[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":4318},["ShallowReactive",2],{"service-lady-bird-deed":3,"locations":165,"locationAll":1939,"leadership":3274,"blogLatest-/blog/why-lady-bird-deeds-are-the-secret-to-flying-through-estate-planning-/blog/the-risks-of-using-a-quitclaim-deed-without-legal-advice-/blog/when-should-you-use-a-quitclaim-deed-in-michigan-lady bird deed-quitclaim-enhanced life estate":3483,"$QEJIbFX0hy":4216},{"_path":4,"_dir":5,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":8,"description":9,"h1":10,"eyebrow":11,"answerCapsule":12,"hub":5,"topic":13,"serviceType":14,"testimonialsType":15,"differentiators":16,"heroImage":19,"heroImageAlt":20,"faqs":21,"relatedPosts":34,"topics":38,"body":42,"_type":159,"_id":160,"_source":161,"_file":162,"_stem":163,"_extension":164},"/services/estate-planning/lady-bird-deed","estate-planning",false,"en","Lady Bird Deeds in Michigan","A Lady Bird deed lets your Michigan home skip probate while you keep full control during your lifetime. Rutkowski Law Firm records it and confirms it's done.","Protect Your Home From Probate Without Giving Up Control","Michigan Lady Bird Deed Lawyer","A Lady Bird deed protects your Michigan home from probate court. You keep full control while you're alive, and it passes straight to the person you choose the moment you're gone. At Rutkowski Law Firm, we don't stop at drafting it. We record the deed with the county ourselves and confirm the transfer went through, for one flat fee, so your family is never left holding an unrecorded document.","deeds","Lady Bird Deed","estatePlanning",[17,18],"funding","asset-shield","/img/hero/lady-bird-deed.webp","Family moving into new home",[22,25,28,31],{"q":23,"a":24},"Does a Lady Bird deed override a will in Michigan?","Yes. A Lady Bird deed transfers the property directly to the named beneficiary the moment you pass away, outside of probate, so it takes effect before a will ever would. The will has no say over that specific property. \u003C!-- TODO: verify against a current Michigan title-practice or case-law source before publishing -->",{"q":26,"a":27},"Can I still sell or mortgage my home after signing a Lady Bird deed?","Yes. You keep full control during your lifetime, including the right to sell, mortgage, or change the deed entirely. The named beneficiary has no rights to the property until you pass away.",{"q":29,"a":30},"Is a Lady Bird deed Medicaid-friendly?","Because you retain full control and the transfer doesn't happen until death, a Lady Bird deed is commonly used alongside Medicaid planning to help preserve a home for the next generation. \u003C!-- TODO: verify current Michigan Medicaid estate-recovery treatment before publishing -->",{"q":32,"a":33},"Is this a flat fee, or does the cost change?","Yes. One number, quoted upfront before we start, paid once. No add-ons, and no separate bill later for confirming the county recording went through.",[35,36,37],"/blog/why-lady-bird-deeds-are-the-secret-to-flying-through-estate-planning","/blog/the-risks-of-using-a-quitclaim-deed-without-legal-advice","/blog/when-should-you-use-a-quitclaim-deed-in-michigan",[39,40,41],"lady bird deed","quitclaim","enhanced life estate",{"type":43,"children":44,"toc":147},"root",[45,54,60,65,71,76,82,87,93,98,104,109,115,120,126,131,137,142],{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":48,"children":50},"element","h2",{"id":49},"what-is-a-lady-bird-deed",[51],{"type":52,"value":53},"text","What Is a Lady Bird Deed?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":56,"children":57},"p",{},[58],{"type":52,"value":59},"A Lady Bird deed protects your home from probate court. You keep full ownership while you're alive, so you can sell it, mortgage it, or change your mind whenever you want. The moment you're gone, it passes straight to the person you named, without going to court. Some attorneys call it an enhanced life estate deed. At Rutkowski Law Firm we build it into your Asset Shield™ alongside your will, power of attorney, and any trust, because protecting the house is rarely the only thing on the table.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":61,"children":62},{},[63],{"type":52,"value":64},"If you're the one making sure a parent's house doesn't get stuck in probate, start here. It's the cheapest, fastest piece to knock out, usually in one visit, so it's off your list while you sort out everything else.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":66,"children":68},{"id":67},"does-a-lady-bird-deed-override-a-will-in-michigan",[69],{"type":52,"value":70},"Does a Lady Bird Deed Override a Will in Michigan?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":72,"children":73},{},[74],{"type":52,"value":75},"Yes. The deed transfers the house the moment you pass away, before your will ever comes into play. If your will says something different about the house, the deed wins, because the house was never part of your probate estate to begin with. That's exactly why the deed and the will need to come from the same place, coordinated together, not pieced together from separate forms.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":77,"children":79},{"id":78},"lady-bird-deed-vs-quitclaim-deed",[80],{"type":52,"value":81},"Lady Bird Deed vs. Quitclaim Deed",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":83,"children":84},{},[85],{"type":52,"value":86},"A quitclaim deed transfers your home right now, permanently. The moment you sign it, you give up ownership and control. If the person you gave it to goes through a divorce, a lawsuit, or a creditor problem, your home can be exposed to that too. A Lady Bird deed does the opposite: you keep full ownership, the right to sell, and the right to change your mind, for as long as you're alive, and the transfer only happens at death. At Rutkowski Law Firm, we see families who used a quitclaim deed on a friend's advice and later couldn't undo it; a Lady Bird deed avoids that problem by design.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":88,"children":90},{"id":89},"can-a-power-of-attorney-sign-a-lady-bird-deed",[91],{"type":52,"value":92},"Can a Power of Attorney Sign a Lady Bird Deed?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":94,"children":95},{},[96],{"type":52,"value":97},"Sometimes. It depends on whether the power of attorney specifically says so. A lot of older or generic power of attorney forms don't grant that authority, even though the family assumed they did. It's one of the most common gaps we find when we review a family's existing paperwork: the document exists, it just wasn't written broadly enough to cover a home transfer like this one. ",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":99,"children":101},{"id":100},"lady-bird-deed-vs-a-living-trust",[102],{"type":52,"value":103},"Lady Bird Deed vs. a Living Trust",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":105,"children":106},{},[107],{"type":52,"value":108},"Both a Lady Bird deed and a revocable living trust can keep a Michigan home out of probate, but they solve different-sized problems. A Lady Bird deed protects a single asset, the house, with one recorded document and a lower upfront cost. A living trust can hold the house along with bank accounts, investments, and other property, and it lets you spell out more detailed instructions (a staggered inheritance for a grandchild, for instance) than a deed can. For a family whose main concern is keeping the house out of probate and nothing more complicated than that, a Lady Bird deed alone is often enough; for a family with multiple properties, blended-family considerations, or a desire for more control over how and when heirs receive an inheritance, a trust does more work. At Rutkowski Law Firm, we walk through both with you rather than defaulting to whichever is more profitable to draft. Some families genuinely only need the deed.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":110,"children":112},{"id":111},"what-happens-to-a-michigan-home-without-a-lady-bird-deed-or-a-trust",[113],{"type":52,"value":114},"What Happens to a Michigan Home Without a Lady Bird Deed or a Trust",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":116,"children":117},{},[118],{"type":52,"value":119},"If a Michigan homeowner dies owning their house in their own name, with no Lady Bird deed and no trust, that house has to go through probate before it can be transferred to anyone, even if there's a will naming exactly who should get it. Probate on real estate typically means a court-supervised process that can take months, involves filing fees and often attorney fees paid out of the estate, and becomes part of the public record. For the adult child who ends up handling this for a parent, it also usually means the house can't be sold or refinanced until probate closes, which can be a real problem if the family is counting on the proceeds to cover a parent's final expenses or an inheritance is needed sooner rather than later. A recorded Lady Bird deed avoids all of this for that one asset, which is exactly why it's often the first document we recommend to a family that's worried specifically about the house.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":121,"children":123},{"id":122},"who-should-consider-a-lady-bird-deed",[124],{"type":52,"value":125},"Who Should Consider a Lady Bird Deed",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":127,"children":128},{},[129],{"type":52,"value":130},"A Lady Bird deed tends to make the most sense for a Michigan homeowner who owns one primary residence, wants a simple and lower-cost way to keep that specific asset out of probate, and either already has a trust for everything else or has decided their other assets don't need one. It's a poor fit on its own for a family with a blended household, a minor child who would inherit directly, or multiple properties that need coordinated instructions. Those situations usually call for a trust instead, or a trust plus a deed together. Because the right answer depends on what else is in the estate and who's involved, this is a decision worth making with an attorney rather than from a downloaded form, and it's why this page exists as one piece of the estate-planning conversation rather than a stand-alone product.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":132,"children":134},{"id":133},"how-a-lady-bird-deed-fits-into-a-complete-estate-plan",[135],{"type":52,"value":136},"How a Lady Bird Deed Fits Into a Complete Estate Plan",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":138,"children":139},{},[140],{"type":52,"value":141},"A Lady Bird deed protects one asset: your home. It doesn't name a guardian for minor children, it doesn't give anyone authority over your finances while you're alive but incapacitated, and it doesn't address anything you own besides that specific property. A complete Michigan estate plan pairs it with a will or trust for everything else, a durable power of attorney for finances, and a patient advocate designation for medical decisions. Each one covers a gap the others leave open.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":143,"children":144},{},[145],{"type":52,"value":146},"At Rutkowski Law Firm, we don't consider a plan finished until the deed is signed, notarized, and recorded with the county register of deeds. We record the deed ourselves, confirm the recording came back from the county, and keep a copy in your file. The binder doesn't leave our office until we've confirmed that step is done. We don't leave an unrecorded document for your family to discover, and possibly need to fix, later.",{"title":148,"searchDepth":149,"depth":149,"links":150},"",2,[151,152,153,154,155,156,157,158],{"id":49,"depth":149,"text":53},{"id":67,"depth":149,"text":70},{"id":78,"depth":149,"text":81},{"id":89,"depth":149,"text":92},{"id":100,"depth":149,"text":103},{"id":111,"depth":149,"text":114},{"id":122,"depth":149,"text":125},{"id":133,"depth":149,"text":136},"markdown","content:services:estate-planning:lady-bird-deed.md","content","services/estate-planning/lady-bird-deed.md","services/estate-planning/lady-bird-deed","md",[166,520,792,1089,1375,1648],{"_path":167,"_dir":168,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":169,"description":170,"seoTitle":171,"h1":171,"headline":172,"answerCapsule":173,"streetAddress":174,"city":169,"state":175,"zip":176,"phone":177,"url":178,"map":179,"directions":180,"review":181,"phoneDisplay":182,"attorney":183,"attorneyUrl":184,"meetings":185,"inPerson":6,"ratingValue":186,"reviewCount":187,"ratingAsOf":188,"gbpName":189,"gbpCid":190,"latitude":191,"longitude":192,"county":193,"probateCourt":194,"areasServed":195,"services":201,"testimonialsLocation":211,"heroImage":212,"heroImageAlt":213,"differentiators":214,"faqs":218,"subhead":231,"nearestOffice":232,"nearestOfficeName":233,"nearestOfficeAddress":234,"nearestOfficeDirections":235,"body":236,"_type":159,"_id":517,"_source":161,"_file":518,"_stem":519,"_extension":164},"/about-us/locations/ann-arbor","locations","Ann Arbor","Estate planning and asset protection for Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, by video or at our Troy office. Home and accounts moved into your trust. 4.9 stars from 67 Google reviews. Call (866) 577-7296.","Estate Planning Lawyer in Ann Arbor, MI","Probate avoidance and asset protection for Ann Arbor families","Rutkowski Law Firm works with Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County families by secure video and in person at its Troy office, 801 W. Big Beaver Road, led by founding attorney Michael L. Rutkowski. We protect homes, savings and retirement accounts from probate court, lawsuits and long-term care costs, and we do the work families usually get stuck on: moving your home and accounts into your trust, recording your deed with the county and confirming in writing that your plan is done. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 67 Google reviews. Call (866) 577-7296.","315 E Eisenhower Pkwy, Suite 303b","MI","48108","+1 866-577-7296","https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rutkowski+Law+Firm+Asset+Protection+%26+Estate+Planning/@42.237035,-83.724137,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xcb96ebb3a1e6ba72!8m2!3d42.2452637!4d-83.7470967?shorturl=1","https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d11815.771197002985!2d-83.724137!3d42.237035!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x883caf0ac4d8dc43%3A0xcb96ebb3a1e6ba72!2sRutkowski%20Law%20Firm%20Asset%20Protection%20%26%20Estate%20Planning!