[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":4298},["ShallowReactive",2],{"service-probate-avoidance":3,"locations":176,"locationAll":1949,"leadership":3284,"blogLatest-/blog/the-hidden-dangers-of-probate-what-you-need-to-know-/blog/why-a-michigan-will-alone-won-t-keep-your-family-out-of-probate-/blog/the-harsh-realities-of-probate-why-you-should-plan-ahead-to-avoid-it-avoid probate michigan-probate avoidance-michigan probate process":3493,"$QEJIbFX0hy":4196},{"_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":37,"topics":41,"body":45,"_type":170,"_id":171,"_source":172,"_file":173,"_stem":174,"_extension":175},"/services/estate-planning/probate-avoidance","estate-planning",false,"en","Avoiding Probate in Michigan","Probate in Michigan can take 5 to 12 months and becomes public record. Rutkowski Law Firm builds and funds a plan that keeps your family out of court.","Protect Your Family From Michigan's Probate Court Entirely","Michigan Probate Avoidance Lawyer","Probate is the Michigan court process that decides who inherits your assets when there's no plan that avoids it, and it typically takes five to twelve months, becomes part of the public record, and can cost a family three to ten percent of the estate's value in fees. A funded living trust, correctly titled property, and updated beneficiary designations protect your family from all of that. At Rutkowski Law Firm, we don't just draft the documents, for one flat fee, we retitle your assets and confirm probate avoidance is actually in place before your binder leaves our office.","probate-avoidance","Probate Avoidance Planning","estatePlanning",[17,18],"funding","asset-shield","/img/practice-areas/probate-avoidance.webp","Family gathered around a kitchen table smiling",[22,25,28,31,34],{"q":23,"a":24},"How long does probate actually take in Michigan?","Typically five to twelve months for an uncomplicated estate, and considerably longer if there's a dispute, missing paperwork, or an unclear will. During that time, your family generally cannot access or distribute the assets tied up in the process.",{"q":26,"a":27},"Does having a will mean my family avoids probate?","No. A will still has to be filed with the probate court and approved by a judge before anything can be distributed. A will directs probate, it doesn't skip it. Only a funded living trust, correct property titling, and updated beneficiary designations actually avoid the court process.",{"q":29,"a":30},"Is probate really public record?","Yes. Once filed, the value of your estate, who inherits what, and the documents themselves become part of the public court file, accessible to anyone who looks. A funded trust keeps all of that private.",{"q":32,"a":33},"What does probate actually cost a family?","Court costs, attorney fees, and personal representative fees typically run three to ten percent of the estate's value, money that comes directly out of what your family would otherwise inherit. Avoiding probate keeps that money with your family instead.",{"q":35,"a":36},"Is a probate avoidance plan a flat fee?","Yes. We quote one flat fee before we start, covering the drafting and the funding, the retitling of your home and accounts, together. It's paid once, and it's a fraction of what probate itself typically costs a family in court fees.",[38,39,40],"/blog/the-hidden-dangers-of-probate-what-you-need-to-know","/blog/why-a-michigan-will-alone-won-t-keep-your-family-out-of-probate","/blog/the-harsh-realities-of-probate-why-you-should-plan-ahead-to-avoid-it",[42,43,44],"avoid probate michigan","probate avoidance","michigan probate process",{"type":46,"children":47,"toc":157},"root",[48,57,63,69,80,86,91,97,102,108,113,119,124,130,135,141,146,152],{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":51,"children":53},"element","h2",{"id":52},"what-is-probate-and-why-do-families-try-to-avoid-it",[54],{"type":55,"value":56},"text","What Is Probate, and Why Do Families Try to Avoid It?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":59,"children":60},"p",{},[61],{"type":55,"value":62},"Probate is the Michigan court process that oversees the distribution of your assets after you die, whether or not you left a will. It exists to make sure debts are paid and property goes to the right people, but the process itself is slow, public, and costly. A typical uncontested Michigan probate case runs five to twelve months, during which your family usually can't access or distribute the assets tied up in it.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":64,"children":66},{"id":65},"does-a-will-avoid-probate",[67],{"type":55,"value":68},"Does a Will Avoid Probate?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":70,"children":71},{},[72,78],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":74,"children":75},"strong",{},[76],{"type":55,"value":77},"No.",{"type":55,"value":79}," This is one of the most common misunderstandings we hear. A will directs how probate should distribute your assets, it doesn't skip the process. The will still has to be filed with the probate court, and a judge still has to approve it, before your family sees a dollar. If your goal is actually avoiding court, a will alone doesn't get you there.