Your Partner in
Estate Planning
Estate Planning
Oakland County Estate Planning Lawyer
Estate Planning That Is Personal, Clear, and Manageable
Estate planning is something many people know they should do, but it can be easy to put off. The decisions are personal, the terminology can be unfamiliar, and it is not always obvious where to begin.
At Sherman Estate Planning, our goal is to make the process comfortable and understandable. We take the time to learn about you, your family, your concerns, and what you would like your plan to accomplish. Then we explain your options in plain language and help you put the right documents in place.
Estate planning is about more than deciding who will receive your property someday. A thoughtful estate plan can also identify the people you trust to handle financial matters or make healthcare decisions if you are unable to do so yourself, provide guidance for the care of minor children, and make things easier for the people you love during what may already be a difficult time.
Depending on your circumstances, your estate plan may include a will, a revocable living trust, a durable financial power of attorney, a patient advocate designation, or a combination of these documents. There is no single plan that is right for everyone.
Our job is to help you understand your choices and create a plan that reflects your life, your priorities, and your wishes.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you call us. Estate planning can begin with a conversation.
To schedule a consultation, please call (248) 220-6619, email consultations@shermanestateplanning.com, or complete our convenient online contact form.
How We Can Help
Sherman Estate Planning, PLLC is based in Oakland County and serves individuals and families throughout Michigan, including Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Genesee, Washtenaw, Livingston, and Lapeer Counties.
Every estate plan is different. We take the time to understand your family, your concerns, and what you would like your plan to accomplish before recommending the documents that make sense for you.
Wills
A will allows you to decide how property in your probate estate should be distributed, name the person you trust to administer your estate, and, if you have minor children, nominate a guardian. We can help you prepare a will that reflects your wishes and works together with the rest of your estate plan.
Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable living trust can provide an effective way to manage assets during your lifetime and distribute properly funded trust assets after your death without probate. A trust is not necessary for everyone, and we will help you determine whether one offers meaningful advantages for your particular situation.
Durable Financial Powers of Attorney
A durable financial power of attorney allows you to choose someone you trust to handle financial and property matters on your behalf when needed. Putting this authority in place in advance can provide important protection and may reduce the need for court involvement later.
Patient Advocate Designations
A Patient Advocate Designation allows you to select someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you if you become unable to participate in those decisions yourself. It can also provide important guidance about your wishes and greater clarity for your family.
We can work with clients located anywhere in Michigan. Because proper execution of estate planning documents is important, clients will need to visit our office for the final review and signing of their documents. We will make sure you understand what you are signing and have an opportunity to ask any remaining questions before your plan is completed.
Michael I. Sherman, Esq.
Michael I. Sherman is an attorney with 34 years of legal experience and a longstanding connection to probate law. For approximately 30 years, he handled guardianship and conservatorship matters in Michigan probate courts, giving him extensive experience with the legal and practical issues.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will generally provides instructions for the disposition of property that passes through your probate estate after your death. It can also nominate your personal representative and a guardian for minor children.
A revocable living trust can operate during your lifetime as well as after your death. Assets that are properly held in the trust can generally be managed and distributed according to the trust without going through probate.
One is not automatically better than the other. The right approach depends on your assets, family circumstances, goals, and preferences.
Do I need a trust?
Not necessarily. Trusts can be extremely useful, but they are not appropriate or necessary for everyone. Some people are well served by a carefully prepared will-based estate plan. Others have circumstances in which a revocable living trust offers important advantages. We will explain the differences and help you decide which approach fits your situation.
Why should I use an estate planning lawyer?
Estate planning documents work together with Michigan law, the way your assets are titled, and the beneficiary designations on accounts such as life insurance and retirement plans. A document can look perfectly acceptable on paper and still fail to accomplish what someone intended.
An estate planning lawyer can help identify issues you may not have considered, explain your choices, prepare documents that comply with Michigan law, and help make sure the different pieces of your plan work together. Just as importantly, you have someone you can ask questions.
Visit Us