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sgg!4v1737720648098!5m2!1sen!2sgg","https://maps.app.goo.gl/FgDyxKGAMCxzsB7b6","https://www.google.com/search?q=rutkowski+law+firm+ann+arbor&rlz=1C1RXQR_enUS960US960&oq=rutkowski+law+firm+ann+arbor+&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i65j69i60j69i65j69i60l3j69i65.3146j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-#lrd=0x883caf0ac4d8dc43:0xcb96ebb3a1e6ba72,3,,,,","(866) 577-7296","Michael L. Rutkowski","/about-us/team/michael-rutkowski/","By secure video, or in person at our Troy or Rochester office","4.9",67,"October 6, 2026","Rutkowski Law Firm Estate Planning & Asset Protection","14670171992953895538",42.2452637,-83.7470967,"Washtenaw","Washtenaw County Probate Court in Ann Arbor",[169,196,197,198,199,200],"Ypsilanti","Saline","Dexter","Chelsea","Pittsfield Township",[202,203,204,205,206,207,208,209,210],"Estate planning","Living trusts","Wills","Powers of attorney","Lady Bird deeds","Medicaid and nursing home planning","Elder law","Probate","Guardianship and conservatorship","Ann Arbor, MI","/img/hero/ann-arbor.webp","Downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan",[17,18,215,216,217],"crisis-speed","process","virtual",[219,222,225,228],{"q":220,"a":221},"Which court handles probate for Ann Arbor estates?","Ann Arbor is in Washtenaw County, so estates go through the Washtenaw County Probate Court in Ann Arbor. Assets in a funded living trust skip that court.",{"q":223,"a":224},"Do my retirement accounts go into the trust?","Usually not directly. IRAs, 401(k)s and 403(b)s pass by beneficiary designation, so we review and update those forms to match your plan instead of retitling the account.",{"q":226,"a":227},"Where do in-person meetings happen?","Most Ann Arbor clients meet with us by secure video. If you'd rather meet in person, we'll see you at our Troy office at 801 W. Big Beaver Road or our Rochester office at 312 East Street.",{"q":229,"a":230},"Our kids live out of state. Can they be part of the process?","Yes. They can join any meeting by video, and we make sure the powers of attorney name people who can actually act when it's needed.","Most law firms hand you a binder and a to-do list. Rutkowski Law Firm does the work families usually get stuck on: moving your home and accounts into your trust, recording your deed with the county and confirming in writing that your plan is done.","troy","Troy","801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 600, Troy, MI 48084","https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=801+W+Big+Beaver+Rd+Suite+600,+Troy,+MI+48084",{"type":43,"children":237,"toc":509},[238,244,260,315,320,326,331,336,341,347,352,371,377,382,450,455,465,471,476,481,487,492,497],{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":239,"children":241},{"id":240},"whats-different-about-planning-in-ann-arbor",[242],{"type":52,"value":243},"What's different about planning in Ann Arbor?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":245,"children":246},{},[247,249,258],{"type":52,"value":248},"Many Ann Arbor families hold much of their wealth in retirement accounts and a valuable home. The median Ann Arbor home is worth about $453,000, according to the ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":251,"children":255},"a",{"href":252,"rel":253},"https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/annarborcitymichigan/PST045224",[254],"nofollow",[256],{"type":52,"value":257},"U.S. Census Bureau",{"type":52,"value":259},". Retirement accounts pass by beneficiary form, not by will or trust, so those forms have to match the plan.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":261,"children":262},{},[263,265,271,273,279,280,285,286,292,293,298,299,305,307,313],{"type":52,"value":264},"That's where plans most often go wrong: a careful trust, and an IRA or 403(b) still naming an ex-spouse or a parent who has passed. If your children live out of state, a finished plan, and powers of attorney someone can actually use from a distance, matter even more. Rutkowski Law Firm handles ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":266,"children":268},{"href":267},"/estate-planning/",[269],{"type":52,"value":270},"estate planning",{"type":52,"value":272},", ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":274,"children":276},{"href":275},"/estate-planning/trusts/revocable-trust/",[277],{"type":52,"value":278},"living trusts",{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":281,"children":283},{"href":282},"/estate-planning/lady-bird-deed/",[284],{"type":52,"value":206},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":287,"children":289},{"href":288},"/estate-planning/power-of-attorney/",[290],{"type":52,"value":291},"powers of attorney",{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":294,"children":296},{"href":295},"/medicaid-planning/",[297],{"type":52,"value":207},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":300,"children":302},{"href":301},"/asset-protection/",[303],{"type":52,"value":304},"asset protection",{"type":52,"value":306}," and ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":308,"children":310},{"href":309},"/guardianship-conservatorship/",[311],{"type":52,"value":312},"guardianship and conservatorship",{"type":52,"value":314},".",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":316,"children":317},{},[318],{"type":52,"value":319},"The Asset Shield™ is the complete plan: your trust, deeds, powers of attorney and beneficiary forms, drafted, signed and funded so they work together.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":321,"children":323},{"id":322},"what-does-done-for-you-mean-at-rutkowski-law-firm",[324],{"type":52,"value":325},"What does \"done for you\" mean at Rutkowski Law Firm?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":327,"children":328},{},[329],{"type":52,"value":330},"It means Ann Arbor families leave with a finished plan, not a to-do list. We move your home and accounts into your trust, record your deed with the county, send the beneficiary-change forms and confirm in writing that your plan is done.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":332,"children":333},{},[334],{"type":52,"value":335},"For most Ann Arbor families that means retitling the home and bank accounts into the trust, recording the deed with the Washtenaw County Register of Deeds, and reviewing every retirement-account and life-insurance beneficiary form so it matches the plan.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":337,"children":338},{},[339],{"type":52,"value":340},"Most Michigan estate planning attorneys hand Ann Arbor families a binder and leave the bank visits and county filings to them. An unfunded trust doesn't keep anything out of probate court, which is why we treat funding as part of the plan, not an extra. You won't leave with homework.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":342,"children":344},{"id":343},"what-if-the-family-is-already-in-a-crisis",[345],{"type":52,"value":346},"What if the family is already in a crisis?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":348,"children":349},{},[350],{"type":52,"value":351},"Call us. Rutkowski Law Firm has turned around emergency powers of attorney by the next day, with a notary sent to wherever the parent is, such as a hospital room at Michigan Medicine or Trinity Health Ann Arbor.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":353,"children":354},{},[355,357,361,363,369],{"type":52,"value":356},"If a parent can no longer make decisions and there's no power of attorney in place, we handle ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":358,"children":359},{"href":309},[360],{"type":52,"value":312},{"type":52,"value":362},". Our guardianship fee includes ongoing guidance and a yearly check-in, so the family isn't left on its own after the court date. If a parent already needs nursing home care, Michigan Medicaid looks back five years at gifts and transfers, so talk to us before moving any money. ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":364,"children":366},{"href":365},"/practice-areas/crisis-planning/",[367],{"type":52,"value":368},"Crisis planning",{"type":52,"value":370}," can often still protect part of the savings.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":372,"children":374},{"id":373},"how-does-the-process-work",[375],{"type":52,"value":376},"How does the process work?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":378,"children":379},{},[380],{"type":52,"value":381},"Every Ann Arbor plan follows the same four steps, and the Rutkowski Law Firm team stays with you through all of them: a Vision Consultation, a design meeting, the signing, and the funding. Nothing is left for you to finish on your own.",{"type":46,"tag":383,"props":384,"children":385},"ol",{},[386,414,430,440],{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":388,"children":389},"li",{},[390,396,398,404,406,412],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":392,"children":393},"strong",{},[394],{"type":52,"value":395},"Vision Consultation.",{"type":52,"value":397}," ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":399,"children":401},{"href":400},"/about-us/team/chris-pletkovic/",[402],{"type":52,"value":403},"Chris Pletkovic",{"type":52,"value":405}," or ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":407,"children":409},{"href":408},"/about-us/team/josh-heppner/",[410],{"type":52,"value":411},"Josh Heppner",{"type":52,"value":413}," from our Customer Success team asks what you're protecting and who you're protecting it for, then lays out the options that fit, with the price for each, before you decide anything.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":415,"children":416},{},[417,422,424,428],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":418,"children":419},{},[420],{"type":52,"value":421},"Design.",{"type":52,"value":423}," Our attorneys and paralegals, under founding attorney ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":425,"children":426},{"href":184},[427],{"type":52,"value":183},{"type":52,"value":429},", build the plan around your family, your property and your accounts.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":431,"children":432},{},[433,438],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":434,"children":435},{},[436],{"type":52,"value":437},"Signing.",{"type":52,"value":439}," By secure video with a notary, or in person at our Troy office.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":441,"children":442},{},[443,448],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":444,"children":445},{},[446],{"type":52,"value":447},"Funding.",{"type":52,"value":449}," We move your assets into the trust, record the deeds and deliver the finished documents.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":451,"children":452},{},[453],{"type":52,"value":454},"You'll have a client portal for your matter, so you can see where things stand at any point. And we keep improving the process: Michael Rutkowski builds the firm's client management system himself, and the team keeps refining each step.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":456,"children":457},{},[458,464],{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":459,"children":461},{"href":460},"/schedule/",[462],{"type":52,"value":463},"Schedule your Vision Consultation",{"type":52,"value":314},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":466,"children":468},{"id":467},"do-i-have-to-come-to-an-office",[469],{"type":52,"value":470},"Do I have to come to an office?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":472,"children":473},{},[474],{"type":52,"value":475},"No. Most Ann Arbor families work with us entirely by secure video, including the signing. To meet face to face, we'll see you at our Troy office at 801 W. Big Beaver Road or our Rochester office at 312 East Street.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":477,"children":478},{},[479],{"type":52,"value":480},"Phones are answered 24 hours a day; the offices are open weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Video also lets adult children who live elsewhere join the same meeting, so the whole family hears the plan together.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":482,"children":484},{"id":483},"which-communities-do-you-serve-near-ann-arbor",[485],{"type":52,"value":486},"Which communities do you serve near Ann Arbor?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":488,"children":489},{},[490],{"type":52,"value":491},"We serve Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea and Pittsfield Township, and families anywhere in Michigan by video. Estates in this area are handled by the Washtenaw County Probate Court in Ann Arbor.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":493,"children":494},{},[495],{"type":52,"value":496},"Rutkowski Law Firm meets clients in person at its Troy and Rochester offices and works with families anywhere in Michigan by secure video.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":498,"children":499},{},[500,502,508],{"type":52,"value":501},"See ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":503,"children":505},{"href":504},"/about-us/locations/",[506],{"type":52,"value":507},"every area Rutkowski Law Firm serves",{"type":52,"value":314},{"title":148,"searchDepth":149,"depth":149,"links":510},[511,512,513,514,515,516],{"id":240,"depth":149,"text":243},{"id":322,"depth":149,"text":325},{"id":343,"depth":149,"text":346},{"id":373,"depth":149,"text":376},{"id":467,"depth":149,"text":470},{"id":483,"depth":149,"text":486},"content:about-us:locations:ann-arbor.md","about-us/locations/ann-arbor.md","about-us/locations/ann-arbor",{"_path":521,"_dir":168,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":522,"description":523,"seoTitle":524,"h1":524,"headline":525,"answerCapsule":526,"streetAddress":527,"city":522,"state":175,"zip":528,"phone":529,"url":530,"map":531,"directions":532,"review":533,"phoneDisplay":534,"attorney":183,"attorneyUrl":184,"meetings":185,"inPerson":6,"ratingValue":186,"reviewCount":535,"ratingAsOf":188,"gbpName":189,"gbpCid":536,"latitude":537,"longitude":538,"county":539,"probateCourt":540,"areasServed":541,"services":547,"testimonialsLocation":548,"heroImage":549,"heroImageAlt":550,"differentiators":551,"faqs":552,"subhead":231,"nearestOffice":232,"nearestOfficeName":233,"nearestOfficeAddress":234,"nearestOfficeDirections":235,"body":564,"_type":159,"_id":789,"_source":161,"_file":790,"_stem":791,"_extension":164},"/about-us/locations/detroit","Detroit","Estate planning for Detroit and Wayne County families: Lady Bird deeds, trusts and powers of attorney, finished for you. 4.9 stars from 89 Google reviews. Call (313) 631-8477.","Estate Planning Lawyer in Detroit, MI","Keep the family home in the family, not in probate court","Rutkowski Law Firm works with Detroit and Wayne County families by secure video and in person at its Troy office, 801 W. Big Beaver Road, led by founding attorney Michael L. Rutkowski. We help families keep the family home out of probate court and protect it from long-term care costs, and we do the work families usually get stuck on: moving your home and accounts into your trust, recording your deed with the county and confirming in writing that your plan is done. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 89 Google reviews. Call (313) 631-8477.","420 Washington Blvd STE 301","48226","+1 313-631-8477","https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rutkowski+Law+Firm+Asset+Protection+%26+Estate+Planning/@42.3279089,-83.0485417,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x2eeaba7b51d31b24!8m2!3d42.3279089!4d-83.0485417?shorturl=1","https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d11798.741509319454!2d-83.0485417!3d42.3279089!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88179d5ca4bbb14d%3A0x2eeaba7b51d31b24!2sRutkowski%20Law%20Firm%20Asset%20Protection%20%26%20Estate%20Planning!