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":81,"children":83},{"id":82},"what-actually-avoids-probate",[84],{"type":55,"value":85},"What Actually Avoids Probate",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":87,"children":88},{},[89],{"type":55,"value":90},"Three tools, used together, keep an estate out of probate entirely: a funded living trust, correctly titled property (joint ownership, transfer-on-death designations, or a Lady Bird deed for a home), and updated beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and similar assets. Each one only works if it's actually completed, not just discussed. A trust that's signed but never funded protects nothing, and a beneficiary form that's never updated after a divorce or a death in the family can undo years of planning in an instant.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":92,"children":94},{"id":93},"the-real-cost-of-skipping-this-planning",[95],{"type":55,"value":96},"The Real Cost of Skipping This Planning",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":98,"children":99},{},[100],{"type":55,"value":101},"Beyond the five to twelve month timeline, probate typically costs a family three to ten percent of the estate's value in court costs, attorney fees, and personal representative fees, money that comes directly out of what your family would have otherwise inherited. It also becomes part of the public record, meaning the value of the estate and who inherits what is available to anyone who looks, family friction included.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":103,"children":105},{"id":104},"who-especially-needs-a-probate-avoidance-plan",[106],{"type":55,"value":107},"Who Especially Needs a Probate Avoidance Plan",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":109,"children":110},{},[111],{"type":55,"value":112},"Anyone who owns a home in Michigan, has minor children, or simply wants their family's finances to stay private rather than become part of a public court file. It also matters if you're the adult child managing a parent's affairs and want the transition, whenever it happens, to be as fast and uncomplicated as possible.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":114,"children":116},{"id":115},"avoiding-probate-vs-facing-probate",[117],{"type":55,"value":118},"Avoiding Probate vs. Facing Probate",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":120,"children":121},{},[122],{"type":55,"value":123},"With a properly funded plan, assets typically transfer within weeks, at little to no court cost, entirely privately, and exactly according to your wishes. Without one, the same estate can take six months to two years, cost three to ten percent of its value, become public record, and get decided in part by Michigan's intestacy laws rather than your own choices.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":125,"children":127},{"id":126},"small-estate-alternatives",[128],{"type":55,"value":129},"Small Estate Alternatives",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":131,"children":132},{},[133],{"type":55,"value":134},"Michigan does offer a simplified process for estates under a certain dollar threshold, and for spousal transfers of specific asset types. These shortcuts help, but they're narrow, and most families' actual assets, a home, retirement accounts, and savings combined, exceed the threshold quickly. Relying on the small estate process as your plan is usually a hope, not a strategy, since it only applies if your numbers happen to fit inside it.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":136,"children":138},{"id":137},"common-probate-avoidance-mistakes-we-see",[139],{"type":55,"value":140},"Common Probate Avoidance Mistakes We See",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":142,"children":143},{},[144],{"type":55,"value":145},"The most common mistake isn't skipping planning entirely, it's finishing it halfway. A trust that's signed but never funded, a beneficiary form left pointing at an ex-spouse, a deed that still lists only your name instead of a Lady Bird deed or joint ownership. Each of these looks like planning was done, and each one still sends that specific asset through probate anyway. We check every piece, not just the documents that got signed.