How to Make Your Estate Plan Work in Real Life
Estate plans that work on paper can still fall apart. Here’s how to make yours effective.

Founder / Attorney
Michael L. RutkowskiJuly 8, 2025
Recently, I sat across from a client. His wife had just been diagnosed with dementia, I spent the weekend at the cottage with my wife and three girls soaking up sunshine and sneaking in a little fishing. Moments like those remind me why planning ahead matters: the best memories live on when the paperwork is in order. This week we’re zeroing in on two often-overlooked areas (the family cabin and your digital life).
Lynn, a recent client, has seen our team in action. Her words capture exactly what we strive for every day:
“I highly recommend Rutkowski Law Firm for all of your estate planning, Medicaid planning, and elder law needs. The staff are trustworthy, compassionate and responsive. I have referred several clients to this firm and they are all very pleased with the services provided.” – Lynn Habes
Her feedback reminds us that technical know-how isn’t enough; it’s the trust, compassion, and responsiveness behind every phone call, document draft, and family meeting that turn legal work into peace of mind.
Shielding the Family Cabin from Probate
Summer homes, hunting cabins, and lake cottages hold more than equity—they store decades of memories. Yet, if the deed is still in your individual name, that property can be stalled in probate for months after you pass, leaving your family unable to maintain or even use it.
How we help Michigan owners keep the keys in the family:
The right structure depends on your goals and the personalities involved. We’ll walk you through the options so next year’s July Fourth still happens on the same dock - with less legal hassle and more time for fireworks. What structure are talking about? Glad you asked. Our team put together a guide on how to protect your vacation home with a trust to help give you that framework to get started.
Stay Ahead of the Curve: How We Help Families Prepare
Every estate plan should reflect your current reality (not just your past goals).
Our team can help you:
Estate planning isn’t just legal work – it’s family protection with a strategy.
You don’t need to wait for certainty to get clarity.
If you’re unsure whether your estate or Medicaid plan still fits your life, we’re here to help—no pressure, just a thoughtful conversation about what matters to you.
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.
Estate plans that work on paper can still fall apart. Here’s how to make yours effective.
Founder / Attorney
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