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sgg!4v1737720254793!5m2!1sen!2sgg","https://goo.gl/maps/njvtT375bBg13nYE8","https://www.google.com/search?q=Rutkowski+Law+Firm+Asset+Protection+%26+Estate+Planning%2C+420+Washington+Blvd+STE+301%2C+Detroit%2C+MI+48226&sca_esv=78c2cdce3559d586&hl=en-PK&gl=pk&ei=v4CTZ7zbDtSXhbIPzKqU4AI&ved=0ahUKEwj8tpi6p46LAxXUS0EAHUwVBSwQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=Rutkowski+Law+Firm+Asset+Protection+%26+Estate+Planning%2C+420+Washington+Blvd+STE+301%2C+Detroit%2C+MI+48226&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiZVJ1dGtvd3NraSBMYXcgRmlybSBBc3NldCBQcm90ZWN0aW9uICYgRXN0YXRlIFBsYW5uaW5nLCA0MjAgV2FzaGluZ3RvbiBCbHZkIFNURSAzMDEsIERldHJvaXQsIE1JIDQ4MjI2MgUQABiABDIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgsQABiABBiGAxiKBTILEAAYgAQYhgMYigUyCxAAGIAEGIYDGIoFMgsQABiABBiGAxiKBTILEAAYgAQYhgMYigVIywxQAFjgAXAAeAGQAQCYAXegAXeqAQMwLjG4AQPIAQD4AQH4AQKYAgGgAn6YAwCSBwMwLjGgB8kJ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#lrd=0x88179d5ca4bbb14d:0x2eeaba7b51d31b24,3,,,,","(313) 631-8477",89,"3380719509111511844",42.3279089,-83.0485417,"Wayne","Wayne County Probate Court in Detroit",[522,542,543,544,545,546],"Dearborn","Grosse Pointe","Hamtramck","Southfield","Livonia",[202,203,204,205,206,207,208,209,210],"Detroit, MI","/img/hero/detroit.webp","Downtown Detroit, Michigan",[17,18,215,216,217],[553,556,559,561],{"q":554,"a":555},"Which court handles probate for Detroit estates?","Detroit is in Wayne County, so estates go through the Wayne County Probate Court in Detroit. A recorded Lady Bird deed or a funded living trust keeps the house out of it.",{"q":557,"a":558},"My parent's house is the only big asset. Do they still need a plan?","Yes. A house on its own is enough to send an estate to probate, and it's the asset most exposed to nursing home costs. A recorded Lady Bird deed is often the fastest fix.",{"q":226,"a":560},"Most Detroit clients meet with us by secure video. If you'd rather meet in person, we'll see you at our Troy office at 801 W. Big Beaver Road or our Rochester office at 312 East Street.",{"q":562,"a":563},"The house is still in a late parent's name. Can you help?","Yes. That usually takes a probate case to clear the title before the house can be sold, refinanced or protected. Call us and we'll explain the steps for your situation.",{"type":43,"children":565,"toc":781},[566,572,586,626,630,634,639,644,649,653,658,672,676,681,731,735,743,747,752,757,763,768,772],{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":567,"children":569},{"id":568},"why-do-so-many-detroit-homes-get-stuck-after-a-death",[570],{"type":52,"value":571},"Why do so many Detroit homes get stuck after a death?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":573,"children":574},{},[575,577,584],{"type":52,"value":576},"Because the house passes down without the paperwork. More than 5,500 Detroit homes have been passed down without legal documentation, according to a ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":578,"children":581},{"href":579,"rel":580},"https://wdet.org/2024/03/04/more-than-5500-family-homes-in-detroit-passed-down-without-legal-documentation-report-finds/",[254],[582],{"type":52,"value":583},"2024 Detroit Future City report",{"type":52,"value":585},". Without a recorded deed, the family often can't sell, refinance or get help with repairs.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":587,"children":588},{},[589,591,595,596,600,601,605,606,610,611,615,616,620,621,625],{"type":52,"value":590},"For many Detroit families, the home is the single biggest thing they'll pass on. A Lady Bird deed, recorded properly, lets the house go straight to the person you choose without probate court, while you keep full control for the rest of your life. It's often the most affordable way to protect it. Where there are savings to protect from nursing home costs, we build the rest of the plan around it. Rutkowski Law Firm handles ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":592,"children":593},{"href":267},[594],{"type":52,"value":270},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":597,"children":598},{"href":275},[599],{"type":52,"value":278},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":602,"children":603},{"href":282},[604],{"type":52,"value":206},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":607,"children":608},{"href":288},[609],{"type":52,"value":291},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":612,"children":613},{"href":295},[614],{"type":52,"value":207},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":617,"children":618},{"href":301},[619],{"type":52,"value":304},{"type":52,"value":306},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":622,"children":623},{"href":309},[624],{"type":52,"value":312},{"type":52,"value":314},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":627,"children":628},{},[629],{"type":52,"value":319},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":631,"children":632},{"id":322},[633],{"type":52,"value":325},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":635,"children":636},{},[637],{"type":52,"value":638},"It means Detroit families leave with a finished plan, not a to-do list. We move your home and accounts into your trust, record your deed with the county, send the beneficiary-change forms and confirm in writing that your plan is done.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":640,"children":641},{},[642],{"type":52,"value":643},"For most Detroit families that starts with the house: we prepare the Lady Bird deed, record it with the Wayne County Register of Deeds, and confirm it was recorded. Then we prepare your powers of attorney and see them signed with the witnesses or notary Michigan requires, so someone can act for you if you can't.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":645,"children":646},{},[647],{"type":52,"value":648},"Most Michigan estate planning attorneys hand Detroit families a binder and leave the bank visits and county filings to them. An unfunded trust doesn't keep anything out of probate court, which is why we treat funding as part of the plan, not an extra. You won't leave with homework.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":650,"children":651},{"id":343},[652],{"type":52,"value":346},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":654,"children":655},{},[656],{"type":52,"value":657},"Call us. Rutkowski Law Firm has turned around emergency powers of attorney by the next day, with a notary sent to wherever the parent is, such as a hospital room at Henry Ford Hospital or the Detroit Medical Center.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":659,"children":660},{},[661,662,666,667,671],{"type":52,"value":356},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":663,"children":664},{"href":309},[665],{"type":52,"value":312},{"type":52,"value":362},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":668,"children":669},{"href":365},[670],{"type":52,"value":368},{"type":52,"value":370},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":673,"children":674},{"id":373},[675],{"type":52,"value":376},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":677,"children":678},{},[679],{"type":52,"value":680},"Every Detroit plan follows the same four steps, and the Rutkowski Law Firm team stays with you through all of them: a Vision Consultation, a design meeting, the signing, and the funding. Nothing is left for you to finish on your own.",{"type":46,"tag":383,"props":682,"children":683},{},[684,702,715,723],{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":685,"children":686},{},[687,691,692,696,697,701],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":688,"children":689},{},[690],{"type":52,"value":395},{"type":52,"value":397},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":693,"children":694},{"href":400},[695],{"type":52,"value":403},{"type":52,"value":405},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":698,"children":699},{"href":408},[700],{"type":52,"value":411},{"type":52,"value":413},{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":703,"children":704},{},[705,709,710,714],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":706,"children":707},{},[708],{"type":52,"value":421},{"type":52,"value":423},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":711,"children":712},{"href":184},[713],{"type":52,"value":183},{"type":52,"value":429},{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":716,"children":717},{},[718,722],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":719,"children":720},{},[721],{"type":52,"value":437},{"type":52,"value":439},{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":724,"children":725},{},[726,730],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":727,"children":728},{},[729],{"type":52,"value":447},{"type":52,"value":449},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":732,"children":733},{},[734],{"type":52,"value":454},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":736,"children":737},{},[738,742],{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":739,"children":740},{"href":460},[741],{"type":52,"value":463},{"type":52,"value":314},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":744,"children":745},{"id":467},[746],{"type":52,"value":470},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":748,"children":749},{},[750],{"type":52,"value":751},"No. Most Detroit families work with us entirely by secure video, including the signing. To meet face to face, we'll see you at our Troy office at 801 W. Big Beaver Road or our Rochester office at 312 East Street.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":753,"children":754},{},[755],{"type":52,"value":756},"Phones are answered 24 hours a day; the offices are open weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Video also makes it easier to include brothers and sisters who live out of state, so everyone hears the same plan at the same time.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":758,"children":760},{"id":759},"which-communities-do-you-serve-near-detroit",[761],{"type":52,"value":762},"Which communities do you serve near Detroit?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":764,"children":765},{},[766],{"type":52,"value":767},"We serve Detroit, Dearborn, Grosse Pointe, Hamtramck, Southfield and Livonia, and families anywhere in Michigan by video. Estates in this area are handled by the Wayne County Probate Court in Detroit.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":769,"children":770},{},[771],{"type":52,"value":496},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":773,"children":774},{},[775,776,780],{"type":52,"value":501},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":777,"children":778},{"href":504},[779],{"type":52,"value":507},{"type":52,"value":314},{"title":148,"searchDepth":149,"depth":149,"links":782},[783,784,785,786,787,788],{"id":568,"depth":149,"text":571},{"id":322,"depth":149,"text":325},{"id":343,"depth":149,"text":346},{"id":373,"depth":149,"text":376},{"id":467,"depth":149,"text":470},{"id":759,"depth":149,"text":762},"content:about-us:locations:detroit.md","about-us/locations/detroit.md","about-us/locations/detroit",{"_path":793,"_dir":168,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":794,"description":795,"seoTitle":796,"h1":796,"headline":797,"answerCapsule":798,"streetAddress":799,"city":794,"state":175,"zip":800,"phone":801,"url":802,"map":803,"directions":804,"review":805,"phoneDisplay":806,"attorney":183,"attorneyUrl":184,"meetings":807,"inPerson":6,"ratingValue":186,"reviewCount":808,"ratingAsOf":188,"gbpName":809,"gbpCid":810,"latitude":811,"longitude":812,"county":794,"probateCourt":813,"areasServed":814,"services":820,"testimonialsLocation":821,"heroImage":822,"heroImageAlt":823,"differentiators":824,"faqs":825,"subhead":231,"nearestOffice":232,"nearestOfficeName":233,"nearestOfficeAddress":234,"nearestOfficeDirections":235,"body":841,"_type":159,"_id":1086,"_source":161,"_file":1087,"_stem":1088,"_extension":164},"/about-us/locations/marquette","Marquette","Estate planning and asset protection for Marquette and the Upper Peninsula, done entirely by video. 4.9 stars from 43 Google reviews. Call (906) 212-9945.","Estate Planning Lawyer in Marquette, MI","Protect your home, camp and savings without the drive downstate","Rutkowski Law Firm works with Marquette and Upper Peninsula families entirely by secure video, led by founding attorney Michael L. Rutkowski. We protect homes, camps and savings from probate court, lawsuits and long-term care costs, and we do the work families usually get stuck on: moving your home and accounts into your trust, recording your deed with the county and confirming in writing that your plan is done, all without a trip downstate. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 43 Google reviews. Call (906) 212-9945.","132 W Washington St Suite A","49855","+1 906-212-9945","https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rutkowski+Law+Firm+Asset+Protection+%26+Estate+Planning/@46.5435342,-87.3942241,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x4d4e21ae063a94d9:0xe22ce3d857cd9c05!8m2!3d46.5435342!4d-87.3942241!16s%2Fg%2F11srkksw5p?coh=164777&entry=tt&shorturl=1","https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2744.2099143863543!2d-87.3942241!3d46.543534199999996!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x4d4e21ae063a94d9%3A0xe22ce3d857cd9c05!2sRutkowski%20Law%20Firm%20Asset%20Protection%20%26%20Estate%20Planning!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sgg!4v1737720904707!5m2!1sen!2sgg","https://goo.gl/maps/zQrfLgV9akvnYokj9","https://www.google.com/search?q=rutkowski+law+firm+marquette%2C+mi&sca_esv=07057cd0c5299605&rlz=1C1RXQR_enUS960US960&ei=5YOTZ9jjG8S6hbIP4cSXmQI&ved=0ahUKEwiY6s-6qo6LAxVEXUEAHWHiJSMQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=rutkowski+law+firm+marquette%2C+mi&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiIHJ1dGtvd3NraSBsYXcgZmlybSBtYXJxdWV0dGUsIG1pMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABSL4eUIUPWMkccAJ4AZABAJgBkAGgAewJqgEEMTAuM7gBA8gBAPgBAZgCD6ACkwrCAgoQABiwAxjWBBhHwgIGEAAYFhgewgIIEAAYgAQYogTCAgUQABjvBcICBRAhGJ8FwgIEECEYFcICBxAhGKABGAqYAwCIBgGQBgiSBwQxMS40oAenQQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#lrd=0x4d4e21ae063a94d9:0xe22ce3d857cd9c05,3,,,,","(906) 212-9945","By secure video",43,"Rutkowski Law Firm Asset Protection & Estate Planning","16297651669872516101",46.5435342,-87.3942241,"Marquette County Probate Court in Marquette",[794,815,816,817,818,819],"Negaunee","Ishpeming","Harvey","Gwinn","Munising",[202,203,204,205,206,207,208,209,210],"Marquette, MI","/img/hero/marquette.webp","Marquette, Michigan, on Lake Superior",[17,18,215,216,217],[826,829,832,835,838],{"q":827,"a":828},"Which court handles probate for Marquette estates?","Marquette is in Marquette County, so estates go through the Marquette County Probate Court. Assets held in a funded living trust skip that court.",{"q":830,"a":831},"Can we do the whole process without traveling?","Yes. Marquette clients work with us by secure video for every step, including the signing.",{"q":833,"a":834},"We own a camp or cottage. Should it go in the trust?","Usually, yes. Holding it in a funded trust keeps it out of probate and lets you decide in advance how the family shares it.",{"q":836,"a":837},"Should we use a local Marquette attorney instead?","You can, but many small-town attorneys handle all kinds of cases. Rutkowski Law Firm's practice is limited to estate planning, asset protection, Medicaid planning, elder law and guardianship, and we work with Marquette families entirely by secure video.",{"q":839,"a":840},"Our kids live downstate. Can they help manage things?","Yes. We set up powers of attorney and trustee roles that work from a distance, and family members can join any meeting by video.",{"type":43,"children":842,"toc":1077},[843,849,862,903,907,911,916,921,926,930,935,949,953,958,1009,1013,1021,1027,1032,1037,1043,1048,1053,1059,1064,1068],{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":844,"children":846},{"id":845},"why-plan-now-if-you-live-in-the-up",[847],{"type":52,"value":848},"Why plan now if you live in the U.P.?