Probate-Proof Your Legacy Before New Rules Hit
Keep your Michigan cottage & digital life out of probate so memories last for your family.

Founder / Attorney
Michael L. RutkowskiJune 16, 2025
Financial planning isn’t a one-and-done effort, especially in a year like this. With tax policy in the spotlight and new legislation under discussion, it’s a smart time to step back and ask: Does my estate plan still match the world we’re living in?
If you’ve created a trust or asset protection plan in the last few years, you’ve taken a decisive first step. However, with proposed changes to tax deductions, exemptions, and wealth transfer strategies gaining traction, it may be time to revisit those documents and make adjustments.
Lawmakers are considering changes that could impact high-net-worth families, small business owners, and individuals with modest estates but significant asset growth. As Kiplinger recently reported, these proposals could reduce deductions, alter how trusts are taxed, and impact how much of your estate stays with your family.
If you’ve worked hard to build something, whether it’s a business, a real estate portfolio, or a long-term nest egg, these shifts could change the math behind your planning.
It’s not about panic. It’s about preparation.
Many people assume that once a trust is created, it’s done. Just as your financial goals or family needs evolve, your estate plan should also change.
A quick review now can help:
And if your plan was designed under older tax thresholds or for a different phase of life, that’s even more reason to check in.
When we meet for a review, we’ll help you:
✅ Assess your current trust structure and identify any associated risks.
✅ Explore strategies like decanting (updating an existing trust without starting from scratch).
✅ Identify opportunities for gifting, restructuring, or asset repositioning.
✅ Ensure that successor trustees and beneficiaries remain aligned with your intentions.
This isn’t a total overhaul; it’s a tune-up to ensure your plan continues to drive the way you need it to.
Even the most thoughtful estate plan needs maintenance. And with policy shifts on the horizon, now’s the time to review what’s working, what’s changed, and what needs a refresh.
At Rutkowski Law Firm, we’re here to help you navigate these updates with clarity and confidence, so your legacy stays protected, no matter what comes next.
Estate Planning is an essential process that will protect your assets and ensure you’re your estate is distributed according to your wishes after your death.
Many people make mistakes when creating their estate plan, which can lead to unnecessary stress, confusion, and costly legal battles for their loved ones. Below, our estate planning team put together the top 10 and most common mistakes we see in estate planning.
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