We know that there are different types of estate planning designed to protect our assets and direct how to distribute or utilize them.   Once that is in place, does your fiduciary, whom you have selected to administer the plan (such as the personal representative of your estate, trustee of your trust, or power of attorney) know what all of those assets are and where to look when it’s time for them to act?

In addition, many assets are separate from our estate or trusts because they already have beneficiaries designated in the contract or policy (such as life insurance or 401k plan).  Do those beneficiaries know where to look or whom to contact in the event the money holder (e.g. the life insurance company) can no longer locate them to distribute funds?

This is an important part of your estate plan review that may even involve sitting down with your future fiduciary, family or otherwise to discuss inventory and ensure the plan is administered smoothly.  If the estate or trust inventory is not updated periodically, some assets may be inadvertently missed.  As a result, many estates (for example) reopen after being closed when unknown assets are later discovered.  This can lead to unnecessary administrative costs or legal fees.

So, for those needing to ensure an organized inventory or schedule of assets is provided with their estate plan, now is the time to start; and I can help!  As always, I am available for a free consultation.

Many of us have an estate plan in place, but are not always aware of its contents.  This may be because the documents have been drafted a long time ago, or perhaps were not fully explained.  Therefore, it is important to review our estate plans to ensure your assets are disbursed per your direction, even when your family’s circumstances change.  In doing so, it is desirable to consider placing protections within a will or trust to ensure that gifts to those who become disabled do not inadvertently disqualify them from disability benefits that may be available.
 
All too often, estate plans will devise assets, either through a will or trust, to someone who perhaps later becomes disabled.  In these instances, eligibility for benefits could be hampered or complicated.  Moreover, what they may be receiving through a trust distribution is commonly not enough to support them.  If modifications to your plan are necessary to ensure these protections, know that they can be made cost effectively, such as with a short amendment to an existing trust.
 
If anyone is uncertain about what is included in their estate plan, whether a will, trust, or power of attorney, they should take the time to review their plan and seek a trusted legal confidant to answer their questions.  If you do not have an estate plan, then now is the time to get started! We can begin today.

I have had people approach me lately, including some attorneys, who have inquired as to why it is necessary to have a power of attorney over your assets when you already have a successor trustee in a trust to manage assets when you are disabled.  My answer is very simple.  The trustee has control over what is in the trust only.  Even when you believe that all of your assets are in the name of your trustee (as many have intended), there are assets that you may acquire down the road, or that you have forgotten about, which are not yet placed into the trust and time may be needed to coordinate that.  In that time, these assets remain in your estate, separate from the trust, where a power of attorney will be needed to manage them if you are unable.
I have had people find out the hard way that assets they thought were in their trust, actually were not.  If you are uncertain about what is in your estate plan or how assets will be managed when you are unable to do so, feel free to contact Gee Law for a free consultation.

Spring weather is finally here and the days are getting even longer as the summer is looming!  This means many of us will be spending more spare time outside of our primary work environment to work on side projects or enhancing certain talents hoping one day to turn their passion into a dream job.

These dreams can be made a reality through proper business planning!  I begin by sitting with the future business owners or partners to discuss their objectives.  From there, a written business agreement is drafted to suit the individual goals of the partners, protect each of their investments into the operation (time, money, and other capital), and eventually grow the business.

So, for those investing their spare time perfecting their talents this year, consider turning such passion into a bright future business!   Start planning by contacting Gee Law for a free consultation.

Estate planning includes being prepared for the care of our affairs, not only when we are gone, but while we are living.   One way to accomplish this without court involvement may be through the use of Powers of Attorney for our finances and healthcare.  However, many of us become incapacitated or otherwise ineligible to execute such a document.  In these instances, caring family or loved ones can petition the court to appoint a guardianship and/or conservatorship to protect an individual's health and assets, respectively.  It is important to know when these options may be necessary.
 
Many of us are concerned that a loved one, e.g., a parent, grandparent, or disabled child reaching the age of 18, may need help making decisions for them.  However, many of us do not always know what to look for in determining whether someone requires a guardian/conservator. 
 
For example, some individuals may have a medical condition affecting them mentally or otherwise, which may require medical or financial assistance.  In some of these cases however, these same individuals possess the cognitive ability and willingness to seek professional help in maintaining their health, as well as their assets; despite coping with their condition.  Unless these individuals request it, they may not need a guardianship or conservatorship; or, if they require one, it may only be on a limited basis.
 