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":850,"children":851},{},[852,854,860],{"type":52,"value":853},"Because families here are older on average, and distance makes a crisis harder. Nearly one in four Marquette County residents is 65 or older, according to the ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":855,"children":858},{"href":856,"rel":857},"https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/marquettecountymichigan/PST045224",[254],[859],{"type":52,"value":257},{"type":52,"value":861},". When something happens, the family is often hours away, and paperwork that isn't finished becomes the problem.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":863,"children":864},{},[865,867,871,872,876,877,881,882,886,887,891,892,896,897,901],{"type":52,"value":866},"Many Upper Peninsula families own more than one piece of property: the house, a camp, a cottage on the lake, family land. Each one needs its deed handled, or it can end up in probate. Holding them in a funded trust also lets you decide in advance how the family shares them. Rutkowski Law Firm handles ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":868,"children":869},{"href":267},[870],{"type":52,"value":270},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":873,"children":874},{"href":275},[875],{"type":52,"value":278},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":878,"children":879},{"href":282},[880],{"type":52,"value":206},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":883,"children":884},{"href":288},[885],{"type":52,"value":291},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":888,"children":889},{"href":295},[890],{"type":52,"value":207},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":893,"children":894},{"href":301},[895],{"type":52,"value":304},{"type":52,"value":306},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":898,"children":899},{"href":309},[900],{"type":52,"value":312},{"type":52,"value":902},", all by video.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":904,"children":905},{},[906],{"type":52,"value":319},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":908,"children":909},{"id":322},[910],{"type":52,"value":325},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":912,"children":913},{},[914],{"type":52,"value":915},"It means Marquette families leave with a finished plan, not a to-do list. We move your home and accounts into your trust, record your deed with the county, send the beneficiary-change forms and confirm in writing that your plan is done.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":917,"children":918},{},[919],{"type":52,"value":920},"For most U.P. families that means recording a deed for every property, sometimes in more than one county, retitling the accounts, and signing powers of attorney so someone can act for you even if they live downstate.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":922,"children":923},{},[924],{"type":52,"value":925},"Most Michigan estate planning attorneys hand Marquette families a binder and leave the bank visits and county filings to them. An unfunded trust doesn't keep anything out of probate court, which is why we treat funding as part of the plan, not an extra. You won't leave with homework.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":927,"children":928},{"id":343},[929],{"type":52,"value":346},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":931,"children":932},{},[933],{"type":52,"value":934},"Call us. Rutkowski Law Firm has turned around emergency powers of attorney by the next day. If a parent is suddenly at UP Health System–Marquette or back home after a fall, we can arrange the signing by video with a notary where they are.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":936,"children":937},{},[938,939,943,944,948],{"type":52,"value":356},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":940,"children":941},{"href":309},[942],{"type":52,"value":312},{"type":52,"value":362},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":945,"children":946},{"href":365},[947],{"type":52,"value":368},{"type":52,"value":370},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":950,"children":951},{"id":373},[952],{"type":52,"value":376},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":954,"children":955},{},[956],{"type":52,"value":957},"Every Marquette plan follows the same four steps, and the Rutkowski Law Firm team stays with you through all of them: a Vision Consultation, a design meeting, the signing, and the funding. Nothing is left for you to finish on your own.",{"type":46,"tag":383,"props":959,"children":960},{},[961,979,992,1001],{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":962,"children":963},{},[964,968,969,973,974,978],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":965,"children":966},{},[967],{"type":52,"value":395},{"type":52,"value":397},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":970,"children":971},{"href":400},[972],{"type":52,"value":403},{"type":52,"value":405},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":975,"children":976},{"href":408},[977],{"type":52,"value":411},{"type":52,"value":413},{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":980,"children":981},{},[982,986,987,991],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":983,"children":984},{},[985],{"type":52,"value":421},{"type":52,"value":423},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":988,"children":989},{"href":184},[990],{"type":52,"value":183},{"type":52,"value":429},{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":993,"children":994},{},[995,999],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":996,"children":997},{},[998],{"type":52,"value":437},{"type":52,"value":1000}," By secure video with a notary, from home.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":1002,"children":1003},{},[1004,1008],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":1005,"children":1006},{},[1007],{"type":52,"value":447},{"type":52,"value":449},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1010,"children":1011},{},[1012],{"type":52,"value":454},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1014,"children":1015},{},[1016,1020],{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1017,"children":1018},{"href":460},[1019],{"type":52,"value":463},{"type":52,"value":314},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1022,"children":1024},{"id":1023},"do-i-have-to-travel-to-meet-with-you",[1025],{"type":52,"value":1026},"Do I have to travel to meet with you?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1028,"children":1029},{},[1030],{"type":52,"value":1031},"No. Marquette and Upper Peninsula families work with us entirely by secure video, from the first conversation through the signing. Phones are answered 24 hours a day, and our team is available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1033,"children":1034},{},[1035],{"type":52,"value":1036},"If you're downstate anyway, you're welcome to meet in person at our Troy office at 801 W. Big Beaver Road or our Rochester office at 312 East Street.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1038,"children":1040},{"id":1039},"should-i-hire-a-local-marquette-attorney-instead",[1041],{"type":52,"value":1042},"Should I hire a local Marquette attorney instead?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1044,"children":1045},{},[1046],{"type":52,"value":1047},"You can, but in smaller communities the local attorney often handles many kinds of cases, from real estate closings to divorces, with estate planning as one part of the job. Rutkowski Law Firm's practice is limited to estate planning, asset protection, Medicaid planning, elder law and guardianship.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1049,"children":1050},{},[1051],{"type":52,"value":1052},"Your plan is governed by Michigan law, which is the same in Marquette as it is in Troy, and a Michigan attorney can handle it from anywhere in the state. What matters more than the drive is whether the plan gets finished: your home and accounts moved into your trust, your deed recorded with the Marquette County Register of Deeds and your beneficiary designations updated. Rutkowski Law Firm does that part for you, by secure video, from the first conversation through the signing.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1054,"children":1056},{"id":1055},"which-communities-do-you-serve-near-marquette",[1057],{"type":52,"value":1058},"Which communities do you serve near Marquette?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1060,"children":1061},{},[1062],{"type":52,"value":1063},"We serve Marquette, Negaunee, Ishpeming, Harvey, Gwinn and Munising, and families anywhere in Michigan by video. Estates in Marquette County are handled by the Marquette County Probate Court.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1065,"children":1066},{},[1067],{"type":52,"value":496},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1069,"children":1070},{},[1071,1072,1076],{"type":52,"value":501},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1073,"children":1074},{"href":504},[1075],{"type":52,"value":507},{"type":52,"value":314},{"title":148,"searchDepth":149,"depth":149,"links":1078},[1079,1080,1081,1082,1083,1084,1085],{"id":845,"depth":149,"text":848},{"id":322,"depth":149,"text":325},{"id":343,"depth":149,"text":346},{"id":373,"depth":149,"text":376},{"id":1023,"depth":149,"text":1026},{"id":1039,"depth":149,"text":1042},{"id":1055,"depth":149,"text":1058},"content:about-us:locations:marquette.md","about-us/locations/marquette.md","about-us/locations/marquette",{"_path":1090,"_dir":168,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":1091,"description":1092,"seoTitle":1093,"h1":1093,"headline":1094,"answerCapsule":1095,"streetAddress":1096,"city":1091,"state":175,"zip":1097,"phone":1098,"url":1099,"map":1100,"directions":1101,"review":1102,"phoneDisplay":1103,"attorney":183,"attorneyUrl":184,"meetings":1104,"inPerson":1105,"ratingValue":1106,"reviewCount":1107,"ratingAsOf":188,"gbpName":189,"gbpCid":1108,"latitude":1109,"longitude":1110,"county":1111,"probateCourt":1112,"areasServed":1113,"services":1119,"testimonialsLocation":1120,"heroImage":1121,"heroImageAlt":1122,"differentiators":1123,"faqs":1124,"subhead":231,"body":1137,"_type":159,"_id":1372,"_source":161,"_file":1373,"_stem":1374,"_extension":164},"/about-us/locations/rochester","Rochester","Estate planning and asset protection on East Street in Rochester, MI. Home and accounts moved into your trust, deed recorded with the county. 4.8 stars from 202 Google reviews. Call (248) 920-9841.","Estate Planning Lawyer in Rochester, MI","Keep your home and savings out of probate court","Rutkowski Law Firm is an estate planning and asset protection law firm at 312 East Street in downtown Rochester, Michigan, led by founding attorney Michael L. Rutkowski. We help Rochester and Rochester Hills homeowners protect what they've built from probate court, lawsuits and long-term care costs, and we do the work families usually get stuck on: moving your home and accounts into your trust, recording your deed with the county and confirming in writing that your plan is done. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 202 Google reviews. Call (248) 920-9841.","312 East Street","48307","+1 248-920-9841","https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rutkowski+Law+Firm+Asset+Protection+%26+Estate+Planning/@42.6762956,-83.1475895,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x9fcee7fcbcbc795e!8m2!3d42.6746006!4d-83.1513735?shorturl=1","https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d23466.35904315655!2d-83.1475895!3d42.6762956!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x8824e995caa5852d%3A0x9fcee7fcbcbc795e!2sRutkowski%20Law%20Firm%20Asset%20Protection%20%26%20Estate%20Planning!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sgg!4v1737720474633!5m2!1sen!2sgg","https://goo.gl/maps/LP75GYr7Co6ECN4F9","https://g.page/r/CV55vLz8586fEAI/review","(248) 920-9841","In person at our East Street office, or by secure video",true,"4.8",202,"11515396369917180254",42.6800904,-83.1318299,"Oakland","Oakland County Probate Court in Pontiac",[1091,1114,1115,1116,1117,1118],"Rochester Hills","Oakland Township","Auburn Hills","Lake Orion","Shelby Township",[202,203,204,205,206,207,208,209,210],"Rochester, MI","/img/hero/rochester.webp","Downtown Rochester, Michigan, near the Rutkowski Law Firm office on East Street",[17,18,215,216,217],[1125,1128,1131,1134],{"q":1126,"a":1127},"Is there parking at the Rochester office?","Yes. Rutkowski Law Firm has dedicated on-site parking at the building on East Street, so you can pull right up instead of hunting for a spot downtown.",{"q":1129,"a":1130},"Which court handles probate for Rochester and Rochester Hills estates?","Both are in Oakland County, so estates go through the Oakland County Probate Court in Pontiac. Assets held in a funded living trust stay out of that court.",{"q":1132,"a":1133},"We already have a trust from another firm. Can you check whether it's funded?","Yes. Bring the documents to a Vision Consultation. Many trusts we review were signed but never funded, which means the house and accounts would still go through probate.",{"q":1135,"a":1136},"Do I need to live in Rochester to work with this office?","No. Families across Michigan work with the Rochester office, and every meeting, including the signing, can happen by secure video.",{"type":43,"children":1138,"toc":1364},[1139,1145,1158,1198,1202,1206,1211,1216,1221,1225,1230,1244,1248,1253,1304,1308,1316,1322,1327,1332,1338,1343,1355],{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1140,"children":1142},{"id":1141},"why-do-rochester-families-need-more-than-a-will",[1143],{"type":52,"value":1144},"Why do Rochester families need more than a will?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1146,"children":1147},{},[1148,1150,1156],{"type":52,"value":1149},"Because the house alone puts most Rochester estates over the line. The median Rochester home is worth about $473,000, according to the ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1151,"children":1154},{"href":1152,"rel":1153},"https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/rochestercitymichigan/PST045224",[254],[1155],{"type":52,"value":257},{"type":52,"value":1157},". Without a funded trust or a Lady Bird deed, that home goes through the Oakland County Probate Court in Pontiac, on the public record.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1159,"children":1160},{},[1161,1163,1167,1168,1172,1173,1177,1178,1182,1183,1187,1188,1192,1193,1197],{"type":52,"value":1162},"If you've lived in Rochester or Rochester Hills for years, you probably own the house outright, have retirement accounts and savings, and want three things: keep the house out of court, keep a nursing home from taking it, and keep the peace between the kids afterwards. Rutkowski Law Firm handles ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1164,"children":1165},{"href":267},[1166],{"type":52,"value":270},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1169,"children":1170},{"href":275},[1171],{"type":52,"value":278},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1174,"children":1175},{"href":282},[1176],{"type":52,"value":206},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1179,"children":1180},{"href":288},[1181],{"type":52,"value":291},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1184,"children":1185},{"href":295},[1186],{"type":52,"value":207},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1189,"children":1190},{"href":301},[1191],{"type":52,"value":304},{"type":52,"value":306},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1194,"children":1195},{"href":309},[1196],{"type":52,"value":312},{"type":52,"value":314},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1199,"children":1200},{},[1201],{"type":52,"value":319},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1203,"children":1204},{"id":322},[1205],{"type":52,"value":325},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1207,"children":1208},{},[1209],{"type":52,"value":1210},"It means Rochester families leave with a finished plan, not a to-do list. We move your home and accounts into your trust, record your deed with the county, send the beneficiary-change forms and confirm in writing that your plan is done.