament that reflects their actual goals with guidance from a wills lawyer who stays directly involved throughout the process.
What Does A Will Do?
A will attorney helps you put a clear legal plan in place. A last will and testament lets you direct the estate distribution of your assets. Naming beneficiaries is one of the most important decisions in that process. Beneficiaries are the people or organizations who receive your property after you pass.
Executor designation is another key step. Your executor carries out your wishes and manages your estate after death. A last will and testament attorney at Fleming & Borowicz PLC can also help parents name a guardian for minor children. Without that step, a court makes that choice for you.
What Happens Without A Will In Michigan?
Dying without a valid will means Michigan’s intestate succession laws determine how to divide your property. The state follows a fixed formula. That formula may not reflect your wishes or your family’s actual needs.
Will validity also matters. A will that lacks proper signing, witnesses or clear terms may not hold up in court. A will preparation lawyer at Fleming & Borowicz PLC makes sure your documents meet Michigan’s legal requirements. A will attorney who knows Michigan law helps you avoid these problems before they develop.
When Should You Update Your Will?
A will is not something you prepare once and set aside. Life changes. Your will attorney should review your documents when something significant happens.
Common reasons for updating a will include:
- You marry, divorce or remarry
- You welcome a new child or grandchild
- A named beneficiary or executor passes away
- Your assets change in a meaningful way
- You start, buy or sell a business
- You move to a different state
Updating a will keeps your plan current and reduces the chance of conflict later.
When A Will May Not Be Enough
A will covers what it can, but it has limits. Some assets can be passed on outside of a will, including retirement accounts, life insurance and jointly held property. A will also goes through probate, which takes time and creates a public record of your estate.
A will attorney can review your documents and help you decide whether your plan covers everything you intend. In some situations, an estate planning lawyer may suggest adding a trust.
A trust can give you more control over how assets pass and help with probate avoidance. At Fleming & Borowicz PLC, our will drafting attorneys can help you decide whether a will alone meets your needs or whether a broader estate planning approach makes more sense for your situation.
What Is Your Plan For The People You Care About?
Most people intend to create a will. Fewer follow through before a life event forces the issue. At Fleming & Borowicz PLC, we offer a free initial consultation for individuals and families ready to take this step. Speak with a will attorney on our team and start protecting what matters most.
Ready to book a consultation? Call us at 248-934-0750 or get in touch online.