Warren Estate Planning Blog
What are Lady Bird Deeds in Michigan?
A Lady Bird Deed allows you to name a beneficiary who will automatically inherit your property upon death. Unlike a traditional life estate deed, you retain complete control over the property during your lifetime. You can sell, mortgage or change the beneficiary...
Can partial payments reset the eviction clock?
When rent is overdue, the eviction process begins. If a tenant makes a partial payment, does this reset the timeline and extend their stay? The landlord may start the eviction process as soon as the tenant falls behind on rent. The landlord must first serve a notice,...
What should you include in a lease agreement?
Lease agreements play an important part in any landlord-tenant relationship. These agreements help protect your property and business interests. If any misunderstandings or issues come up, your lease agreement serves as a permanent record you can use as a reference or...
The top priorities when you start your estate plan
Starting an estate plan can feel overwhelming, but you do not need to handle it all at once. It is often better to focus on key priorities that lay a strong foundation for the future. By addressing these main priorities, you can protect your assets and take the first...
Can you shut off utilities to force a tenant out?
As a landlord, you will likely encounter challenging tenants at some point. This could be due to non-payment of rent, disruptive behavior and many other issues. When the situation becomes exasperating, shutting off utilities to expedite their departure might seem...
Estate planning for children with special needs
Taking care of a child with special needs is a lifelong challenge. However, there is an inevitable moment for every parent who has such a child where they come to terms with the fact that they might not be there for their child forever. While this may be hard to think...
3 cost-saving probate strategies for Michigan executors
When a family member passes away, settling their estate can be an emotional and complex process for the family they leave behind. Probate, with its emotional and financial challenges, can feel like the last thing you want to address, especially during times of grief....
How a special needs trust can help you provide for your loved ones
If you have a loved one who is dealing with disabilities and health conditions, you likely wish to take care of their needs and improve their quality of life. There is one estate planning tool that can help you fulfill this goal. The special needs trust offers unique...
Circumstances allowing landlords to break a lease in Michigan
Leases are essential agreements for both landlords and tenants. They outline the rules and responsibilities for each party during the rental period. However, there are times when a landlord may need to break a lease. Common reasons a landlord would break a lease...
How do living trusts bypass probate in Michigan?
As you start planning your estate, legal and financial experts often recommend avoiding probate. But what exactly is probate, and why do professionals advise against it? Probate is the court-supervised process of settling your estate after you pass away. This complex...