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1212,"children":1213},{},[1214],{"type":52,"value":1215},"For most Rochester families that means recording the deed that moves the house into the trust with the Oakland County Register of Deeds, retitling the bank and brokerage accounts, and updating the beneficiary forms on IRAs and 401(k)s so they match the plan.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1217,"children":1218},{},[1219],{"type":52,"value":1220},"Most Michigan estate planning attorneys hand Rochester families a binder and leave the bank visits and county filings to them. An unfunded trust doesn't keep anything out of probate court, which is why we treat funding as part of the plan, not an extra. You won't leave with homework.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1222,"children":1223},{"id":343},[1224],{"type":52,"value":346},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1226,"children":1227},{},[1228],{"type":52,"value":1229},"Call us. Rutkowski Law Firm has turned around emergency powers of attorney by the next day, with a notary sent to wherever the parent is, such as a hospital room at Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital or Corewell Health in Troy or Royal Oak.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1231,"children":1232},{},[1233,1234,1238,1239,1243],{"type":52,"value":356},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1235,"children":1236},{"href":309},[1237],{"type":52,"value":312},{"type":52,"value":362},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1240,"children":1241},{"href":365},[1242],{"type":52,"value":368},{"type":52,"value":370},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1245,"children":1246},{"id":373},[1247],{"type":52,"value":376},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1249,"children":1250},{},[1251],{"type":52,"value":1252},"Every Rochester plan follows the same four steps, and the Rutkowski Law Firm team stays with you through all of them: a Vision Consultation, a design meeting, the signing, and the funding. Nothing is left for you to finish on your own.",{"type":46,"tag":383,"props":1254,"children":1255},{},[1256,1274,1287,1296],{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":1257,"children":1258},{},[1259,1263,1264,1268,1269,1273],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":1260,"children":1261},{},[1262],{"type":52,"value":395},{"type":52,"value":397},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1265,"children":1266},{"href":400},[1267],{"type":52,"value":403},{"type":52,"value":405},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1270,"children":1271},{"href":408},[1272],{"type":52,"value":411},{"type":52,"value":413},{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":1275,"children":1276},{},[1277,1281,1282,1286],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":1278,"children":1279},{},[1280],{"type":52,"value":421},{"type":52,"value":423},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1283,"children":1284},{"href":184},[1285],{"type":52,"value":183},{"type":52,"value":429},{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":1288,"children":1289},{},[1290,1294],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":1291,"children":1292},{},[1293],{"type":52,"value":437},{"type":52,"value":1295}," At our East Street office, at the Troy office, or through our secure virtual signing process.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":1297,"children":1298},{},[1299,1303],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":1300,"children":1301},{},[1302],{"type":52,"value":447},{"type":52,"value":449},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1305,"children":1306},{},[1307],{"type":52,"value":454},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1309,"children":1310},{},[1311,1315],{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1312,"children":1313},{"href":460},[1314],{"type":52,"value":463},{"type":52,"value":314},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1317,"children":1319},{"id":1318},"can-i-meet-in-person-at-the-rochester-office",[1320],{"type":52,"value":1321},"Can I meet in person at the Rochester office?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1323,"children":1324},{},[1325],{"type":52,"value":1326},"Yes. You can meet our team in person at 312 East Street, or do every meeting by secure video, including the signing. The office is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and our phones are answered 24 hours a day.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1328,"children":1329},{},[1330],{"type":52,"value":1331},"There's dedicated parking at the building on East Street, so you won't be feeding a meter downtown. Adult children helping a parent from out of state can join any meeting by video.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1333,"children":1335},{"id":1334},"which-communities-do-you-serve-near-rochester",[1336],{"type":52,"value":1337},"Which communities do you serve near Rochester?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1339,"children":1340},{},[1341],{"type":52,"value":1342},"The Rochester office serves Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Auburn Hills, Lake Orion and Shelby Township, and families anywhere in Michigan by video. Estates in this area are handled by the Oakland County Probate Court in Pontiac.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1344,"children":1345},{},[1346,1348,1353],{"type":52,"value":1347},"Rutkowski Law Firm meets clients in person at its ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1349,"children":1351},{"href":1350},"/about-us/locations/troy/",[1352],{"type":52,"value":233},{"type":52,"value":1354}," and Rochester offices and works with families anywhere in Michigan by secure video.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1356,"children":1357},{},[1358,1359,1363],{"type":52,"value":501},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1360,"children":1361},{"href":504},[1362],{"type":52,"value":507},{"type":52,"value":314},{"title":148,"searchDepth":149,"depth":149,"links":1365},[1366,1367,1368,1369,1370,1371],{"id":1141,"depth":149,"text":1144},{"id":322,"depth":149,"text":325},{"id":343,"depth":149,"text":346},{"id":373,"depth":149,"text":376},{"id":1318,"depth":149,"text":1321},{"id":1334,"depth":149,"text":1337},"content:about-us:locations:rochester.md","about-us/locations/rochester.md","about-us/locations/rochester",{"_path":1376,"_dir":168,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":1377,"description":1378,"seoTitle":1379,"h1":1379,"headline":1380,"answerCapsule":1381,"streetAddress":1382,"city":1377,"state":175,"zip":1383,"phone":1384,"url":1385,"map":1386,"directions":1387,"review":1388,"phoneDisplay":1389,"attorney":183,"attorneyUrl":184,"meetings":185,"inPerson":6,"ratingValue":1390,"reviewCount":1391,"ratingAsOf":188,"gbpName":1392,"gbpCid":1393,"latitude":1394,"longitude":1395,"county":1396,"probateCourt":1397,"areasServed":1398,"services":1403,"testimonialsLocation":1404,"heroImage":1405,"heroImageAlt":1406,"differentiators":1407,"faqs":1408,"subhead":231,"nearestOffice":232,"nearestOfficeName":233,"nearestOfficeAddress":234,"nearestOfficeDirections":235,"body":1420,"_type":159,"_id":1645,"_source":161,"_file":1646,"_stem":1647,"_extension":164},"/about-us/locations/sterling-heights","Sterling Heights","Estate planning and asset protection for Sterling Heights and Macomb County families, by video or at our Troy or Rochester office. 5.0 stars from 158 Google reviews. Call (586) 519-6318.","Estate Planning Lawyer in Sterling Heights, MI","Protect the house, the business and the family","Rutkowski Law Firm works with Sterling Heights and Macomb County families by secure video and in person at its Troy and Rochester offices, led by founding attorney Michael L. Rutkowski. We protect what you've built from probate court, lawsuits and long-term care costs, and we do the work families usually get stuck on: moving your home and accounts into your trust, recording your deed with the county and confirming in writing that your plan is done. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 158 Google reviews. Call (586) 519-6318.","12900 Hall Rd #180","48313","+1 (586) 519-6318","https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rutkowski+Law+Firm+Asset+Protection+%26+Estate+Planning/@42.6253986,-83.0004654,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x467fb05f67273e7a!8m2!3d42.6253986!4d-83.0004654?shorturl=1","https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d11742.784812154274!2d-83.0004654!3d42.6253986!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x8824dde4d52b9b17%3A0x467fb05f67273e7a!2sRutkowski%20Law%20Firm%20Asset%20Protection%20%26%20Estate%20Planning!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sgg!4v1737720352678!5m2!1sen!2sgg","https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=12900+Hall+Rd+%23180,+Sterling+Heights,+MI+48313","https://www.google.com/search?q=Rutkowski+Law+Firm+Asset+Protection+%26+Estate+Planning%2C+12900+Hall+Rd+%23180%2C+Sterling+Heights%2C+MI+48313&sca_esv=78c2cdce3559d586&hl=en-PK&gl=pk&ei=B4CTZ8W5BI6qhbIPhJKYmQU&ved=0ahUKEwiF2a_ipo6LAxUOVUEAHQQJJlMQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=Rutkowski+Law+Firm+Asset+Protection+%26+Estate+Planning%2C+12900+Hall+Rd+%23180%2C+Sterling+Heights%2C+MI+48313&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiZVJ1dGtvd3NraSBMYXcgRmlybSBBc3NldCBQcm90ZWN0aW9uICYgRXN0YXRlIFBsYW5uaW5nLCAxMjkwMCBIYWxsIFJkICMxODAsIFN0ZXJsaW5nIEhlaWdodHMsIE1JIDQ4MzEzSABQAFgAcAB4AZABAJgBAKABAKoBALgBA8gBAPgBAvgBAZgCAKACAJgDAJIHAKAHAA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#lrd=0x8824dde4d52b9b17:0x467fb05f67273e7a,3,,,,","(586) 519-6318","5.0",158,"Rutkowski Law Firm","5079972828496215674",42.6253986,-83.0004654,"Macomb","Macomb County Probate Court in Mount Clemens",[1377,1118,1399,1400,1401,1402],"Macomb Township","Clinton Township","Utica","Warren",[202,203,204,205,206,207,208,209,210],"Sterling Heights, MI","/img/hero/sterling-heights.webp","Sterling Heights, Michigan",[17,18,215,216,217],[1409,1412,1414,1417],{"q":1410,"a":1411},"Which court handles probate for Sterling Heights estates?","Sterling Heights is in Macomb County, so estates go through the Macomb County Probate Court in Mount Clemens. Assets in a funded living trust skip that court.",{"q":226,"a":1413},"Most Sterling Heights clients meet with us by secure video. If you'd rather meet in person, we'll see you at our Troy office at 801 W. Big Beaver Road or our Rochester office at 312 East Street.",{"q":1415,"a":1416},"We own a family business. Does it belong in the estate plan?","Yes. The plan should say who runs the business and who owns it if you can't, and keep a lawsuit against the business from reaching your personal savings, or the reverse.",{"q":1418,"a":1419},"Is a Lady Bird deed enough on its own?","It protects the house from probate, but not your accounts, and it doesn't name anyone to make decisions if you can't. Most families pair it with a will, powers of attorney and, often, a trust.",{"type":43,"children":1421,"toc":1637},[1422,1428,1441,1481,1485,1489,1494,1499,1504,1508,1513,1527,1531,1536,1587,1591,1599,1603,1608,1613,1619,1624,1628],{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1423,"children":1425},{"id":1424},"what-do-sterling-heights-families-most-need-to-protect",[1426],{"type":52,"value":1427},"What do Sterling Heights families most need to protect?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1429,"children":1430},{},[1431,1433,1439],{"type":52,"value":1432},"Usually the house and, often, a family business. About three in four Sterling Heights homes are owner-occupied and nearly one in five residents is 65 or older, according to the ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1434,"children":1437},{"href":1435,"rel":1436},"https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sterlingheightscitymichigan/PST045224",[254],[1438],{"type":52,"value":257},{"type":52,"value":1440},". That's a lot of paid-off homes heading toward probate and nursing home bills.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1442,"children":1443},{},[1444,1446,1450,1451,1455,1456,1460,1461,1465,1466,1470,1471,1475,1476,1480],{"type":52,"value":1445},"Sterling Heights is also a diverse city: more than a third of residents speak a language other than English at home. Many families here are multigenerational, with parents, children and sometimes a family business under one plan. Keeping the business and the house apart from each other's risks, and making sure everyone understands the plan, matters as much as the documents. Rutkowski Law Firm handles ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1447,"children":1448},{"href":267},[1449],{"type":52,"value":270},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1452,"children":1453},{"href":275},[1454],{"type":52,"value":278},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1457,"children":1458},{"href":282},[1459],{"type":52,"value":206},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1462,"children":1463},{"href":288},[1464],{"type":52,"value":291},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1467,"children":1468},{"href":295},[1469],{"type":52,"value":207},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1472,"children":1473},{"href":301},[1474],{"type":52,"value":304},{"type":52,"value":306},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1477,"children":1478},{"href":309},[1479],{"type":52,"value":312},{"type":52,"value":314},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1482,"children":1483},{},[1484],{"type":52,"value":319},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1486,"children":1487},{"id":322},[1488],{"type":52,"value":325},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1490,"children":1491},{},[1492],{"type":52,"value":1493},"It means Sterling Heights families leave with a finished plan, not a to-do list. We move your home and accounts into your trust, record your deed with the county, send the beneficiary-change forms and confirm in writing that your plan is done.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1495,"children":1496},{},[1497],{"type":52,"value":1498},"For most Sterling Heights families that means recording a Lady Bird deed or trust deed with the Macomb County Register of Deeds, retitling the accounts, and, where there's a business, making sure the plan covers who runs it and who owns it if something happens.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1500,"children":1501},{},[1502],{"type":52,"value":1503},"Most Michigan estate planning attorneys hand Sterling Heights families a binder and leave the bank visits and county filings to them. An unfunded trust doesn't keep anything out of probate court, which is why we treat funding as part of the plan, not an extra. You won't leave with homework.