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":147,"children":149},{"id":148},"how-probate-avoidance-fits-into-a-complete-estate-plan",[150],{"type":55,"value":151},"How Probate Avoidance Fits Into a Complete Estate Plan",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":153,"children":154},{},[155],{"type":55,"value":156},"Avoiding probate isn't a single document, it's the outcome of your entire Asset Shield™ working correctly: your living trust properly funded, your property correctly titled, and your beneficiary designations kept current. At Rutkowski Law Firm, we handle all three ourselves and confirm each one is actually in place, rather than handing you a checklist and hoping it gets finished.",{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":160},"",2,[161,162,163,164,165,166,167,168,169],{"id":52,"depth":159,"text":56},{"id":65,"depth":159,"text":68},{"id":82,"depth":159,"text":85},{"id":93,"depth":159,"text":96},{"id":104,"depth":159,"text":107},{"id":115,"depth":159,"text":118},{"id":126,"depth":159,"text":129},{"id":137,"depth":159,"text":140},{"id":148,"depth":159,"text":151},"markdown","content:services:estate-planning:probate-avoidance.md","content","services/estate-planning/probate-avoidance.md","services/estate-planning/probate-avoidance","md",[177,530,802,1099,1385,1658],{"_path":178,"_dir":179,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":180,"description":181,"seoTitle":182,"h1":182,"headline":183,"answerCapsule":184,"streetAddress":185,"city":180,"state":186,"zip":187,"phone":188,"url":189,"map":190,"directions":191,"review":192,"phoneDisplay":193,"attorney":194,"attorneyUrl":195,"meetings":196,"inPerson":6,"ratingValue":197,"reviewCount":198,"ratingAsOf":199,"gbpName":200,"gbpCid":201,"latitude":202,"longitude":203,"county":204,"probateCourt":205,"areasServed":206,"services":212,"testimonialsLocation":222,"heroImage":223,"heroImageAlt":224,"differentiators":225,"faqs":229,"subhead":242,"nearestOffice":243,"nearestOfficeName":244,"nearestOfficeAddress":245,"nearestOfficeDirections":246,"body":247,"_type":170,"_id":527,"_source":172,"_file":528,"_stem":529,"_extension":175},"/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",[180,207,208,209,210,211],"Ypsilanti","Saline","Dexter","Chelsea","Pittsfield Township",[213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220,221],"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",[17,18,226,227,228],"crisis-speed","process","virtual",[230,233,236,239],{"q":231,"a":232},"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":234,"a":235},"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":237,"a":238},"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":240,"a":241},"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":46,"children":248,"toc":519},[249,255,271,326,331,337,342,347,352,358,363,382,388,393,460,465,475,481,486,491,497,502,507],{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":250,"children":252},{"id":251},"whats-different-about-planning-in-ann-arbor",[253],{"type":55,"value":254},"What's different about planning in Ann Arbor?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":256,"children":257},{},[258,260,269],{"type":55,"value":259},"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":49,"tag":261,"props":262,"children":266},"a",{"href":263,"rel":264},"https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/annarborcitymichigan/PST045224",[265],"nofollow",[267],{"type":55,"value":268},"U.S. Census Bureau",{"type":55,"value":270},". Retirement accounts pass by beneficiary form, not by will or trust, so those forms have to match the plan.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":272,"children":273},{},[274,276,282,284,290,291,296,297,303,304,309,310,316,318,324],{"type":55,"value":275},"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":49,"tag":261,"props":277,"children":279},{"href":278},"/estate-planning/",[280],{"type":55,"value":281},"estate planning",{"type":55,"value":283},", ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":285,"children":287},{"href":286},"/estate-planning/trusts/revocable-trust/",[288],{"type":55,"value":289},"living trusts",{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":292,"children":294},{"href":293},"/estate-planning/lady-bird-deed/",[295],{"type":55,"value":217},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":298,"children":300},{"href":299},"/estate-planning/power-of-attorney/",[301],{"type":55,"value":302},"powers of attorney",{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":305,"children":307},{"href":306},"/medicaid-planning/",[308],{"type":55,"value":218},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":311,"children":313},{"href":312},"/asset-protection/",[314],{"type":55,"value":315},"asset protection",{"type":55,"value":317}," and ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":319,"children":321},{"href":320},"/guardianship-conservatorship/",[322],{"type":55,"value":323},"guardianship and conservatorship",{"type":55,"value":325},".",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":327,"children":328},{},[329],{"type":55,"value":330},"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":49,"tag":50,"props":332,"children":334},{"id":333},"what-does-done-for-you-mean-at-rutkowski-law-firm",[335],{"type":55,"value":336},"What does \"done for you\" mean at Rutkowski Law Firm?