Asset ProtectionShield your Michigan home, savings, and investments from unnecessary risk with proactive legal strategies.
Explore Asset ProtectionEstate Planning in Michigan — Protecting Families Across Rochester & Bloomfield Hills
Why Estate Planning Matters in Michigan
Estate planning is about making decisions today so your loved ones are protected tomorrow. In Michigan, that means planning for probate, Medicaid eligibility, and your family’s unique needs. At Rutkowski Law Firm, we meet families where they are—whether planning ahead or facing a crisis—so you can preserve your wishes and protect what matters most.
Trusted by Over 450 Clients with a 4.9 Star Rating
Highly recommend, fair cost for excellent estate plan. The firm set-up our Trusts and Will in 2018 with one of the attorneys at an affordable cost for a very comprehensive documents. Just had the 2nd follow up review (at no costs) with Mike Rutkowski who was very thorough and clear in addressing all our questions and concerns. The documents created initially was so robust that no legal updates needed yet so far since no changes in beneficiaries took place. "Normal" future family changes (additional kids and grand children) were predicted and covered that made maintaining the document is relatively easy and at no additional cost. Also been getting news letters that keep me educated of estate planning related topics. Thank you Mike for helping us protecting our family's future when we can no longer do it. Appreciate you.
Very professional and supportive as I moved through the estate planning process. Great communication and very easy to work with. They were upfront about the fee schedule. I highly recommend this firm.
What's Covered on This Page
Local Insight
How Michigan Law Affects Your Estate Plan
Estate planning rules vary by state. In Michigan, probate, deeds, and medical decision-making have unique requirements. We translate the legal fine print into plain English so your plan actually works when your family needs it. For hands-on help, see our Estate Planning Services.
- Probate in Michigan :
- When probate applies, typical timelines, and how trusts and beneficiary designations can help Rochester & Bloomfield Hills families avoid court.
- No Michigan Estate Tax :
- Michigan has no state estate tax; high-net-worth families may still need federal estate-tax planning — we’ll guide you.
- Lady Bird Deed Advantages :
- Michigan’s enhanced life estate deed can pass your home outside probate while preserving control for life.
- Medicaid & Long-Term Care :
- Michigan Medicaid rules are technical. We help protect the family home and savings with proactive strategies.
Plan for Every Stage of Life in Michigan
The Building Blocks of a Michigan Estate Plan
A complete Michigan estate plan protects your family’s future with the right documents — tailored to state law and your goals. Explore how Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Patient Advocate Designations, and Lady Bird Deeds work together to prevent probate headaches and keep decision-makers empowered. Learn more on our Estate Planning Services page.
- Last Will and Testament :
- Create a clear plan for how your assets will be distributed and who will care for minor children.
- Wills :
- Create a clear plan for how your assets will be distributed and who will care for minor children.
- Revocable Living Trusts :
- Create a clear plan for how your assets will be distributed and who will care for minor children.
- Powers of Attorney :
- Designate trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions if you can’t.
- Lady Bird Deeds :
- Keep your family home out of probate and protect it for future generations
Comparison for Michigan Families
Will vs. Trust: Which Is Right for Your Michigan Estate?
Both Wills and Trusts are common in Michigan — they just solve different problems. Many families use both to balance simplicity, privacy, and probate avoidance. If you’re deciding which route to take, our Estate Planning Services page explains how we tailor each option.
Main Purpose
Will: Distributes assets through probate after death
Trust: Manages and distributes assets during life and after death without probate
Privacy
Will: Public record after death
Trust: Private and confidential
Control During Life
Will: Limited impact until death
Trust: Allows management of assets if incapacitated
Flexibility
Will: Simple to create but less control
Trust: More customizable but requires maintenance
Ideal For
Will: Simple estates and straightforward distributions
Trust: Families wanting privacy, control, or asset protection
Planning for Every Stage of Life
When Should Michigan Families Start Estate Planning?