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1505,"children":1506},{"id":343},[1507],{"type":52,"value":346},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1509,"children":1510},{},[1511],{"type":52,"value":1512},"Call us. Rutkowski Law Firm has turned around emergency powers of attorney by the next day, with a notary sent to wherever the parent is, such as a hospital room at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital or Ascension Macomb-Oakland.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1514,"children":1515},{},[1516,1517,1521,1522,1526],{"type":52,"value":356},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1518,"children":1519},{"href":309},[1520],{"type":52,"value":312},{"type":52,"value":362},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1523,"children":1524},{"href":365},[1525],{"type":52,"value":368},{"type":52,"value":370},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1528,"children":1529},{"id":373},[1530],{"type":52,"value":376},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1532,"children":1533},{},[1534],{"type":52,"value":1535},"Every Sterling Heights plan follows the same four steps, and the Rutkowski Law Firm team stays with you through all of them: a Vision Consultation, a design meeting, the signing, and the funding. Nothing is left for you to finish on your own.",{"type":46,"tag":383,"props":1537,"children":1538},{},[1539,1557,1570,1579],{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":1540,"children":1541},{},[1542,1546,1547,1551,1552,1556],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":1543,"children":1544},{},[1545],{"type":52,"value":395},{"type":52,"value":397},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1548,"children":1549},{"href":400},[1550],{"type":52,"value":403},{"type":52,"value":405},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1553,"children":1554},{"href":408},[1555],{"type":52,"value":411},{"type":52,"value":413},{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":1558,"children":1559},{},[1560,1564,1565,1569],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":1561,"children":1562},{},[1563],{"type":52,"value":421},{"type":52,"value":423},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1566,"children":1567},{"href":184},[1568],{"type":52,"value":183},{"type":52,"value":429},{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":1571,"children":1572},{},[1573,1577],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":1574,"children":1575},{},[1576],{"type":52,"value":437},{"type":52,"value":1578}," By secure video with a notary, or in person at our Troy or Rochester office.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":1580,"children":1581},{},[1582,1586],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":1583,"children":1584},{},[1585],{"type":52,"value":447},{"type":52,"value":449},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1588,"children":1589},{},[1590],{"type":52,"value":454},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1592,"children":1593},{},[1594,1598],{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1595,"children":1596},{"href":460},[1597],{"type":52,"value":463},{"type":52,"value":314},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1600,"children":1601},{"id":467},[1602],{"type":52,"value":470},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1604,"children":1605},{},[1606],{"type":52,"value":1607},"No. Most Sterling Heights families work with us entirely by secure video, including the signing. To meet face to face, we'll see you at our Troy office at 801 W. Big Beaver Road or our Rochester office at 312 East Street.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1609,"children":1610},{},[1611],{"type":52,"value":1612},"Phones are answered 24 hours a day; the offices are open weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Video works well for multigenerational families: parents, adult children and anyone helping with the business can join the same meeting from wherever they are.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1614,"children":1616},{"id":1615},"which-communities-do-you-serve-near-sterling-heights",[1617],{"type":52,"value":1618},"Which communities do you serve near Sterling Heights?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1620,"children":1621},{},[1622],{"type":52,"value":1623},"We serve Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Macomb Township, Clinton Township, Utica and Warren, and families anywhere in Michigan by video. Estates in this area are handled by the Macomb County Probate Court in Mount Clemens.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1625,"children":1626},{},[1627],{"type":52,"value":496},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1629,"children":1630},{},[1631,1632,1636],{"type":52,"value":501},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1633,"children":1634},{"href":504},[1635],{"type":52,"value":507},{"type":52,"value":314},{"title":148,"searchDepth":149,"depth":149,"links":1638},[1639,1640,1641,1642,1643,1644],{"id":1424,"depth":149,"text":1427},{"id":322,"depth":149,"text":325},{"id":343,"depth":149,"text":346},{"id":373,"depth":149,"text":376},{"id":467,"depth":149,"text":470},{"id":1615,"depth":149,"text":1618},"content:about-us:locations:sterling-heights.md","about-us/locations/sterling-heights.md","about-us/locations/sterling-heights",{"_path":1649,"_dir":168,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":233,"description":1650,"seoTitle":1651,"h1":1651,"headline":1652,"answerCapsule":1653,"streetAddress":1654,"city":233,"primaryOffice":1105,"state":175,"zip":1655,"phone":1656,"url":1657,"map":1658,"directions":235,"review":1657,"phoneDisplay":1659,"attorney":183,"attorneyUrl":184,"meetings":1660,"inPerson":1105,"ratingValue":1106,"reviewCount":1661,"ratingAsOf":188,"gbpName":189,"gbpCid":1662,"county":1111,"probateCourt":1112,"areasServed":1663,"services":1669,"testimonialsLocation":1670,"heroImage":1671,"heroImageAlt":1672,"differentiators":1673,"faqs":1674,"subhead":231,"body":1692,"_type":159,"_id":1936,"_source":161,"_file":1937,"_stem":1938,"_extension":164},"/about-us/locations/troy","Estate planning and asset protection on Big Beaver Road in Troy, MI, serving Troy, Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham. 4.8 stars from 217 Google reviews. Call (248) 951-9446.","Estate Planning Lawyer in Troy, MI","Protect what you've built, and finish the plan properly","Rutkowski Law Firm is an estate planning and asset protection law firm at 801 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 600, in Troy, Michigan, serving Troy, Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham. Led by founding attorney Michael L. Rutkowski, our attorneys, paralegals and Customer Success team help families with homes, investments and businesses protect them from probate court, lawsuits and long-term care costs, and we do the work families usually get stuck on: moving your home and accounts into your trust, recording your deed with the county and confirming in writing that your plan is done. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 217 Google reviews. Call (248) 951-9446.","801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 600","48084","+1 248-951-9446","https://share.google/6caqSgs0gmAzv1vD8","https://www.google.com/maps?q=801+W+Big+Beaver+Rd+Suite+600,+Troy,+MI+48084&output=embed","(248) 951-9446","In person at our Big Beaver Road office by appointment, or by secure video",217,"9733594504382005779",[233,1664,1665,1666,1667,1668],"Bloomfield Hills","Birmingham","Royal Oak","Clawson","West Bloomfield",[202,203,204,205,206,207,208,209,210],"Bloomfield Hills, MI","/img/locations/troy-reception-rudy.webp","The sixth-floor reception area of Rutkowski Law Firm's Troy office in Suite 600 at 801 W. Big Beaver Road, with the Rutkowski Law Firm sign on the wall behind the front desk, gray lounge seating and a navy Rutkowski Law Firm table beside a wall of windows overlooking Troy, and Rudy, the office's chocolate Lab, lying on the polished concrete floor",[17,18,215,216,217],[1675,1678,1680,1683,1686,1689],{"q":1676,"a":1677},"Did the Bloomfield Hills office move?","Yes. Rutkowski Law Firm's Bloomfield Hills office on Woodward Avenue has moved to 801 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 600, in Troy. The phone number, (248) 951-9446, stayed the same.",{"q":1679,"a":1130},"Which court handles probate for Troy and Bloomfield Hills estates?",{"q":1681,"a":1682},"Can you work with our financial advisor or CPA?","Yes. We coordinate with your existing advisor and CPA so the legal plan and the financial plan line up, especially on retirement accounts and beneficiary designations.",{"q":1684,"a":1685},"Where do I park at the Troy office?","Rutkowski Law Firm has reserved spaces outside 801 W. Big Beaver Road, marked with blue and white \"Welcome, Reserved\" signs. Park in any of those, then head for the doors under the vertical Entrance sign.",{"q":1687,"a":1688},"How do I get up to Suite 600 when I arrive?","Come in through the doors under the vertical Entrance sign and call (248) 792-9193 from the ground-floor lobby. Elevator access has to be granted, and we'll get you up to the sixth floor.",{"q":1690,"a":1691},"Do we need to come into the office to sign?","No. You can sign at the Troy office, at our Rochester office, or through our secure virtual signing process.",{"type":43,"children":1693,"toc":1928},[1694,1700,1713,1753,1757,1761,1766,1771,1776,1780,1785,1799,1803,1808,1813,1864,1868,1876,1882,1887,1891,1904,1910,1915,1919],{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1695,"children":1697},{"id":1696},"why-does-a-troy-or-bloomfield-hills-plan-need-to-be-finished-properly",[1698],{"type":52,"value":1699},"Why does a Troy or Bloomfield Hills plan need to be finished properly?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1701,"children":1702},{},[1703,1705,1711],{"type":52,"value":1704},"More assets means more places for a plan to fail. Troy's median household income is about $120,000, according to the ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1706,"children":1709},{"href":1707,"rel":1708},"https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/troycitymichigan/PST045224",[254],[1710],{"type":52,"value":257},{"type":52,"value":1712},", and many families here hold a home, brokerage accounts, retirement plans, rentals or a business. Each one has to be retitled or updated, or it lands in probate.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1714,"children":1715},{},[1716,1718,1722,1723,1727,1728,1732,1733,1737,1738,1742,1743,1747,1748,1752],{"type":52,"value":1717},"Families in Troy, Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham also tend to have more exposure to lawsuits: a business, a rental, a teenage driver. Asset protection planning keeps personal savings separate from those risks. And with nearly a third of Troy residents born outside the U.S., many families have relatives, property or accounts in more than one place. We plan for that rather than around it. Rutkowski Law Firm handles ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1719,"children":1720},{"href":267},[1721],{"type":52,"value":270},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1724,"children":1725},{"href":275},[1726],{"type":52,"value":278},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1729,"children":1730},{"href":282},[1731],{"type":52,"value":206},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1734,"children":1735},{"href":288},[1736],{"type":52,"value":291},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1739,"children":1740},{"href":295},[1741],{"type":52,"value":207},{"type":52,"value":272},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1744,"children":1745},{"href":301},[1746],{"type":52,"value":304},{"type":52,"value":306},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1749,"children":1750},{"href":309},[1751],{"type":52,"value":312},{"type":52,"value":314},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1754,"children":1755},{},[1756],{"type":52,"value":319},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1758,"children":1759},{"id":322},[1760],{"type":52,"value":325},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1762,"children":1763},{},[1764],{"type":52,"value":1765},"It means Troy families leave with a finished plan, not a to-do list. We move your home and accounts into your trust, record your deed with the county, send the beneficiary-change forms and confirm in writing that your plan is done.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1767,"children":1768},{},[1769],{"type":52,"value":1770},"For many Troy and Bloomfield Hills families that means more than one deed, several brokerage and bank accounts, retirement plans with their own beneficiary forms, and sometimes business interests. We handle each one, record the deeds with the Oakland County Register of Deeds, and coordinate with your financial advisor or CPA so the legal plan and the financial plan line up.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1772,"children":1773},{},[1774],{"type":52,"value":1775},"Most Michigan estate planning attorneys hand Troy families a binder and leave the bank visits and county filings to them. An unfunded trust doesn't keep anything out of probate court, which is why we treat funding as part of the plan, not an extra. You won't leave with homework.",{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1777,"children":1778},{"id":343},[1779],{"type":52,"value":346},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1781,"children":1782},{},[1783],{"type":52,"value":1784},"Call us. Rutkowski Law Firm has turned around emergency powers of attorney by the next day, with a notary sent to wherever the parent is, such as a hospital room at Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital or Corewell Health in Royal Oak.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1786,"children":1787},{},[1788,1789,1793,1794,1798],{"type":52,"value":356},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1790,"children":1791},{"href":309},[1792],{"type":52,"value":312},{"type":52,"value":362},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1795,"children":1796},{"href":365},[1797],{"type":52,"value":368},{"type":52,"value":370},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1800,"children":1801},{"id":373},[1802],{"type":52,"value":376},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1804,"children":1805},{},[1806],{"type":52,"value":1807},"Every Troy plan follows the same four steps, and the Rutkowski Law Firm team stays with you through all of them: a Vision Consultation, a design meeting, the signing, and the funding. Nothing is left for you to finish on your own.",{"type":46,"tag":1809,"props":1810,"children":1812},"photo-grid",{":photos":1811},"[{\"src\":\"/img/locations/troy-vision-consultation-office.webp\",\"alt\":\"A Vision Consultation office at Rutkowski Law Firm in Troy, with a dark wood desk facing four gray mesh guest chairs, framed photos on the left wall, a corkboard of sticky notes on the right wall, and a wide window looking out over Big Beaver Road, its parking lots and the neighboring office towers\",\"caption\":\"The Troy office where Vision Consultations happen.