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":338,"children":339},{},[340],{"type":55,"value":341},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":343,"children":344},{},[345],{"type":55,"value":346},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":348,"children":349},{},[350],{"type":55,"value":351},"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":49,"tag":50,"props":353,"children":355},{"id":354},"what-if-the-family-is-already-in-a-crisis",[356],{"type":55,"value":357},"What if the family is already in a crisis?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":359,"children":360},{},[361],{"type":55,"value":362},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":364,"children":365},{},[366,368,372,374,380],{"type":55,"value":367},"If a parent can no longer make decisions and there's no power of attorney in place, we handle ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":369,"children":370},{"href":320},[371],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":373},". 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":49,"tag":261,"props":375,"children":377},{"href":376},"/practice-areas/crisis-planning/",[378],{"type":55,"value":379},"Crisis planning",{"type":55,"value":381}," can often still protect part of the savings.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":383,"children":385},{"id":384},"how-does-the-process-work",[386],{"type":55,"value":387},"How does the process work?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":389,"children":390},{},[391],{"type":55,"value":392},"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":49,"tag":394,"props":395,"children":396},"ol",{},[397,424,440,450],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":399,"children":400},"li",{},[401,406,408,414,416,422],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":402,"children":403},{},[404],{"type":55,"value":405},"Vision Consultation.",{"type":55,"value":407}," ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":409,"children":411},{"href":410},"/about-us/team/chris-pletkovic/",[412],{"type":55,"value":413},"Chris Pletkovic",{"type":55,"value":415}," or ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":417,"children":419},{"href":418},"/about-us/team/josh-heppner/",[420],{"type":55,"value":421},"Josh Heppner",{"type":55,"value":423}," 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":49,"tag":398,"props":425,"children":426},{},[427,432,434,438],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":428,"children":429},{},[430],{"type":55,"value":431},"Design.",{"type":55,"value":433}," Our attorneys and paralegals, under founding attorney ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":435,"children":436},{"href":195},[437],{"type":55,"value":194},{"type":55,"value":439},", build the plan around your family, your property and your accounts.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":441,"children":442},{},[443,448],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":444,"children":445},{},[446],{"type":55,"value":447},"Signing.",{"type":55,"value":449}," By secure video with a notary, or in person at our Troy office.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":451,"children":452},{},[453,458],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":454,"children":455},{},[456],{"type":55,"value":457},"Funding.",{"type":55,"value":459}," We move your assets into the trust, record the deeds and deliver the finished documents.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":461,"children":462},{},[463],{"type":55,"value":464},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":466,"children":467},{},[468,474],{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":469,"children":471},{"href":470},"/schedule/",[472],{"type":55,"value":473},"Schedule your Vision Consultation",{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":476,"children":478},{"id":477},"do-i-have-to-come-to-an-office",[479],{"type":55,"value":480},"Do I have to come to an office?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":482,"children":483},{},[484],{"type":55,"value":485},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":487,"children":488},{},[489],{"type":55,"value":490},"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":49,"tag":50,"props":492,"children":494},{"id":493},"which-communities-do-you-serve-near-ann-arbor",[495],{"type":55,"value":496},"Which communities do you serve near Ann Arbor?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":498,"children":499},{},[500],{"type":55,"value":501},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":503,"children":504},{},[505],{"type":55,"value":506},"Rutkowski Law Firm meets clients in person at its Troy and Rochester offices and works with families anywhere in Michigan by secure video.