When the time comes for a family, couple or an individual to set up an estate plan, that party or parties may have very clear ideas about what they want to happen or what they foresee the situation to be. Nevertheless, most Michigan families realize life circumstances...
Without knowledge of an estate, an estate plan can be complicated
People may know they need an estate plan, but that can mean different things to different people. Anyone in Michigan who attempts to create an estate plan will need to understand what their estate actually entails. It is then important to understand what one's wishes...
Potential pitfalls of not making an estate plan
No one likes to think about needing an estate plan. An estate plan essentially forces a person or family to think about their mortality or the mortality of a loved one. However, not planning accordingly or not being prepared can be costly to loved ones and can also...
Creating an estate plan isn’t just for the elderly
When people think about estate planning, they may automatically assume it is a concern for those who are of a certain age and lot in life. However, there is never an age that is too young to think about an estate plan and ensure that the process is handled correctly....
Michigan residents may want to consider a trust fund
Michigan residents who are looking to begin the estate-planning process may be a bit overwhelmed by the different documents that they may be able to set up. Many individuals are aware of how a will works and may believe that this document is the most important one....
What questions should I ask my real estate agent?
Whenever a Michigan resident plans to engage in purchases and sales of real estate property it is wise to go over a few important questions with one's real estate agent. Not all real estate agents will cross all their t's and dot all their i's, and not all real estate...
College Savings accounts a good estate plan option
Parents and grandparents are always looking to make preparations for providing for the next generation. One of the most pertinent concerns families in Michigan have is saving for college for their children and grandchildren. A parent or grandparent may want to...
Michigan city votes to reduce number of adults allowed in rentals
An ordinance specifying the number of adults who can live in one rental unit was finally approved by the City Council of Holland, Michigan, after much debate. The ordinance was passed on Oct. 1 in a 7-2 vote and reduces the number of adults who can live in a rental...
What to do when a tenant violates a lease
Dealing with a noncompliant tenant can be challenging for any landlord, but the stakes are often higher in commercial rentals. Commercial rentals can be harder to find tenants for, and moving one tenant out and another in is a much bigger process than with residential...
Pets or no pets? The dog days of residential real estate rental
A lot of Michigan landlords are afraid of letting their tenants have pets in the residential real estate properties they rent. However, some individuals argue that letting pets in a residence may not actually be a bad thing. In fact, one landlord recently made some...