Michigan Estate Planning Attorney
Make Your Medical Wishes Known with a Living Will
A Living Will—also known as an Advance Directive—protects your voice when you can’t speak for yourself. Clarify your healthcare preferences now, so your family isn’t left guessing later.
Trusted by Over 450 Clients with a 4.9 Star Rating
Every person we worked with at the Rutkowski Law Firm was extremely knowledgeable and professional. We used them for business advice, planning, and execution. Also, we use them for all of our life planning with our trust to ensure we are prepared for everything as we age. A sincere thank you for a legal team that makes us feel like family!
Made the process very easy!
Clarity. Dignity. Peace of Mind.
What Is a Living Will?
It ensures your family and doctors know what you want when facing critical medical decisions—like life support, resuscitation, and end-of-life care. It’s a vital act of love and clarity.
- Medical Clarity :
- Ensure your treatment preferences are known and respected.
- Prevent Family Disputes :
- Relieve loved ones from making painful medical decisions in the dark.
- Peace of Mind :
- Know that your wishes will be followed, even in a crisis.
- Dignity at Every Stage :
- Make decisions based on your values—not in the heat of the moment.
Comparison
Living Will vs. Last Will and Testament
Understanding the difference between a Living Will and a Last Will and Testament is key to ensuring your wishes are honored in life and after.
Purpose
Living Will: Directs medical care if you’re incapacitated
Last Will and Testament: Distributes your assets after death
When It Takes Effect
Living Will: While you’re still alive but unable to communicate
Last Will and Testament: Only after you pass away
Covers
Living Will: Medical treatments, life support, and end-of-life care
Last Will and Testament: Assets, guardianship, and executor instructions
Avoids Probate?
Living Will: Not applicable (medical decisions only)
Last Will and Testament: ❌ No — must go through probate court
Part of an Estate Plan?
Living Will: ✅ Yes
Last Will and Testament: ✅ Yes
Do You Need Both?
Living Will: ✅ Yes — to protect healthcare wishes
Last Will and Testament: ✅ Yes — to protect your legacy
Our Process for Creating a Living Will
We make the process simple, thoughtful, and personalized—because your wishes deserve to be honored with care.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
- We’ll learn about your family, your goals, and what matters most to you.
Step 2: Custom Planning Session
- We guide you through the key decisions and begin drafting your plan.
Step 3: Review & Sign
- We review everything together and help you execute your documents properly.
Part of a Bigger Picture
How a Living Will Fits Into a Complete Estate Plan
A Living Will is one essential piece of your full estate plan. We help you combine it with tools like Powers of Attorney, Trusts, and Guardianship Designations to create a plan that protects every chapter of life.
- Revocable Living Trust :
- Avoid probate for all assets while maintaining control during your lifetime.
- Power of Attorney :
- Authorize a trusted person to manage finances or medical decisions if needed.
- Living Will :
- Clarify your wishes for medical treatment if you become incapacitated.
- Guardianship Designations :
- Make sure the right people are legally empowered to care for your dependents.
Estate Planning Guide
Estate Planning is an essential process that will protect your assets and ensure you’re your estate is distributed according to your wishes after your death.
Many people make mistakes when creating their estate plan, which can lead to unnecessary stress, confusion, and costly legal battles for their loved ones. Below, our estate planning team put together the top 10 and most common mistakes we see in estate planning.
Common Questions About Living Wills
Guiding the Firm, Protecting Families
Whether you need a will, trust, asset protection plan or are in need of medicaid crisis planning, our team is here to help! We are dedicated to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Call us today to book your consultation.
Meet the Whole Team
Estate Planning for Michigan Families
Don't leave your family with a useless binder.
Most firms hand you a template and expect you to do the work. We provide a Done-For-You process that handles Trust Funding and Asset Protection.
We specialize in protecting your home from the 5-Year Medicaid Look-Back, ensuring your house stays in your family and out of the state's hands. Plan now so you never become a burden to those you love.
For a Call Back: Pick a time for a quick, 15-minute phone call with our intake team. They will gather your basic details and schedule your strategy session with our Customer Success Director. No tech degree or legal preparation required.
Our Offices
Is your estate plan built for the life you live today?
Why a calendar-based review is outdated—and the three questions that will tell you if your plan is actually working.
Founder / Attorney
Is your estate plan a "death document" or a "life document"?
Why a standard Will or Trust isn't enough to protect your savings from the $12,000/month cost of long-term care.
Founder / Attorney
Can you change your Will?
Why "pen-and-ink" changes are a technical disaster in Michigan—and how to update your plan the right way.
Founder / Attorney