Your Legacy Deserves
a Real Plan.

Document 1

Last Will & Testament

A will directs how your assets are distributed after death. Without one, Michigan's intestacy laws decide — and the result may not match your wishes. A will also names guardians for minor dependents and an executor to administer your estate.

Document 2

Durable Power of Attorney

When one spouse dies, the survivor keeps the larger of the two benefits — not both. This means the higher earner's claiming decision directly determines the survivor's income for decades. It must be modeled together.

Document 3

Healthcare Directive / Living Will

A healthcare directive (and healthcare POA) specifies your medical wishes and names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Without one, your family may face impossible decisions without guidance — and hospitals may default to maximum intervention.

Often Overlooked

Beneficiary Designations

Retirement accounts (IRA, 401k), life insurance, and annuities pass directly to named beneficiaries — bypassing your will entirely. Outdated beneficiary designations are one of the most common and costly estate planning mistakes. An ex-spouse, a deceased parent, or no designation at all can redirect your entire retirement savings.

For Larger Estates

Revocable Living Trust

A trust can hold your assets during your lifetime and transfer them to heirs without probate. It also provides privacy — unlike a will, a trust is not a public document. If your estate is complex or you want to avoid Michigan probate, a trust may be the right tool.

FastWill — Janine's Partner

Get a legal will in the same conversation

Through Janine's FastWill partnership, you can have a legally-valid will drafted quickly and affordably — without a separate attorney appointment. Janine raises the topic in every retirement review because most clients have outdated or no documents.

1.Outdated beneficiary designations

Your IRA, 401k, and life insurance pass by beneficiary designation — not your will. If your ex-spouse, a deceased parent, or "estate" is still listed, your assets may not go where you intend. Janine reviews all designations in the retirement review.

2.No will at all

More than 60% of Americans die intestate — without a will. In Michigan, this means the state decides who inherits your assets according to a fixed formula. Your wishes are irrelevant without a valid will.

3.No Power of Attorney while still healthy

A POA can only be created while you have legal capacity. If you wait until a health crisis, it may be too late to appoint someone. Without a POA, a court guardianship proceeding — costing thousands and taking months — may be required.

4.Naming a minor as a direct beneficiary

Minors cannot directly inherit significant assets. If a minor is named and there's no guardian or trust designated, a court-supervised conservatorship may be required to manage the assets until age 18.

5.Not telling anyone where documents are kept

A perfectly drafted will that no one can find is nearly useless. Every family should know the location of key documents — or have a trusted person who does. Janine discusses document storage as part of the estate planning conversation.