Will vs. Trust: Which Actually Protects You?
In Michigan, a Will is not a shield; it is an invitation for court involvement. When you pass away with only a Will, your private life becomes public record, and your heirs must navigate the Michigan Probate Court—a process that often takes 12 to 18 months.
To bypass court entirely and ensure immediate access to your assets, a Revocable Living Trust is the standard. However, a trust is only as strong as its execution.
| Legacy Risk Factor | The Will Outcome | The Asset Shield™ Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Probate | 12–18 Months in Court | 0 Days (Total Bypass) |
| Inheritance Privacy | Public Record (Court Filed) | Private & Confidential |
| Retirement Tax | Up to 40% "Tax Torpedo" | Strategic Mitigation |
| Nursing Home Care | $12,000/mo "Spend-Down" | Preserved Family Home |
| Plan Execution | "Do-It-Yourself" Funding | Done-For-You Funding |
Solving the 'Empty Binder' Risk
The #1 reason estate plans fail in Rochester and Bloomfield Hills is lack of funding. Most law firms hand you a binder and wish you luck at the bank. If even one account is left in your individual name, your family is heading to probate.
We handle the heavy lifting for you. Our funding team coordinates the retitling of your assets so that your legal framework is battle-ready from day one. This is what transforms a stack of paper into a fortified entity.
How to Defuse the 40% Retirement Tax Trap
Under the SECURE Act, most non-spouse beneficiaries must withdraw inherited IRA funds within 10 years. For your children, this often happens during their peak earning years, pushing them into the highest tax brackets.
When you combine the 37% Federal bracket with the 4.25% Michigan state tax, nearly 40% of your legacy can be vaporized by the IRS. We provide specialized beneficiary coordination, working alongside your CPA to ensure your children keep what you worked a lifetime to save.
The $12,000/Month Nursing Home Reality
Quality skilled nursing in Michigan now averages $12,000 per month. Without proactive planning, the state requires you to 'spend down' your life savings to just $2,000 (for individuals) before Medicaid assistance begins.
We utilize Michigan Lady Bird Deeds and strategic trusts to start the 5-year Medicaid look-back clock today, ensuring your home remains in your family instead of being liquidated for care costs.
How to Get Started
To reach a one-hour initial consultation with our Director of Client Services—who will dive into your unique situation and provide a custom plan and pricing—it takes just three simple steps:
- 1
Book a Discovery Call
Schedule a 15-minute callback from our intake team at a time that fits your schedule, or call the number below to speak with a person immediately. This is a human-to-human check-in to take note of what you are looking for.
- 2
Strategy Consultation
In-Person: Visit us at our Rochester or Bloomfield Hills offices.
Virtually: Meet from home via Zoom. We’ll send one "Click to Join" link directly to your email—no technical headaches guaranteed.
- 3
Attend Your Meeting
Join us via a simple Zoom link (no glitchy apps required) or visit us at the office. Our Customer Success team is here to help every step of the way.
Prefer to call? Speak with us directly at 248-792-9193.
