Battle Creek Estate Planning Attorneys
Have you considered how you’ll safeguard your legacy and protect your loved ones in the future when you are no longer here?
At DeMent & Marquardt, PLC, estate planning is not just paperwork – it is an expression of love from you to your loved ones. Our compassionate and experienced Michigan attorneys, serving Battle Creek for decades, understand your concerns. We are dedicated to providing trusted legal guidance so you can live well now and plan for the future according to your needs here in “Cereal City.”
Why Hire An Estate Planning Attorney?
Having a skilled estate planning lawyer on your side offers significant benefits:
- Ensure all your assets are properly and efficiently transferred
- Minimize tax liabilities
- Shorten the probate process
- Offer strategic legal guidance
- Make necessary amendments to your legal documents
By focusing solely on estate planning, we stay on top of this complex area of law. We take the time to understand you, your family and your priorities. This allows us to craft a personalized plan aligned with your unique needs and goals.
Estate Planning Tips And Guidance
An estate plan could include a few key documents:
- A last will and testament to specify who will inherit your assets and care for minor children
- A revocable living trust to avoid probate and maintain privacy
- A durable power of attorney to manage finances if you become incapacitated
- A healthcare power of attorney to make medical decisions on your behalf
- A living will to indicate your end-of-life care preferences
Starting the estate planning process early is highly recommended. Moreover, reviewing and updating your plan after major life events is crucial to preserving your intentions.
Estate Planning FAQs
Do you want to learn more about the estate planning process? Our attorneys at DeMent & Marquardt, PLC, can help you. Here are some questions you may have:
How often should I update my estate plan?
An estate plan can be updated at any time. However, many people update their estate plans every three to five years. Within this time, you may acquire high-value assets that would be important to add to your estate plan.
You may also want to update your estate plan after major life changes. For example, you may want to update your power of attorney or living will if you recently developed a serious health condition. Or, you may need to alter your list of beneficiaries after getting married or divorced. Our attorneys can help you make crucial changes to your estate plan when the time is right.
What is a living will?
A living will is a document in your estate plan that is used to decide your end-of-life care decisions. This may be important if you suffer from a serious injury and cannot make decisions for yourself. The living will can help instruct your medical care.
What is probate?
Probate is used to fulfill the testator’s last wishes. The probate process allows the executor to accomplish their duties, including locating assets, paying debts and taxes, collecting death certificates and contacting beneficiaries. The probate process can last for over a year, depending on the complexity of an estate and the capability of the executor.
Why should I want to avoid probate?
Many people want to avoid having their estate go through probate. The probate process can take a long time, often prolonging the grieving process for family and friends. It can also be expensive, depleting assets that could otherwise go to loved ones.
How can I avoid probate?
There are a few ways to avoid the probate process. One way is to draft a living trust. After a testator passes away, assets are transferred directly to the living trust. At this point, assets can be distributed without delays. Several other trusts can also benefit an estate.
Contact Our Battle Creek Estate Planning Attorneys Today
Our law firm offers flat-fee estate planning services, meaning there will be no hidden fees. Schedule a consultation with DeMent & Marquardt, PLC, via 269-343-2106 to begin securing your family’s future. Our team serves families across Calhoun County and beyond.