How to Make Your Estate Plan Work in Real Life

Summer’s flying! For a lot of families, that means time at the lake, cabin, or heading north. I always think of this season as one that brings clarity. Whether it’s deciding to tackle something that’s been on your list for months or finally having the time to reflect and reset, summer pushes us to act. If you’ve been meaning to get your estate plan in order, or simply want to ensure it does what it’s intended to do, we can help.

Client Testimonial

Nicholas was deployed for a critical mission to protect our Country. He shares his gratitude as we were able to be there for him when his family needed us most.

"The Rutkowski law firm is amazing. I got notified that I had to deploy and recently had a daughter. They listened to my wife and I’s situation and did everything to take care of us. One month after talking with them I had my trust signed and ready to go right before I had to leave. They are amazing and I’m glad I was able to work with them! Highly recommend anyone that’s interested to talk with them!"

- Nicholas M. McKiernan, Bloomfield Hills, MI

The Real Cost of Probate in Michigan

When families hear about “avoiding probate,” they often think it’s about skipping paperwork. But probate is more than just a formality. It’s a legal process that can eat up time, rack up fees, and create tension among family members.

In Michigan, probate often includes attorney’s fees, court costs, inventory fees, and delays that can stretch for months or even years.

If your estate goes through probate, your family could lose 3 to 8% of its value just to administration. That doesn’t include the emotional cost of handling these logistics during an already difficult time. The good news: With the right plan, especially a properly funded trust, you can spare your loved ones that burden.

Why DIY Wills Fail

We’ve reviewed hundreds of estate plans written with online forms or off-the-shelf kits. Most have one thing in common: they don’t work. Whether it’s the wrong witnesses, unclear terms, or documents that aren’t legally enforceable in Michigan, the margin for error is huge.

One common failure? Beneficiaries who aren’t updated after a divorce or death.

Another? A will that doesn’t actually prevent probate.

A good estate plan isn’t just about having documents. It’s about ensuring your wishes remain valid when they matter most. That’s why we take the time to understand your goals and make sure every part of the plan supports them.

Let’s Build a Plan That Actually Works

Schedule your consultation today:
Call: 248-792-9193
Website: rutkowskilawfirm.com

We invite you to take advantage of ourfree downloadable guides for tips and checklists, or for advice and real client stories with ourvideo library.