Michigan Living Trust & Irrevocable Trust Lawyer
You Can’t Predict the Future–But a Trust Can Plan for It.
Not all trusts are created equal. Whether you’re looking to avoid probate, protect assets, or prepare for long-term care, we’ll help you decide what kind of trust is right for your situation—and build it and ensure it's funded the right way from day one.
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Mike is one of the most knowledgeable professionals I’ve worked with in the industry. Highly recommend!
Very much appreciated the attention to detail and the kindness from Rutkowski Law. As someone with absolutely no idea what to even ask I found them patient, kind and willing to go the extra mile to answer questions. If you need an attorney you can’t go wrong reaching out to Rutkowski Law Firm.
Not Sure What Kind of Trust You Need?
Living Trust vs. Irrevocable Trust: Which One Do You Need?
- Michigan Living Trust (Revocable Trust) :
- The most common choice for Michigan families. A living trust helps you avoid Michigan probate, stay in control of your assets, and make things easier for your loved ones.
- Irrevocable Trust :
- Used for asset protection, Medicaid planning, or minimizing estate taxes. Once created, its terms are harder to change.
- Which One Do You Need? :
- It depends on your goals—whether that’s avoiding court, protecting from lawsuits, qualifying for benefits, or reducing taxes. We’ll help you decide.
Comparison
Living Trust vs. Irrevocable Trust
Both types of trusts help you plan for the future—but they serve different purposes. Here’s how they compare, and why the right choice depends on your goals.
Purpose
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): Simplifies inheritance and avoids probate while keeping full control during lifetime
Irrevocable Trust: Protects assets from lawsuits, creditors, and long-term care costs
Can You Change It?
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): ✅ Yes — you can amend or revoke at any time
Irrevocable Trust: ❌ No — changes are limited once the trust is created
Asset Protection
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): ❌ No — assets are still considered yours and are exposed
Irrevocable Trust: ✅ Yes — assets are legally removed from your personal ownership
Medicaid Planning Use
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): ❌ No — living trusts do not protect assets for Medicaid
Irrevocable Trust: ✅ Yes — helps protect your home and savings from nursing home costs
When It Takes Effect
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): Immediately during your lifetime and after death
Irrevocable Trust: Immediately, but with limited access and control
Best For
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): Families who want flexibility and to avoid probate
Irrevocable Trust: Families who want asset protection, Medicaid eligibility, or tax planning
Estate Planning Guide
Estate planning protects your assets and makes sure your estate is distributed according to your wishes after your death.
Read the top 10 most common mistakes our estate planning team sees — free to read, right on the page. No download or email required.
Our Process for Helping You Choose and Create the Right Trust
We walk you through each step—from defining your goals to funding your trust—so you’re confident in your plan and protected from every angle.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
- We learn about your family, goals, and concerns
- We assess whether a living trust or irrevocable trust makes the most sense for your situation
Step 2: Trust Design & Drafting
- We design a trust around your life—not just legal forms
- Your attorney walks you through all key decisions, terms, and tax implications
Step 3: Signing & Funding Your Trust
- We finalize your trust documents and help ensure your assets are properly titled or transferred
- Ongoing support is available for future updates or funding help
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.
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
Common Questions About Types of Trusts
Our Offices
What Happens If You Create a Trust but Never Fund It?
A signed trust sitting in a binder provides zero court protection if your bank accounts and deeds remain outside the trust.
Founder / Attorney
Which Assets Belong in Your Trust—and Which Should Stay Out?
Retitling the wrong account can trigger tax traps. Here is how to coordinate your assets correctly under Michigan law.
Founder / Attorney
Should Your Estate Plan Change as You Get Closer to Retirement?
An estate plan built at age 40 leaves major gaps at 60. Here is how to shield your life work before you retire.
Founder / Attorney