The right time is before life gets complicated. Whether you’re buying a first home in Rochester, relocating to Bloomfield Hills, welcoming a child, nearing retirement, or updating after a move to Michigan, proactive planning gives your family security, flexibility, and peace of mind.
- Marriage or Partnership :
- Establish financial protections and plan for your future family together.
- Birth or Adoption of a Child :
- Name legal guardians, create a Will or Trust, and plan for your child’s future security.
- Buying a Home :
- Protect your home and make sure it passes smoothly to your loved ones.
- Changes in Wealth :
- Reflect significant changes in wealth, ensuring your assets are protected and your family’s future stays secure.
- Health Changes :
- Plan for unexpected healthcare needs through Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Directives.
- Retirement Planning :
- Ensure your assets are preserved, your legacy is protected, and your wishes are clearly documented.
Explore Your Options
Protect What Matters Most in Michigan
Go deeper into the planning strategies Michigan families rely on most. From asset protection to comprehensive estate planning and understanding wills vs. trusts, learn how to keep your family secure today and tomorrow.
Asset Protection
Estate PlanningCreate a comprehensive plan that covers wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and more — tailored to Michigan law.
Start Estate Planning
Wills vs. TrustsUnderstand the pros and cons of wills and trusts, and why Michigan families often use both in a complete plan.
Compare Wills & Trusts
Beyond the Paperwork
Estate Planning for Health, Family & Legacy in Michigan
True estate planning isn’t just about money — it’s about your people. We protect your wishes and reduce stress with documents your family and Michigan institutions will actually accept. Explore service options on our Estate Planning Services page.
- Asset Protection Planning :
- Shield savings, your house, and investments from risks and costs.
- Revocable Living Trust :
- Manage assets privately, avoid probate, and stay in full control.
- Healthcare Directives :
- Ensure your medical treatment preferences are honored.
- Guardianship Planning :
- Protect young children by naming trusted guardians in advance.
Common Questions About Estate Planning in Michigan
Estate Planning Guide
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.
Are Your Powers of Attorney and Health Documents Ready for the Road?
Before your next trip, whether it's across state lines or across the ocean, make sure your legal documents are up to date.
Founder / Attorney
Planning for Properties Beyond Michigan
Vacation homes, rentals, or timeshares can complicate your estate. Here’s how to make sure they don’t.
Founder / Attorney
Staying Involved: How to Maintain Oversight in an Irrevocable Trust
Irrevocable doesn’t mean hands-off learn how to retain control and flexibility while protecting your assets.
Founder / Attorney
From the Video Library
Learn the ins and outs of estate planning from the estate planning attorney, Michael Rutkowski.
Estate Planning
How to Include Cryptocurrency in Your Estate Plan
Cryptocurrency can't be titled in a trust, but it can still be part of your estate plan. Attorney Michael Rutkowski explains how to pass on digital assets like Bitcoin using key-based access and trustee instructions.
Michael Rutkowski
Attorney at Rutkowski Law Firm
Estate Planning
How A Trust Works
Unlike a will, a trust helps you avoid probate, ensures seamless asset distribution, and provides financial protection for your loved ones. In this video, estate planning attorney Michael Rutkowski breaks down the mechanics of a trust, from setting it up to funding it properly.
Michael Rutkowski
Attorney at Rutkowski Law Firm
Estate Planning
When to Start Estate Planning
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly—it’s essential for everyone. But when is the right time to start? In this video, estate planning attorney Michael Rutkowski discusses key life scenarios where estate planning becomes crucial.
Michael Rutkowski
Attorney at Rutkowski Law Firm
Request a Consultation
With offices in Rochester and Bloomfield Hills, we’re proud to serve families throughout Michigan. Prefer virtual? We offer video consultations for estate planning, so you can plan from the comfort of home.
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“Their whole team was amazing to work with! The attorneys were very knowledgeable and made it easy to understand. We chose virtual planning process option because it was so much more convenient with my work schedule but they offered to meet in person too of we didn't do zoom. Highly Recommended!”
Whitney Ollila