Peterson Paletta Balice

Should I Hire an Estate Planning Attorney?

Grand Rapids & Ionia Attorneys

Estate Planning Attorney Grand Rapids Ionia MI

 

We always recommend that you hire an estate planning attorney to ensure your final wishes are respected and held up in probate court. While we understand the temptation to write your own will, it’s essential that you contact the experts in estate planning law. Our estate lawyers in Grand Rapids and Ionia, MI, will make sure that your estate planning documents are ironclad.

Here’s what else you need to know. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our offices to discuss setting up an estate planning consultation.

Your Estate Will Need More Than a Will

The estate planning process involves more documents than just a last will and testament. For example, our attorneys may recommend creating a living will and other advance directives if you want to leave instructions for end-of-life medical care. The good news is that our estate attorneys have the necessary experience in elder law to ensure all your bases are covered.

An estate attorney can help with the following:

  • Last will and testament
  • Living wills and health care directives
  • Wealth transfer plan
  • Living trusts (revocable and irrevocable)
  • General durable power of attorney
  • Probate avoidance

Our legal team will tailor your estate planning documents to your unique circumstances.

An Estate Plan Must Be Ironclad

An estate plan determines how your assets and properties are distributed to beneficiaries upon your death. For this reason, your estate planning documents need to be ironclad to withstand the scrutiny of a judge in probate court. An estate planning lawyer will make sure that all of your documents meet the legal requirements for your state. That way, there won’t be any surprises for your beneficiaries down the line.

Related: What is Probate and How Do You Avoid It? →

Priorities Can Change Over Time

It’s normal for your goals and expectations to change over time. For example, it’s not uncommon for people to plan on traveling once they retire. However, these plans may change if you or your partner experience age-related changes to your health. For this reason, our attorneys will make sure your estate plan is flexible enough to handle any worst case scenario. For example, estate planning documents can help protect your assets from nursing home spend-downs.

Estate Attorneys Can Be the Voice of Reason

It’s your attorney’s responsibility to remain objective while helping you create an estate plan. That way, you can make careful and informed decisions about your estate. For example, while you may love your teenage grandson, it may not be a good idea to give him complete access to his inheritance. Since your attorney doesn’t have an emotional connection to the people in your life, they’ll be able to be the voice of reason.

Schedule an Estate Planning Consultation

Ready to start estate planning? Schedule a consultation with one of our estate planning attorneys in Grand Rapids and Ionia, MI. Call Peterson Paletta Balice today or fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon. We’d be more than happy to help you on your journey to a more secure future.

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