Our dedicated Novi estate planning lawyer, Douglas Kuthy, is not just a seasoned professional with over thirty-five years of experience in estate planning and probate law. He is a trusted advisor who has transformed the lives of his clients and shaped their futures through meticulously crafted legacy plans.
Douglas offers personalized advice that can help Michigan residents see the specific benefits of their situation and address their unique concerns. This includes some of the most compelling reasons for estate planning, such as protecting minor children, avoiding probate, minimizing taxes, and ensuring healthcare wishes are honored.
A northwestern suburb of Detroit, Novi is home to over 66,000 people, an increase of 20% from a decade ago. This means the town is growing exponentially in terms of population and economy. This growth requires individuals and families to protect the lives they have worked so hard to build. We can help.
It is our law firm’s goal to explain that estate planning is not just for the wealthy by outlining affordable options for those concerned about cost so they can focus on the peace of mind it provides. Without an estate plan, the risks are real, and the consequences can be severe. Please don’t wait until it’s too late.
Whether you are creating your first will, interested in understanding the benefits of different types of trusts, or need to update your plans to align with your current needs, our dedicated Oakland County estate planning attorney is here to help. Contact Douglas Kuthy today to schedule a meeting to discuss your unique estate planning needs.
Douglas Kuthy: Novi, MI Estate Planning Attorney Practice Areas
Our Novi estate planning attorney understands every individual’s situation is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not address specific needs and goals. We provide personalized advice and create a customized estate plan that aligns with each client’s circumstances and wishes.
What’s more, we use a flat rate fee system that makes our services accessible to individuals, couples, and families throughout Michigan, including:
- Financial Powers of Attorney
- Health Care Powers of Attorney
- Trusts
- Wills
- Probate
Our skilled estate planning attorney in Novi provides our fellow Michigan residents with peace of mind at a reasonable price so they can confidently plan their futures, knowing that no decision or detail is left to chance. Contact Douglas Kuthy today to learn how he can help you establish and maintain your legacy while you are here to enjoy it and long after you are gone.
Affordable Estate Planning Lawyer in Novi, Michigan, Providing Tailored Advice for All Michigan Residents
Focusing on estate planning is essential to our Novi attorney because he believes everyone should have equal access to legal solutions to protect their current decisions and future needs fully. This is why we charge flat rate legal fees, never an hourly charge, and never any surprises.
This allows our clients to understand the nuances behind estate planning beyond the basics of creating a will.
That includes:
- Living Trusts
Unlike a will, a living trust can help your estate avoid probate, provide privacy, and manage your assets if incapacitated. It can ensure a smoother and quicker transfer of assets to beneficiaries.
- Durable Power of Attorney
This document allows you to designate someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Without it, your family may need to go through a court process to gain control of your finances.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will
These documents allow you to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf and specify your wishes for medical treatment if you cannot communicate them yourself.
- Beneficiary Designations
It is crucial to ensure that beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial assets are current. These designations supersede instructions in a will and can facilitate the transfer of assets without probate.
- Payable-on-Death (POD) and Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Accounts
These designations on bank and brokerage accounts can transfer assets directly to beneficiaries upon death, avoiding probate.
- Guardianship Designations
If you have minor children, designating a guardian in your estate plan ensures they are cared for by someone you trust if you pass away or become incapacitated.
- Letters of Instruction
This document provides additional guidance to your executor and family. It can include information about your assets, debts, funeral wishes, and other personal instructions.
- Business Succession Planning
Business owners must plan for the future of the business. This may involve naming successors, creating buy-sell agreements, and ensuring the company can operate smoothly.
- Digital Asset Planning
With the rise of digital assets, it’s important to include provisions for managing and transferring digital property, such as online accounts, social media profiles, and cryptocurrencies.
- Special Needs Trusts
If you have a dependent with special needs, a special needs trust can ensure they receive financial support without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits.
- Charitable Giving
Including philanthropic donations in your estate plan can provide tax benefits and allow you to leave a lasting legacy for causes you care about. This can be done through bequests, charitable trusts, or donor-advised funds.
Understanding and incorporating these essential components into an estate plan ensures a more comprehensive and practical approach to managing your assets and protecting your loved ones. Even if you have an existing estate plan, it should be reviewed and updated regularly, especially after significant life events like marriage, divorce, childbirth, or substantial financial status changes. We can help you get started or make any changes that help align your estate plan with your complete wishes.
Contact Our Attorney at Douglas Kuthy Today
Contact Douglas Kuthy today to discuss your estate planning needs during a free consultation. From there, we will schedule a meeting so you can start protecting everything you have worked so hard to achieve.
