Uncomplicated Estate Planning for Your Peace of Mind
In the face of adversity you deserve to have a plan that protects your family, assets and the legacy you’ve worked so hard to build.
Get your estate planning done right in a few steps.
Discuss “life and death” issues with caring, experienced professionals.
Keep your estate plan up-to-date with our free annual check-ups.
We understand what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by all the decisions you need to make
You know you need a plan in place so that in the event of dementia, illness, or death, you can protect your family, assets, and the legacy you’ve worked so hard to build.
But thinking about all of the decisions that need to be made leaves you feeling stuck, anxious, and confused. You’ve heard there are ways to protect your assets, but where do you start?
Our team understands that it can be uncomfortable to think about these scenarios, so we guide you each step of the way to design a plan that works for your family.
At Wenzel Bennett & Harris PC, we believe that you deserve the peace of mind that comes from being prepared.
We’ve designed a process that takes the guesswork out of estate planning. We’ll guide you step-by-step so that you can feel confident that your family has everything they need.
Based on survey results, our clients rate our services high for satisfaction, outcome, and experience:
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Overall Service Satisfaction
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Helpful & Beneficial Advice
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Responsive to Questions & Concerns
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Staff's Knowledge & Skills
“Make estate planning a PRIORITY! Have a plan-avoid probate when possible.”
Jacci S.
“Working with your law firm was by far the best experience I’ve ever had with any law firm I’ve dealt with. Your professionalism and work are awesome!”
Ruth M.
“Prompt, professional, extremely knowledgeable.”
Nicole S.
Get started
Call our Office to schedule an Estate Planning Consultation.
Call our office to learn more about our process and schedule your Estate Planning Consultation. During your consultation, well make sure you understand all of the options available to you and provide detailed recommendations that suit your needs.
Follow our step-by-step process to plan your estate.
Your family is unique, and so is your estate plan. If you elect to proceed with our recommendations, we’ll walk you step-by-step through the process of creating a set of estate planning documents that fit your needs.
Enjoy peace of mind that you’re prepared for the future.
Feel the weight lifted off your shoulders knowing that you’ll leave your family with the information they need and that your assets will be preserved the way you want them to be.
Estate Planning Attorneys in Alpena, MI
Many people think that estate planning is only for the wealthy or those who are facing the end of life. The fact is, almost every individual and family should have an estate plan. Without a plan of your own, the State of Michigan and the IRS control how your assets are distributed after you pass away.
More importantly, a properly created estate plan allows you to control who is able to make financial and health care decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Otherwise, a court will decide, and it may very well choose someone you would never have wanted to make these very personal decisions for you, including medical treatment decisions regarding the care you receive at the end of your life.
If you have minor children, your estate plan will include naming the appropriate people to raise your children and to manage their money. Without a proper designation of a guardian for your children, if you can no longer raise your children due to a catastrophic accident, sudden death or disability, a court is going to make decisions about the upbringing of your children. You would never want to leave a decision about your children to chance or to a decision by a court.
If you have beneficiaries who would be unable to manage the assets left to them after your death, due to disability, incapacity, special needs or lack of financial skills, we can help you design a trust which allows you to name someone who will use the assets to provide for the care of that person, without the assets being transferred to that individual.
There are many tools and strategies we can use to accomplish these goals include:
- A variety of Trusts, such as Revocable Living Trusts, Irrevocable Trusts and Special Needs Trusts
- Wills
- Financial Powers of Attorney
- Patient Advocate Designations
- Authorizations for Release of Protected Health Information
- Guardianship Nominations
- Ladybird Deeds and other Transfers of Real Estate
- Beneficiary Designations for Life Insurance and Retirement Accounts
Once you have designed your estate plan, we will continue to work with you to keep your plan current as your life and family situation changes and as the law changes. Estate planning is a dynamic process. Your estate plan should grow and change as you do and meet the unique needs of each stage of your life. Contact Wenzel Bennett & Harris PC today to schedule your first consultation.