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":508,"children":509},{},[510,512,518],{"type":55,"value":511},"See ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":513,"children":515},{"href":514},"/about-us/locations/",[516],{"type":55,"value":517},"every area Rutkowski Law Firm serves",{"type":55,"value":325},{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":520},[521,522,523,524,525,526],{"id":251,"depth":159,"text":254},{"id":333,"depth":159,"text":336},{"id":354,"depth":159,"text":357},{"id":384,"depth":159,"text":387},{"id":477,"depth":159,"text":480},{"id":493,"depth":159,"text":496},"content:about-us:locations:ann-arbor.md","about-us/locations/ann-arbor.md","about-us/locations/ann-arbor",{"_path":531,"_dir":179,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":532,"description":533,"seoTitle":534,"h1":534,"headline":535,"answerCapsule":536,"streetAddress":537,"city":532,"state":186,"zip":538,"phone":539,"url":540,"map":541,"directions":542,"review":543,"phoneDisplay":544,"attorney":194,"attorneyUrl":195,"meetings":196,"inPerson":6,"ratingValue":197,"reviewCount":545,"ratingAsOf":199,"gbpName":200,"gbpCid":546,"latitude":547,"longitude":548,"county":549,"probateCourt":550,"areasServed":551,"services":557,"testimonialsLocation":558,"heroImage":559,"heroImageAlt":560,"differentiators":561,"faqs":562,"subhead":242,"nearestOffice":243,"nearestOfficeName":244,"nearestOfficeAddress":245,"nearestOfficeDirections":246,"body":574,"_type":170,"_id":799,"_source":172,"_file":800,"_stem":801,"_extension":175},"/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",[532,552,553,554,555,556],"Dearborn","Grosse Pointe","Hamtramck","Southfield","Livonia",[213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220,221],"Detroit, MI","/img/hero/detroit.webp","Downtown Detroit, Michigan",[17,18,226,227,228],[563,566,569,571],{"q":564,"a":565},"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":567,"a":568},"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":237,"a":570},"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":572,"a":573},"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":46,"children":575,"toc":791},[576,582,596,636,640,644,649,654,659,663,668,682,686,691,741,745,753,757,762,767,773,778,782],{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":577,"children":579},{"id":578},"why-do-so-many-detroit-homes-get-stuck-after-a-death",[580],{"type":55,"value":581},"Why do so many Detroit homes get stuck after a death?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":583,"children":584},{},[585,587,594],{"type":55,"value":586},"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":49,"tag":261,"props":588,"children":591},{"href":589,"rel":590},"https://wdet.org/2024/03/04/more-than-5500-family-homes-in-detroit-passed-down-without-legal-documentation-report-finds/",[265],[592],{"type":55,"value":593},"2024 Detroit Future City report",{"type":55,"value":595},". Without a recorded deed, the family often can't sell, refinance or get help with repairs.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":597,"children":598},{},[599,601,605,606,610,611,615,616,620,621,625,626,630,631,635],{"type":55,"value":600},"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":49,"tag":261,"props":602,"children":603},{"href":278},[604],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":607,"children":608},{"href":286},[609],{"type":55,"value":289},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":612,"children":613},{"href":293},[614],{"type":55,"value":217},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":617,"children":618},{"href":299},[619],{"type":55,"value":302},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":622,"children":623},{"href":306},[624],{"type":55,"value":218},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":627,"children":628},{"href":312},[629],{"type":55,"value":315},{"type":55,"value":317},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":632,"children":633},{"href":320},[634],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":637,"children":638},{},[639],{"type":55,"value":330},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":641,"children":642},{"id":333},[643],{"type":55,"value":336},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":645,"children":646},{},[647],{"type":55,"value":648},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":650,"children":651},{},[652],{"type":55,"value":653},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":655,"children":656},{},[657],{"type":55,"value":658},"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":49,"tag":50,"props":660,"children":661},{"id":354},[662],{"type":55,"value":357},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":664,"children":665},{},[666],{"type":55,"value":667},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":669,"children":670},{},[671,672,676,677,681],{"type":55,"value":367},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":673,"children":674},{"href