Wayne and Oakland County Michigan

Estate Planning

The Importance of Estate Planning

No one likes to think about their own mortality, but it's important to have a plan in place for what will happen to your assets after you pass away. That's where estate planning comes in. Estate planning is the process of creating a legal document that outlines how you want your property and possessions to be distributed after you die.

WAYNE AND OAKLAND COUNTY MICHIGAN

Why You Need an Estate Planning Attorney

Although you can technically create your own estate plan without the help of an attorney, it's not recommended. There are a lot of complicated legal issues involved in estate planning, and it's easy to make a mistake if you don't have experience with the law.

An experienced estate planning attorney will be able to guide you through the process and ensure that your wishes are carried out according to the law.

WAYNE AND OAKLAND COUNTY MICHIGAN

TYPES OF ESTATES

There are several different types of estate plans, and the best one for you will depend on your individual circumstances.

A few common types of estate plans include:

Wills

A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your property and possessions to be distributed after you die. You can also use a will to name a guardian for your minor children.

Trusts

A trust is a legal entity that can hold assets on behalf of another person. Trusts can be used for many different purposes, such as avoiding probate or reducing taxes.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document that gives another person the authority to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

Advance Directive

An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your wishes for end-of-life care in the event that you become unable to make those decisions yourself.

Creating an estate plan is an important step in ensuring that your wishes are carried out after your death and that your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes. If you or a loved one don't have an estate plan, now is the time to consult with an experienced Michigan estate planning attorney to get started.

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.