\"}]",[],{"type":46,"tag":383,"props":1814,"children":1815},{},[1816,1834,1847,1856],{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":1817,"children":1818},{},[1819,1823,1824,1828,1829,1833],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":1820,"children":1821},{},[1822],{"type":52,"value":395},{"type":52,"value":397},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1825,"children":1826},{"href":400},[1827],{"type":52,"value":403},{"type":52,"value":405},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1830,"children":1831},{"href":408},[1832],{"type":52,"value":411},{"type":52,"value":413},{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":1835,"children":1836},{},[1837,1841,1842,1846],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":1838,"children":1839},{},[1840],{"type":52,"value":421},{"type":52,"value":423},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1843,"children":1844},{"href":184},[1845],{"type":52,"value":183},{"type":52,"value":429},{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":1848,"children":1849},{},[1850,1854],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":1851,"children":1852},{},[1853],{"type":52,"value":437},{"type":52,"value":1855}," At our Troy office, at the Rochester office, or through our secure virtual signing process.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":1857,"children":1858},{},[1859,1863],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":1860,"children":1861},{},[1862],{"type":52,"value":447},{"type":52,"value":449},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1865,"children":1866},{},[1867],{"type":52,"value":454},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1869,"children":1870},{},[1871,1875],{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":1872,"children":1873},{"href":460},[1874],{"type":52,"value":463},{"type":52,"value":314},{"type":46,"tag":47,"props":1877,"children":1879},{"id":1878},"can-i-meet-in-person-at-the-troy-office",[1880],{"type":52,"value":1881},"Can I meet in person at the Troy office?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":1883,"children":1884},{},[1885],{"type":52,"value":1886},"Yes, by appointment. You can meet at 801 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 600, or do every meeting by secure video, including the signing. The office is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and our phones are answered 24 hours a day.",{"type":46,"tag":1809,"props":1888,"children":1890},{":photos":1889},"[{\"src\":\"/img/locations/troy-reserved-parking.webp\",\"step\":1,\"alt\":\"Three blue and white Rutkowski Law Firm \\\"Welcome, Reserved\\\" parking signs on posts along a rock-lined curb island outside 801 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy, with yellow autumn trees and the building's white side wall behind them\",\"caption\":\"Park in the spaces marked with blue and white Rutkowski Law Firm \\\"Welcome, Reserved\\\" signs.\"},{\"src\":\"/img/locations/troy-801-exterior-entrance.webp\",\"step\":2,\"alt\":\"The white, angular office building at 801 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy, with a tall vertical Entrance sign beside the glass front doors, a row of autumn trees along the walkway and two reserved parking signs at the curb in the foreground\",\"caption\":\"From the reserved spaces, head for the doors under the vertical Entrance sign.\"},{\"src\":\"/img/locations/troy-lobby-elevators.webp\",\"step\":3,\"alt\":\"The ground-floor lobby at 801 W. Big Beaver Road, with a wood-slat front desk marked 801/803 on the left, a Rutkowski Law Firm welcome sign on an easel in the center listing the elevator phone number 248-792-9193, and two stainless steel elevators on the right\",\"caption\":\"Inside, the elevators need to be called for you. 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She works closely with attorneys and clients to ensure that every document is prepared accurately and timely.","Paralegal","/img/team/gail-gonos.webp",4,"Head shot of Gail Gonos",[3285],{"type":43,"children":3458,"toc":3478},[3459,3463,3468,3473],{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3460,"children":3461},{},[3462],{"type":52,"value":3451},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3464,"children":3465},{},[3466],{"type":52,"value":3467},"With a detail-oriented mindset and a calm, compassionate approach, Gail helps guide clients through what can often feel like complex or emotional decisions. She plays a key role in drafting documents, managing case files, and ensuring that each plan aligns with the client’s goals and the firm’s high standards. ",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3469,"children":3470},{},[3471],{"type":52,"value":3472},"Gail is known for her reliability, professionalism, and commitment to making sure clients feel supported every step of the way. She takes pride in contributing to plans that provide clarity, protection, and peace of mind for individuals and families. ",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3474,"children":3475},{},[3476],{"type":52,"value":3477},"When Gail is not working, she enjoys walks on the beach, hiking, and kayaking, but is best known for her passion for football.",{"title":148,"searchDepth":149,"depth":149,"links":3479},[],"content:about-us:team:gail-gonos.md","about-us/team/gail-gonos.md","about-us/team/gail-gonos",[3484,3858,4037],{"_path":35,"_dir":3485,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":3486,"description":3487,"date":3488,"imageUrl":3489,"imageAlt":39,"practiceArea":3490,"author":183,"body":3491,"_type":159,"_id":3855,"_source":161,"_file":3856,"_stem":3857,"_extension":164},"blog","Lady Bird Deeds–Fly Through Estate Planning","Discover the benefits of Lady Bird Deeds, how they work, and why they might be the perfect solution for your estate planning needs.","2024-10-18T00:00:00Z","/img/blog/lady-bird-deed.webp","lady-bird-deed",{"type":43,"children":3492,"toc":3845},[3493,3523,3535,3544,3564,3569,3587,3592,3601,3627,3636,3641,3690,3698,3703,3748,3757,3762,3805,3814,3827,3836,3841],{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3494,"children":3495},{},[3496,3498,3508,3510,3515,3517,3522],{"type":52,"value":3497},"If you’re looking for a flexible and effective way to manage your property in estate planning, the ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":3499,"children":3503},{"href":282,"target":3500,"rel":3501},"_blank",[3502],"noopener",[3504],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3505,"children":3506},{},[3507],{"type":52,"value":14},{"type":52,"value":3509},", also known as the ",{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3511,"children":3512},{},[3513],{"type":52,"value":3514},"Enhanced Life Estate Deed",{"type":52,"value":3516},", might be the perfect solution for you. This unique legal tool allows you to retain control over your property while ensuring it smoothly transfers to your beneficiaries upon your passing—",{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3518,"children":3519},{},[3520],{"type":52,"value":3521},"without going through probate",{"type":52,"value":314},{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3524,"children":3525},{},[3526,3528,3533],{"type":52,"value":3527},"In this newsletter, we’ll explore what the Lady Bird Deed is, why it’s an important ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":3529,"children":3531},{"href":267,"target":3500,"rel":3530},[3502],[3532],{"type":52,"value":270},{"type":52,"value":3534}," option, how it got its name, and how you can set one up.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":3537,"children":3538},"h3",{"id":49},[3539],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3540,"children":3541},{},[3542],{"type":52,"value":3543},"What is a Lady Bird Deed?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3545,"children":3546},{},[3547,3549,3553,3555,3562],{"type":52,"value":3548},"The ",{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3550,"children":3551},{},[3552],{"type":52,"value":14},{"type":52,"value":3554}," (Enhanced Life Estate Deed) is a type of deed that allows you to transfer your home to your beneficiaries while retaining the right to use and control the property during your lifetime. It’s often used to avoid ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":3556,"children":3559},{"href":3557,"target":3500,"rel":3558},"/estate-planning/probate-avoidance/",[3502],[3560],{"type":52,"value":3561},"probate",{"type":52,"value":3563}," and to ensure a smooth transition of property upon the owner’s death.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3565,"children":3566},{},[3567],{"type":52,"value":3568},"With a Lady Bird Deed, you:",{"type":46,"tag":3345,"props":3570,"children":3571},{},[3572,3577,3582],{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3573,"children":3574},{},[3575],{"type":52,"value":3576},"Retain ownership and control of the property during your lifetime.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3578,"children":3579},{},[3580],{"type":52,"value":3581},"Have the flexibility to sell, mortgage, or change the beneficiaries of the property without their permission.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3583,"children":3584},{},[3585],{"type":52,"value":3586},"Automatically transfer the property to your chosen beneficiaries upon your death, avoiding probate.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3588,"children":3589},{},[3590],{"type":52,"value":3591},"This flexibility makes the Lady Bird Deed a valuable estate planning tool for individuals who want to keep their options open while still planning for the future.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":3593,"children":3595},{"id":3594},"why-is-it-called-a-lady-bird-deed",[3596],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3597,"children":3598},{},[3599],{"type":52,"value":3600},"Why is it Called a Lady Bird Deed?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3602,"children":3603},{},[3604,3606,3611,3613,3618,3620,3625],{"type":52,"value":3605},"The origin of the name ",{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3607,"children":3608},{},[3609],{"type":52,"value":3610},"\"Lady Bird Deed\"",{"type":52,"value":3612}," comes from a legal example used by attorney ",{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3614,"children":3615},{},[3616],{"type":52,"value":3617},"Jerome Ira Solkoff",{"type":52,"value":3619}," in the 1980s. He used the name ",{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3621,"children":3622},{},[3623],{"type":52,"value":3624},"Lady Bird Johnson",{"type":52,"value":3626}," (the wife of former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson) as the hypothetical property owner in his explanation. While Lady Bird Johnson had no connection to the deed itself, the name stuck and has become the common term for this type of estate planning tool.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":3628,"children":3630},{"id":3629},"why-is-a-lady-bird-deed-important",[3631],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3632,"children":3633},{},[3634],{"type":52,"value":3635},"Why is a Lady Bird Deed Important?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3637,"children":3638},{},[3639],{"type":52,"value":3640},"A Lady Bird Deed offers several key benefits that make it an attractive option for estate planning:",{"type":46,"tag":383,"props":3642,"children":3643},{},[3644,3654,3664,3680],{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3645,"children":3646},{},[3647,3652],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3648,"children":3649},{},[3650],{"type":52,"value":3651},"Avoiding Probate",{"type":52,"value":3653},": By transferring the property automatically upon death, a Lady Bird Deed bypasses the probate process, saving time and money for your beneficiaries.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3655,"children":3656},{},[3657,3662],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3658,"children":3659},{},[3660],{"type":52,"value":3661},"Retaining Control",{"type":52,"value":3663},": Unlike other deeds that immediately transfer ownership, the Lady Bird Deed allows you to remain in control of the property during your lifetime. You can live in, sell, or mortgage the property without anyone else’s approval.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3665,"children":3666},{},[3667,3671,3673,3678],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3668,"children":3669},{},[3670],{"type":52,"value":3286},{"type":52,"value":3672},": A Lady Bird Deed can be a valuable tool for ",{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3674,"children":3675},{},[3676],{"type":52,"value":3677},"Medicaid planning",{"type":52,"value":3679},". Because the property is transferred automatically upon death, it may not count as an asset for Medicaid eligibility purposes. However, state laws vary, so it’s important to consult with an attorney to ensure it’s the right strategy for your situation.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3681,"children":3682},{},[3683,3688],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3684,"children":3685},{},[3686],{"type":52,"value":3687},"Flexibility",{"type":52,"value":3689},": You have the ability to change or revoke the deed at any time while you are alive, offering a high level of flexibility if your circumstances or wishes change.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":3691,"children":3692},{"id":122},[3693],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3694,"children":3695},{},[3696],{"type":52,"value":3697},"Who Should Consider a Lady Bird Deed?",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3699,"children":3700},{},[3701],{"type":52,"value":3702},"A Lady Bird Deed may be an ideal solution if you:",{"type":46,"tag":3345,"props":3704,"children":3705},{},[3706,3716,3726,3736],{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3707,"children":3708},{},[3709,3714],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3710,"children":3711},{},[3712],{"type":52,"value":3713},"Avoid probate",{"type":52,"value":3715}," for your home",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3717,"children":3718},{},[3719,3724],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3720,"children":3721},{},[3722],{"type":52,"value":3723},"Maintain control",{"type":52,"value":3725}," over your property during your lifetime",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3727,"children":3728},{},[3729,3734],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3730,"children":3731},{},[3732],{"type":52,"value":3733},"Planning for Medicaid eligibility",{"type":52,"value":3735}," and want to protect your property from being counted as an asset",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3737,"children":3738},{},[3739,3741,3746],{"type":52,"value":3740},"Prefer a ",{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3742,"children":3743},{},[3744],{"type":52,"value":3745},"simple and flexible",{"type":52,"value":3747}," estate planning tool that allows you to make changes without involving your beneficiaries.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":3749,"children":3751},{"id":3750},"how-to-set-up-a-lady-bird-deed",[3752],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3753,"children":3754},{},[3755],{"type":52,"value":3756},"How to Set Up a Lady Bird Deed",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3758,"children":3759},{},[3760],{"type":52,"value":3761},"Setting up a Lady Bird Deed involves several steps, and it’s essential to work with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure everything is done correctly. Here’s how the process typically works:",{"type":46,"tag":383,"props":3763,"children":3764},{},[3765,3775,3785,3795],{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3766,"children":3767},{},[3768,3773],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3769,"children":3770},{},[3771],{"type":52,"value":3772},"Consult an Attorney",{"type":52,"value":3774},": Begin by consulting with an estate planning attorney who understands your state’s laws regarding Lady Bird Deeds. They will help determine if this is the right tool for your estate plan based on your goals and circumstances.