Estate Planning

 

ESTATE PLANNING

“I want to control my property while I am alive, take care of me and my loved ones if I become disabled, and give what I have to whom I want, the way I want and when I want. Furthermore, if I can, I want to save every last tax dollar, professional fee and court cost legally possible.”

WHAT ESTATE PLANNING IS ALL ABOUT:

We listen closely to understand the individual needs of our clients so that they can create a customized estate plan to meet the objectives of each individual client.

With our guidance, clients gain peace of mind that their long term needs will be met, that their assets will be protected for the benefit of the person or persons they choose and most importantly, their family will be protected in the event of the unexpected.

A Simple Explanation of Just How a Living Trust Works:

Estate Planning Tailored to Your Family

 If you think you are too young, too old, or don’t have enough assets to put together an estate plan, think again. These are common myths surrounding the topic of estate planning.  


It is never too early or too late to prepare a proper estate plan. If you have not done any estate planning, now is the time to start. Estate planning can help people accomplish their estate planning objectives. 

Even if you have done some estate planning, it is a good idea to check with an attorney to make sure your estate plan is up to date to get optimum results in light of possible changes in laws or tax regulations. Also, if you have an existing estate plan, see the Top Ten Mistakes People Make in Estate Planning to make sure that you are avoiding any unnecessary pitfalls of planning incorrectly.

The O’Bryan Law Firm provides clients all over Michigan with customized estate planning services tailored to meet each individual’s needs.

Our estate planning services include:

  • Trusts

  • Special Needs and Disability Trusts

  • Will Preparation

  • Business Succession Planning

  • Advice on Asset Protection

  • Counsel on Wealth Preservation

  • Guardianships and Conservatorships

  • Durable Powers of Attorney

  • Living Wills

  • Health Care Proxies and Directives

  • Family Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies

  • A complimentary checkup on your existing estate plan

Experienced and Compassionate

Estate planning needs a compassionate touch. Putting your final affairs in order is not the happiest topic in the world. With almost 30 years of experience and a genuine desire to make sure your wishes are met, we can put your mind at rest about this important work.

Avoiding Probate

Why is estate planning important? Without the right paperwork in place, your estate may go into probate when you die. Probate is the legal process through which the courts will divide your estate.

Probate courts are notorious for being horrendously slow and your family may be waiting for years to receive their inheritance. Not to mention, the courts may not divide your assets the way which you would have preferred.

 
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“Estate Planning isn’t about how much you own, but rather how much you care.”

 

Avoid Taxes

Estate taxes and capital gains taxes due at death can eat away significantly at your estate, leaving your heirs with a much smaller portion of their inheritance. However, there are many options you can take advantage of while you're still alive to protect your estate from the IRS. We'll help you choose the best options for your situation.

Protect Your Loved Ones

Whether you have minor dependents or an adult child with special needs, you want to know they will be taken care of if you're not around. We'll help you set up trusts that your dependents can access once they're more mature or make arrangements to care for your incapacitated adult child until the end of their life.

Private Estate Planning

Working with an estate planning lawyer allows you to keep your affairs to yourself. Nobody in your family has to know what your plans are. When you die, our office will take care of notifying the right people about their roles and inheritances.

How It Works

Estate planning can feel complicated, but working with an estate planning attorney makes the process simple for you.

  1. Initial Consultation

At your initial consultation, you'll discuss your main goals for your estate with our estate attorney. Perhaps you're looking to avoid nursing home poverty or anticipate needing care yourself and want to set it up while you're still of sound mind. You may also be looking for something a little more complicated, like protecting your heirs' assets from disgruntled spouses in case of a divorce.

2. We Design Your Custom Plan

Once we understand your goals, we'll go about preparing a custom plan that meets your specific needs.

3. Sign the Paperwork

After we have everything in order, you'll come back in to review and sign the documents. From there, your information is kept private and safe at our offices, your wishes ready to be carried out when the time comes.

See What Our Clients Say

“Sean O'Bryan is extremely knowledgeable about estate and elder law and is taking good care of my father and his estate and trust.”

-LW, Lapeer

“Sean has does excellent work for our family, and always remains incredibly friendly and professional. And, the office staff is very helpful as well. We would recommend!”

-JF, Clio

“Sean Paul O’Bryan is simply the best attorney I have ever met. He is real and down to earth. Most attorneys are stuffy and unapproachable. This guy understand people, and he understands the law. I will never use anyone else.”

-TH, Grand Blanc

 Call Now to Get Started

It's never too soon to make sure you have your affairs in order. Life can be uncertain, but with the proper planning, you will have the peace of mind that your family won't be struggling to figure out your final wishes. Everything will already be organized for them.