The Importance of Estate Planning

Death is a certain, fundamental part of life that people should not shy away from. Although it is difficult to discuss, it is crucial to talk about what will happen with your or a loved one's estate. Nobody likes to think that they will die eventually, but it is important that each and every person plans for this event and is prepared in case of this tragic event. The first and best way to plan for this certainty is by creating an estate plan.

All of the documents within an estate plan help people avoid problems that often arise upon death. Without one, these issues will be resolved by the courts and state law. However, a well-prepared estate plan will allow each person to decide for themselves the best choices for their own families, such as who should care for their minor children, who should receive their property, which charitable organizations should receive a share of their accumulated assets, and so on. 

Estate planning is an ongoing process that has to be adjusted as changes occur in your life. Marriage, divorce, the purchase or selling of a home, the birth and growing to adulthood of your children, the acquisition of assets, and financial gains are all events that you will need to take into account when adjusting your estate plan. Also, changes in tax and inheritance laws can occur throughout your lifetime. So your estate plan has to be adjusted accordingly.

Having a good estate plan gives you and your loved ones the peace of mind, knowing that your assets are taken care of after you are gone.

If you are looking for a trustworthy estate and law firm to begin planning your estate, contact Gerkin & Decker today more information on estate planning.

What Questions Should I Ask My Divorce Lawyer?

When looking for a divorce lawyer, there are several questions that you should ask to ensure that you select the right attorney for your situation. The attorney is there to guide you through the legal process, make sure that you are protected and...

Common Facts About Child Support

Child support is a court-ordered payment for money to help with costs in raising a child. It is most commonly used for housing, food, clothing, and doctor’s appointments. When divorce or separation has occurred, child support is addressed in...

What Should I Know About Planning My Estate?

For obvious reasons, a person's death is an unpleasant subject to speak about. Yet sometimes it is necessary. Take estate planning, for example. Have you ever thought about who will inherit what properties, businesses, items of yours when you do...

When Do I Need a Family Law Firm?

When most people think of hiring a family law firm, they reflect on the advice they need when going through a divorce. A family lawyer will be able to navigate you through the tangled web of property division, child custody, child support, and...

How are Custody Rights Determined in Michigan?

The state of Michigan believes custody shall be granted according to “the best interest of the child.” The court often encourages couples to work out their own arrangements for custody when there is a divorce or a separation in mind,...

Who Gets the House in a Divorce?

Dividing up assets is an important part of any divorce proceeding, and the marital house is usually one of the biggest assets. Individual situations typically determine who will get to keep the house, but the following things usually come into...

When Should You Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?

Divorce and separation can be extremely stressful especially when disagreements about the children arise. The ideal situation is where both parents make compromises to ensure all decisions are in the best interest of the children. Unfortunately,...

Single? Why Estate Planning is Still Essential

Singles have unique needs when it comes to estate planning; for them, deciding how to distribute their assets is just as important as it is for those who are married. Normally, when single people die without a will, their estate will pass into the...

Can Both Parents Opt Out of Child Support?

One of the most criticized systems in the United States is the child support system. While every parent wants to be there for their child, the idea of fixed monthly payments can be a burden to many people, especially those with changing income....

What is Probate?

After the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to focus on the legal matters that have to be attended to. One of the first things that happens, however, is that the estate goes into probate. Probate is a legal term that means a judge will...

Suing Outside Workers Compensation

If you have been injured on the job, you will need to file a workers compensation insurance case to receive reimbursement for your injuries and medical expenses. However, you may also wonder if you can file a lawsuit. Here are three of the most...

Estate Planning FAQ

Is it serious to not have a will? According to statistics, roughly 55% of Americans die each year intestate (without some kind of will or trust in place). This means the laws of the state you die in will determine who receives your property by...

How Are Estate Disputes Settled?

We all like to think that a well-planned estate and written will can prevent any and all problems with our estate when we die. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. For example, when parents die, one child may feel their sibling has received...
Page: 12 - All
Trusted Legal Advocates:
"When I met with Gerkin & Decker I immediately felt a sense of relief and knew I was in the right law office. Throughout my divorce they kept me informed every step of the way. They listened, understood, and devised appropriate strategy to successfully complete my divorce and get me the results I wanted..." Read More >
810-279-0084