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3776,"children":3777},{},[3778,3783],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3779,"children":3780},{},[3781],{"type":52,"value":3782},"Draft the Deed",{"type":52,"value":3784},": Your attorney will draft the Lady Bird Deed according to your wishes, naming the beneficiaries who will inherit the property after your passing. The deed will also specify that you retain full control and ownership rights during your lifetime.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3786,"children":3787},{},[3788,3793],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3789,"children":3790},{},[3791],{"type":52,"value":3792},"Sign and Notarize the Deed",{"type":52,"value":3794},": The Lady Bird Deed must be signed and notarized to be legally valid. Your attorney will ensure that the proper steps are taken to record the deed with the local county recorder’s office.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3796,"children":3797},{},[3798,3803],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3799,"children":3800},{},[3801],{"type":52,"value":3802},"Record the Deed",{"type":52,"value":3804},": Once signed and notarized, the deed is recorded with your county’s register of deeds or land records office. This officially puts the deed into effect and ensures that your property will transfer to your chosen beneficiaries when you pass away.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":3806,"children":3808},{"id":3807},"how-rutkowski-law-firm-can-help",[3809],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3810,"children":3811},{},[3812],{"type":52,"value":3813},"How Rutkowski Law Firm Can Help",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3815,"children":3816},{},[3817,3819,3825],{"type":52,"value":3818},"At ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":3820,"children":3823},{"href":3821,"target":3500,"rel":3822},"/",[3502],[3824],{"type":52,"value":1392},{"type":52,"value":3826},", we specialize in creating customized estate plans that align with our clients’ goals. Whether you’re considering a Lady Bird Deed to avoid probate, protect your property, or plan for Medicaid, our experienced attorneys can guide you through the process and ensure your estate plan is tailored to meet your needs.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":3828,"children":3830},{"id":3829},"contact-us-today",[3831],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3832,"children":3833},{},[3834],{"type":52,"value":3835},"Contact Us Today",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3837,"children":3838},{},[3839],{"type":52,"value":3840},"If you’re interested in learning more about Lady Bird Deeds or other estate planning tools, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find the best strategy for securing your property and legacy.",{"type":46,"tag":3842,"props":3843,"children":3844},"br",{},[],{"title":148,"searchDepth":149,"depth":149,"links":3846},[3847,3849,3850,3851,3852,3853,3854],{"id":49,"depth":3848,"text":3543},3,{"id":3594,"depth":3848,"text":3600},{"id":3629,"depth":3848,"text":3635},{"id":122,"depth":3848,"text":3697},{"id":3750,"depth":3848,"text":3756},{"id":3807,"depth":3848,"text":3813},{"id":3829,"depth":3848,"text":3835},"content:blog:why-lady-bird-deeds-are-the-secret-to-flying-through-estate-planning.md","blog/why-lady-bird-deeds-are-the-secret-to-flying-through-estate-planning.md","blog/why-lady-bird-deeds-are-the-secret-to-flying-through-estate-planning",{"_path":36,"_dir":3485,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":3859,"description":3860,"date":3861,"imageUrl":3862,"imageAlt":3863,"practiceArea":3490,"author":183,"body":3864,"_type":159,"_id":4034,"_source":161,"_file":4035,"_stem":4036,"_extension":164},"The Risks of Using a Quitclaim Deed Without Legal Advice","Why gifting your home to your children with a \"simple\" deed could trigger a Tax Torpedo or a Medicaid Trap.","2026-03-17T00:00:00Z","/img/blog/rlf-blog-risks-of-using-a-quitclaim-deed-mar-03.webp","family",{"type":43,"children":3865,"toc":4028},[3866,3871,3876,3881,3890,3895,3900,3911,3920,3925,3930,3939,3959,3964,4011,4020,4025],{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3867,"children":3868},{},[3869],{"type":52,"value":3870},"It’s a familiar scene in Michigan living rooms: parents sitting down with their adult children, hoping to make things “easy” for them. Often, the solution appears to be a Quitclaim Deed that transfers the family home to the next generation while the parents are still living.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3872,"children":3873},{},[3874],{"type":52,"value":3875},"We understand the caring intentions behind this choice. You want to be sure your children are protected and provided for. But without a strategic plan, this seemingly simple shortcut can turn into what we call a Technical Disaster. In Michigan, transferring property without professional guidance can create unintended consequences that may cost your family hundreds of thousands of dollars.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3877,"children":3878},{},[3879],{"type":52,"value":3880},"Here are the three primary risks of using a Quitclaim Deed without legal advice.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":3882,"children":3884},{"id":3883},"_1-the-tax-torpedo-losing-the-step-up-in-basis",[3885],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3886,"children":3887},{},[3888],{"type":52,"value":3889},"1. The Tax Torpedo: Losing the \"Step-Up in Basis.\"",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3891,"children":3892},{},[3893],{"type":52,"value":3894},"When you gift a home to your children using a Quitclaim Deed during your lifetime, you’re also gifting them your “tax basis” — essentially, what you originally paid for the property.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3896,"children":3897},{},[3898],{"type":52,"value":3899},"For example, if you bought your home years ago for $50,000 and it’s now worth $350,000, and you transfer it to your child, they inherit that $50,000 basis. When they eventually sell the home, they could face a substantial capital gains tax bill on the $300,000 difference.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3901,"children":3902},{},[3903,3905,3909],{"type":52,"value":3904},"The Better Way: By using a Living Trust or a Michigan ",{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":3906,"children":3907},{"href":282},[3908],{"type":52,"value":14},{"type":52,"value":3910},", your children can receive a “step-up in basis” to the property’s fair market value at the time of your passing. This strategic shift can dramatically reduce — and often eliminate — capital gains taxes altogether.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":3912,"children":3914},{"id":3913},"_2-the-medicaid-trap-the-5-year-look-back",[3915],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3916,"children":3917},{},[3918],{"type":52,"value":3919},"2. The Medicaid Trap: The 5-Year Look-Back",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3921,"children":3922},{},[3923],{"type":52,"value":3924},"In Michigan, the cost of long-term nursing home care has risen to an average of $12,000 per month, and most families depend on Medicaid to help cover these overwhelming expenses.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3926,"children":3927},{},[3928],{"type":52,"value":3929},"However, Michigan law treats gifting a home through a Quitclaim Deed as a “divestment.” If you require nursing home care within five years of signing that deed, you will likely face a Medicaid penalty period. In practice, this can mean being disqualified from receiving benefits, forcing your family to pay out of pocket until your savings are depleted.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":3931,"children":3933},{"id":3932},"_3-exposure-to-heirs-creditors-and-life-events",[3934],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3935,"children":3936},{},[3937],{"type":52,"value":3938},"3. 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This means your home is now vulnerable to anything happening in your child’s life.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":3960,"children":3961},{},[3962],{"type":52,"value":3963},"If your child faces:",{"type":46,"tag":3345,"props":3965,"children":3966},{},[3967,3991,4001],{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3968,"children":3969},{},[3970,3975,3976,3984,3989],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3971,"children":3972},{},[3973],{"type":52,"value":3974},"A",{"type":52,"value":397},{"type":46,"tag":250,"props":3977,"children":3978},{"href":267},[3979],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3980,"children":3981},{},[3982],{"type":52,"value":3983},"Divorce",{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3985,"children":3986},{},[3987],{"type":52,"value":3988},":",{"type":52,"value":3990}," Your home could be considered an asset to be split with a former spouse.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":3992,"children":3993},{},[3994,3999],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":3995,"children":3996},{},[3997],{"type":52,"value":3998},"A Lawsuit:",{"type":52,"value":4000}," If your child is involved in a car accident or business dispute, a lien could be placed on your home.",{"type":46,"tag":387,"props":4002,"children":4003},{},[4004,4009],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":4005,"children":4006},{},[4007],{"type":52,"value":4008},"Bankruptcy:",{"type":52,"value":4010}," Your family home could be seized to pay off your child’s creditors.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":4012,"children":4014},{"id":4013},"your-family-your-legacy-our-priority",[4015],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":4016,"children":4017},{},[4018],{"type":52,"value":4019},"Your Family. Your Legacy. Our Priority.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":4021,"children":4022},{},[4023],{"type":52,"value":4024},"You’ve worked too hard for your home to let a simple paperwork mistake put it at risk. Before you sign any deed, let’s make sure you’re using the right tools to protect your equity and your family’s future. Our done-for-you process is designed to give you calm clarity and confidence that your legacy is secure.",{"type":46,"tag":3842,"props":4026,"children":4027},{},[],{"title":148,"searchDepth":149,"depth":149,"links":4029},[4030,4031,4032,4033],{"id":3883,"depth":3848,"text":3889},{"id":3913,"depth":3848,"text":3919},{"id":3932,"depth":3848,"text":3938},{"id":4013,"depth":3848,"text":4019},"content:blog:the-risks-of-using-a-quitclaim-deed-without-legal-advice.md","blog/the-risks-of-using-a-quitclaim-deed-without-legal-advice.md","blog/the-risks-of-using-a-quitclaim-deed-without-legal-advice",{"_path":37,"_dir":3485,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":4038,"description":4039,"date":3861,"imageUrl":4040,"imageAlt":4041,"practiceArea":3490,"author":183,"body":4042,"_type":159,"_id":4213,"_source":161,"_file":4214,"_stem":4215,"_extension":164},"When Should You Use a Quitclaim Deed in Michigan?","Why this \"easy button\" is only the right choice in these 3 specific scenarios—and a legal trap in others.","/img/blog/rlf-blog-quitclaim-deed-michigan-mar-03.webp","couple",{"type":43,"children":4043,"toc":4205},[4044,4049,4054,4059,4068,4073,4078,4083,4092,4097,4110,4115,4124,4129,4147,4159,4183,4188,4197,4202],{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":4045,"children":4046},{},[4047],{"type":52,"value":4048},"In Michigan real estate, the Quitclaim Deed is often presented as the “easy button” for transferring property. Because it’s a relatively simple, one-page document, many families assume it’s the best option for any property transfer.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":4050,"children":4051},{},[4052],{"type":52,"value":4053},"At the Rutkowski Law Firm, however, we frequently see that what seems “easy” can become a technical disaster when a deed is used incorrectly. A Quitclaim Deed provides no warranties or guarantees; it simply states, “I am transferring whatever interest I have in this property, if I have any at all.”",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":4055,"children":4056},{},[4057],{"type":52,"value":4058},"Due to this lack of protection, there are only a few narrow, specific situations in which a Quitclaim Deed is truly the right choice for a Michigan family.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":4060,"children":4062},{"id":4061},"_1-transferring-property-to-your-living-trust",[4063],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":4064,"children":4065},{},[4066],{"type":52,"value":4067},"1. Transferring Property to Your Living Trust",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":4069,"children":4070},{},[4071],{"type":52,"value":4072},"This is the most common—and arguably the most important—“safe” way to use a Quitclaim Deed.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":4074,"children":4075},{},[4076],{"type":52,"value":4077},"Think of a Living Trust as a fortified vault designed to protect your assets and keep your family out of probate court. Many people, however, make the mistake of setting up the trust but never actually “funding” it. If your home isn’t titled in the name of your trust, the trust can’t protect it.",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":4079,"children":4080},{},[4081],{"type":52,"value":4082},"Using a Quitclaim Deed to transfer your primary residence or cottage into your trust is a critical step in our Proven Process. It helps ensure that when you pass away, the property remains under your family’s control—without a 12- to 18-month delay in probate.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":4084,"children":4086},{"id":4085},"_2-updating-title-for-marriage-or-divorce",[4087],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":4088,"children":4089},{},[4090],{"type":52,"value":4091},"2. Updating Title for Marriage or Divorce",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":4093,"children":4094},{},[4095],{"type":52,"value":4096},"Life changes often require updating how your “home base” is held legally. 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The person with the potential claim signs the deed to officially step away, clearing the path for you to have ",{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":4153,"children":4154},{},[4155],{"type":52,"value":4156},"calm clarity",{"type":52,"value":4158}," regarding your ownership.",{"type":46,"tag":3536,"props":4160,"children":4162},{"id":4161},"the-warning-what-a-quitclaim-deed-doesnt-do",[4163,4168,4169,4177,4178],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":4164,"children":4165},{},[4166],{"type":52,"value":4167},"The Warning: What a Quitclaim Deed",{"type":52,"value":397},{"type":46,"tag":3945,"props":4170,"children":4171},{},[4172],{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":4173,"children":4174},{},[4175],{"type":52,"value":4176},"Doesn't",{"type":52,"value":397},{"type":46,"tag":391,"props":4179,"children":4180},{},[4181],{"type":52,"value":4182},"Do",{"type":46,"tag":55,"props":4184,"children":4185},{},[4186],{"type":52,"value":4187},"While a Quitclaim Deed can be helpful in the situations above, it is not a replacement for a comprehensive estate plan. 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