CHESTERFIELD MICHIGAN’S TRUSTED LAW FIRM
FOR ESTATE PLANNING
10 YEARS OF LEGAL EXPERIENCE | OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN FINANCE
Shalanda C. Leggs, Esq. is Chesterfield's
Experienced and Trusted Estate Planning Lawyer
CHESTERFIELD MICHIGAN ESTATE PLANNING
If you live in Chesterfield Michigan, then you know that estate planning is important. An estate plan is a collection of documents that dictate what will happen to your property and assets when you die. Without an estate plan, your family will have to go through probate court, which can be lengthy and expensive.
Creating an estate plan is one of the best things you can do for your loved ones. It will give you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be carried out and that your family will be taken care of financially. If you're not sure where to start, here are three estate planning tips for Wayne and Oakland County Michigan residents:
CHESTERFIELD MICHIGAN ESTATE PLANNING
Create A Living Trust
One of the best ways to avoid probate in Chesterfield is to create a living trust. With a living trust, your assets (such as your house, bank accounts, and investments) are transferred to a trust during your lifetime. Then, after you die, the trustee (who can be a family member or friend) can distribute those assets according to your wishes without having to go through probate court.
CHESTERFIELD MICHIGAN ESTATE PLANNING
Make Sure Your Documents Are Up-To-Date
Your estate planning documents should be reviewed and updated regularly, especially if you have experienced a major life event like getting married, having a child, or buying a new home. If your documents are out-of-date, they may not be valid in the eyes of the law.
CHESTERFIELD MICHIGAN ESTATE PLANNING
Choose The Right Executor
The executor is the person who will carry out your wishes after you die. This is a big responsibility, so it's important to choose someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and good with money. You should also choose someone who lives close by so they can easily take care of any paperwork or business that needs to be handled.
CHESTERFIELD MICHIGAN ESTATE PLANNING
Plan For Your Healthcare
In addition to financial concerns, it is also important to plan for your healthcare needs. You should designate someone who will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself. This person is called a healthcare power of attorney. You should also have a living will that outlines your wishes regarding life-sustaining medical treatment.
THE CONCLUSION ABOUT CHESTERFIELD MICHIGAN ESTATE PLANNING
Estate planning is an important process for everyone, but it's especially important for Wayne and Oakland County Michigan residents. By taking the time to create a living trust, update your documents regularly, and choose the right executor for your estate, you can ensure that your wishes will be carried out and that your family will be taken care of financially after you're gone.
Principal & Founder
Shalanda C. Leggs, Esq.
Shalanda Leggs, Esq. is Principal and Founder of The C. Smith Law Group, PLLC located in the Metropolitan Detroit area. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Eastern Michigan University and a Juris Doctor in Law from The University of Detroit School of Law.
Shalanda’s areas of primary practice include Probate (guardianship, conservatorship, estate administration) and Estate Planning and Business Law including business structure. She is a native Detroiter and possesses the hustle and drive that the city is known for.
Prior to becoming an attorney, she had a 20-year career in Finance and Accounting. Once she began practicing law it became obvious that many in the community were not as knowledgeable as to the benefits of having an estate plan nor of the correct way to administer the estate of a deceased person. To help educate the community, Shalanda often participates in seminars and informs about the benefits of creating an Estate Plan and avoiding the pitfalls of Probate Court. Her philosophy is “Everyone needs an Estate Plan”.
