Estate planning is not limited to retirees or people nearing the end of life. It can matter as soon as you become a legal adult, because it gives you control over decision-making and helps protect the people and interests that matter to you if something unexpected happens. Many people wait until later in life, assuming estate planning only becomes relevant once they have accumulated significant assets, but that delay can leave gaps that affect healthcare decisions, finances, and loved ones long before retirement.

When Should Estate Planning Actually Begin?

For most people, Read more . . .

Preparing for an estate planning consultation helps you make informed decisions and gives your attorney the details they need to create a plan that fits your goals. Before your meeting, gather information about your finances, family structure, and long-term wishes so you can have a focused and productive conversation.

What Information Should You Bring to Your Consultation?

When you meet with an estate planning attorney, it helps to bring a clear snapshot of your financial and personal circumstances.
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Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your legacy, provide for your family, and ensure your wishes are honored. Yet, far too often, individuals in Macomb County and Wayne County turn to generic, one-size-fits-all estate planning templates or cookie-cutter documents that do not account for their specific needs. At Keating Law, PLC, we believe that every estate plan should be carefully crafted to fit the unique circumstances of the individual or family it serves.

Below, we outline the risks of relying on generalized estate planning tools—and why a customized approach is the safest way to preserve assets, minimize conflict, and achieve your goals.

If you’re a Michigan homeowner thinking about how to pass your property to loved ones, you might be wondering how to avoid probate while still keeping control of your home. A Lady Bird deed could be your answer.

This estate planning tool, available in only a few states, including Michigan, lets you transfer real estate to your heirs without going through probate. And if you live in Macomb or Wayne County, it can offer a simple, effective way to protect your assets and preserve your wishes. Our Read more . . .

Estate Order of Inheritance in Michigan

When a person dies without a will, state law directs the distribution of estate assets. In Michigan, the order of inheritance, which is called intestate succession, is outlined in statute. In this article, we discuss the estate order of inheritance in Michigan. 

What is Probate?

Probate is a legal process that is intended to ensure that a deceased person’s assets are correctly managed and distributed. If a person dies with a will, then the probate court distributes assets pursuant to this document.

The First Step in Estate Planning

When people think about estate planning, they often picture a stack of legal documents or assume it’s only necessary for the wealthy. But the real starting point is much simpler — and more personal. Before you think about a will or trust, the first step is understanding your current situation: what you own, who you love, and what you want to happen in the future. At Keating Law, PLC, we encourage every client to begin with an honest look at their life. That means creating a clear picture of your assets, gathering key documents, and identifying the people who matter most to you.
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