":320},[675],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":373},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":678,"children":679},{"href":376},[680],{"type":55,"value":379},{"type":55,"value":381},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":683,"children":684},{"id":384},[685],{"type":55,"value":387},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":687,"children":688},{},[689],{"type":55,"value":690},"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":49,"tag":394,"props":692,"children":693},{},[694,712,725,733],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":695,"children":696},{},[697,701,702,706,707,711],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":698,"children":699},{},[700],{"type":55,"value":405},{"type":55,"value":407},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":703,"children":704},{"href":410},[705],{"type":55,"value":413},{"type":55,"value":415},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":708,"children":709},{"href":418},[710],{"type":55,"value":421},{"type":55,"value":423},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":713,"children":714},{},[715,719,720,724],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":716,"children":717},{},[718],{"type":55,"value":431},{"type":55,"value":433},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":721,"children":722},{"href":195},[723],{"type":55,"value":194},{"type":55,"value":439},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":726,"children":727},{},[728,732],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":729,"children":730},{},[731],{"type":55,"value":447},{"type":55,"value":449},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":734,"children":735},{},[736,740],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":737,"children":738},{},[739],{"type":55,"value":457},{"type":55,"value":459},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":742,"children":743},{},[744],{"type":55,"value":464},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":746,"children":747},{},[748,752],{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":749,"children":750},{"href":470},[751],{"type":55,"value":473},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":754,"children":755},{"id":477},[756],{"type":55,"value":480},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":758,"children":759},{},[760],{"type":55,"value":761},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":763,"children":764},{},[765],{"type":55,"value":766},"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":49,"tag":50,"props":768,"children":770},{"id":769},"which-communities-do-you-serve-near-detroit",[771],{"type":55,"value":772},"Which communities do you serve near Detroit?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":774,"children":775},{},[776],{"type":55,"value":777},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":779,"children":780},{},[781],{"type":55,"value":506},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":783,"children":784},{},[785,786,790],{"type":55,"value":511},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":787,"children":788},{"href":514},[789],{"type":55,"value":517},{"type":55,"value":325},{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":792},[793,794,795,796,797,798],{"id":578,"depth":159,"text":581},{"id":333,"depth":159,"text":336},{"id":354,"depth":159,"text":357},{"id":384,"depth":159,"text":387},{"id":477,"depth":159,"text":480},{"id":769,"depth":159,"text":772},"content:about-us:locations:detroit.md","about-us/locations/detroit.md","about-us/locations/detroit",{"_path":803,"_dir":179,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":804,"description":805,"seoTitle":806,"h1":806,"headline":807,"answerCapsule":808,"streetAddress":809,"city":804,"state":186,"zip":810,"phone":811,"url":812,"map":813,"directions":814,"review":815,"phoneDisplay":816,"attorney":194,"attorneyUrl":195,"meetings":817,"inPerson":6,"ratingValue":197,"reviewCount":818,"ratingAsOf":199,"gbpName":819,"gbpCid":820,"latitude":821,"longitude":822,"county":804,"probateCourt":823,"areasServed":824,"services":830,"testimonialsLocation":831,"heroImage":832,"heroImageAlt":833,"differentiators":834,"faqs":835,"subhead":242,"nearestOffice":243,"nearestOfficeName":244,"nearestOfficeAddress":245,"nearestOfficeDirections":246,"body":851,"_type":170,"_id":1096,"_source":172,"_file":1097,"_stem":1098,"_extension":175},"/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",[804,825,826,827,828,829],"Negaunee","Ishpeming","Harvey","Gwinn","Munising",[213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220,221],"Marquette, MI","/img/hero/marquette.webp","Marquette, Michigan, on Lake Superior",[17,18,226,227,228],[836,839,842,845,848],{"q":837,"a":838},"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":840,"a":841},"Can we do the whole process without traveling?","Yes. Marquette clients work with us by secure video for every step, including the signing.",{"q":843,"a":844},"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":846,"a":847},"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":849,"a":850},"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":46,"children":852,"toc":1087},[853,859,872,913,917,921,926,931,936,940,945,959,963,968,1019,1023,1031,1037,1042,1047,1053,1058,1063,1069,1074,1078],{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":854,"children":856},{"id":855},"why-plan-now-if-you-live-in-the-up",[857],{"type":55,"value":858},"Why plan now if you live in the U.P.?