Estate Planning & Probate Avoidance by Your Estate Attorneys, Lawyers delivering peace of mind to clients through education and preparation from a Christian perspective

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WHY HIRE OUR LAW FIRM

  1. Unlike most law firms that prepare an estate plan, we help you create a “life plan”. We listen to your goals, concerns about passing wealth to your children, philanthropic goals, stewardship concerns and guide you through the confusing landscape of options and advisors.
  2. We deliver service from a Christian perspective.
  3. Our emphasis on client education is crucial when catering an effective life plan or solving a problem for a client.
  4. We bring estate planning out of the “ivory tower” to your kitchen table. We make house calls.
  5. Our four step estate planning process is unique and greatly increases understanding and reduces stress.
  6. Your life plan is created at your speed, with your active participation.
  7. We offer a flat fee up front, so you get the level of service you need without an escalating legal bill. So go ahead, ask all your questions.

Proper estate planning allows you to take control of your life by protecting not only your property upon death, but your loved ones as well. If you die intestate (without making a Will), you do not get to choose who will receive your probate assets. The state government decides for you, and each state’s laws are different. In Michigan, if you die intestate, the persons who inherit from you depend upon whether you are married or single, whether you have children, and other factors. It also may depend upon the nature of your property. Our firm will keep you fully informed so that you can confidently make all the important decisions regarding your estate plan. We draft self-proving wills and trusts that can avoid the expense and time associated with probate. If you need a simple will or a complex estate plan, we can help.

For over 20 years, Dave Brunell has assisted Michigan families in creating Life plans which meet their goals and protect their estate property and hard earned assets. We understand the importance of family, and your desire to protect them after you are gone. Our firm utilizes a variety of tools to empower you and protect your loved ones, including:

"Our job is to simplify your life and deliver peace of mind."

David C. Brunell – Founding member

  • Revocable living trusts
  • Various trust vehicles, as appropriate
  • Wills
  • Testamentary trusts
  • Special needs and life insurance trusts
  • Marital trusts
  • Business succession planning
  • Cottage preservation
  • Healthcare durable powers of attorney
  • Patient advocate designations and acceptance forms
  • Advanced directives and life-sustaining preferences
  • Financial powers of attorney with asset snapshot
  • Declaration of guardian

The more intricate your estate, the more important it is to hire a lawyer well-versed in the complexities of estate planning. Over the course of many years, the Law Offices of David C. Brunell has earned a reputation in the legal community for skilled estate planning. We also create estate plans for business succession planning, asset protection and estate tax considerations.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Estate planning is the process of identifying objectives, organizing your assets and planning for the inevitable. A complete estate plan organizes your life and manages your obligations after you are no longer able through disability or death. Only an experienced attorney specializing in estate planning can properly help you make the correct choices that best meet with your individual goals. We help educate, organize and prepare which ultimately results in the client’s peace of mind life plan.

There are five fundamental estate planning components that every Michigan resident should have:
  1. A Trust
  2. A power of attorney for health care
  3. A power of attorney for financial
  4. A pour over will
  5. HIPAA release.

These are the essential documents that protect you, your family, and your property at critical stages of your life. More importantly, they form the basis of a comprehensive estate plan.

If you think you don't need an estate plan, then ask yourself these questions:
  1. How will your life insurance and property be used to care for your family members?
  2. Do you understand exactly how your assets will be delivered to your family?
  3. If you already have a will or trust, does the document cover all of your property?
  4. Could a person you trust locate and manage your assets in your absence?
  5. If you have minor children, is there a plan for their care and support in your absence?
  6. Do you understand how probate will impact your family?
  7. Most people don't need a living trust. Does a living trust make sense for you?
  8. How will income and estate taxes affect your family if you die?
  9. Does your family understand your wishes for withdrawal of life support?
  10. If you own a business, what will happen to the company if you die or become disabled?

Your estate plan is not complete if you don't know the answers to all of these questions. Estate planning is far too important to leave to chance or a do-it-yourself form. We have been handling probate and estate planning matters for more than 20 years. Our job is to simplify your life and deliver peace of mind.

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