Where there lies greater concern is when an individual's condition compromises their ability to make or communicate informed decisions for their well-being and cannot reach for help on their own.  This condition may also pose concern that assets will be wasted or dissipated unless protection of a court-ordered fiduciary is made available.               

Families and loved ones should discuss these options to care for one another when health concerns arise.  Contact Gee Law for a consultation on what to look for and possible courses of action based on your circumstances.

We all know people who are either just starting a business venture or have been doing so with fellow investors or partners for quite some time.  Unfortunately, many of these people we know have embarked on these business ventures without a plan.  Because they did not have a plan to deal with contingencies, partners often reach an impasse on important decisions regarding how to go forward with a particular business opportunity, putting the business at a costly standstill.  This is especially true with businesses formed by multiple investors or partners. 

A specific example of the risk behind engaging in a joint venture without a written agreement arises when one partner or investor starts a business with the ambition for it to become his/her specific line of work; while the others investors, lacking the same level of participation and commitment, demand an equal share of the company's value or profits.  Consequently, the more focused partner often ends up doing most of the work, yet the benefits are shared equally. 

The solution is for prospective investors in a business to engage in a written agreement, e.g., partnership, member or shareholder agreements.  This way, all members agree upfront and in advance on how decisions will be made, the level of commitment expected between members, and even how disputes will be resolved.  So before you invest in a business, invest in a plan.  This will maintain relationships with your fellow investors and ensure you business is in the best position to grow and last successfully!

Estate Planning documents are not just for the deceased.  If there are investments or surplus funds that you would like to earmark for your family or perhaps those members with special needs, a trust can allocate assets to them during your lifetime, while also providing for your own needs.  Creating joint ownership of assets such as bank accounts, titles and deeds are other ways to accomplish these goals, depending on your circumstances. 
 
As life brings unexpected contingencies, such as divorce, disputes involving creditors, and other legal concerns, these planning vehicles are excellent ways to protect your hard earned assets from being taken or seized.  They may also assist during times when you are in a condition compromising your ability to make decisions.  Finally, this planning can also ensure the destination for your assets even after you are gone, which helps to eliminate the need for probate court costs.

When we do eventually pass on, the use of a will can add to a trust and further devise assets that will not only ensure your intentions are met, but also minimize probate court involvement.

Your child is finally off to college!  But with all of the concerns about adjusting to a new life away from home, families often forget that once a child turns 18, he or she is considered an adult under the law.    For example, once 18 years of age, hospitals and medical facilities may limit what information they can provide to the family without consent of the patient.  The concern due to this requisite confidentiality is that parents or family members may not be able to make life decisions for their loved ones at crucial moments when the young adults (as patients) are unable to voice their wishes themselves.  Hence, young adults can take advantage of caring parents or family members by assigning them to be his or her Medical Power of Attorney to make such vital decisions concerning their health.

The same holds true for scholastic information when children attend college.  When students reach the age of 18, colleges and other higher learning institutions may not allow parents to inquire about or view their child's grades without the student's express consent; regardless of who may be paying the student's tuition.  As such, the child's records are confidential even to their parents.  Therefore, students may also consider making their parents their power of attorney so that they can monitor his or her performance and help guide the student through their education; besides merely paying for it.   

We here at Gee Law PLLC agree with Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, who recently issued a Consumer Alert warning folks to beware of estate plans that are "One Size Fits All" or from a "Free Lunch Seminar."  We realize that nothing is more important than safeguarding your life, your family and your assets, which are unique to YOU.  As our attorney general stated, "Misinformation about the cost and complexity of probate provides a golden opportunity for sales pitches exploiting fears that life savings may be lost to taxes, predatory probate attorneys, or distributed years after death because of court delays. With laws curbing telemarketing sales calls, use of free lunch seminars to pitch estate planning products have surged.  Promoted as "educational" programs, these seminars are commonly a sales job in disguise. Be alert to seminars pushing "one size fits all" estate planning products, including living trusts. A decision as important as estate planning should be made with reliable, professional counsel who can help you decide what estate plan is best for your own individual situation, rather than someone whose primary interest is making a sale."  For more information, check out: http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-164-18156-44727--,00.html.

For questions about this or any estate or business planning matter, contact us today!

Gee Law PLLC is excited to share its new website!  Now you can reach us even easier.  Stay tuned for more information and updates.