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":860,"children":861},{},[862,864,870],{"type":55,"value":863},"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":49,"tag":261,"props":865,"children":868},{"href":866,"rel":867},"https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/marquettecountymichigan/PST045224",[265],[869],{"type":55,"value":268},{"type":55,"value":871},". When something happens, the family is often hours away, and paperwork that isn't finished becomes the problem.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":873,"children":874},{},[875,877,881,882,886,887,891,892,896,897,901,902,906,907,911],{"type":55,"value":876},"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":49,"tag":261,"props":878,"children":879},{"href":278},[880],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":883,"children":884},{"href":286},[885],{"type":55,"value":289},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":888,"children":889},{"href":293},[890],{"type":55,"value":217},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":893,"children":894},{"href":299},[895],{"type":55,"value":302},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":898,"children":899},{"href":306},[900],{"type":55,"value":218},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":903,"children":904},{"href":312},[905],{"type":55,"value":315},{"type":55,"value":317},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":908,"children":909},{"href":320},[910],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":912},", all by video.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":914,"children":915},{},[916],{"type":55,"value":330},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":918,"children":919},{"id":333},[920],{"type":55,"value":336},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":922,"children":923},{},[924],{"type":55,"value":925},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":927,"children":928},{},[929],{"type":55,"value":930},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":932,"children":933},{},[934],{"type":55,"value":935},"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":49,"tag":50,"props":937,"children":938},{"id":354},[939],{"type":55,"value":357},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":941,"children":942},{},[943],{"type":55,"value":944},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":946,"children":947},{},[948,949,953,954,958],{"type":55,"value":367},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":950,"children":951},{"href":320},[952],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":373},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":955,"children":956},{"href":376},[957],{"type":55,"value":379},{"type":55,"value":381},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":960,"children":961},{"id":384},[962],{"type":55,"value":387},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":964,"children":965},{},[966],{"type":55,"value":967},"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":49,"tag":394,"props":969,"children":970},{},[971,989,1002,1011],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":972,"children":973},{},[974,978,979,983,984,988],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":975,"children":976},{},[977],{"type":55,"value":405},{"type":55,"value":407},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":980,"children":981},{"href":410},[982],{"type":55,"value":413},{"type":55,"value":415},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":985,"children":986},{"href":418},[987],{"type":55,"value":421},{"type":55,"value":423},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":990,"children":991},{},[992,996,997,1001],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":993,"children":994},{},[995],{"type":55,"value":431},{"type":55,"value":433},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":998,"children":999},{"href":195},[1000],{"type":55,"value":194},{"type":55,"value":439},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1003,"children":1004},{},[1005,1009],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1006,"children":1007},{},[1008],{"type":55,"value":447},{"type":55,"value":1010}," By secure video with a notary, from home.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1012,"children":1013},{},[1014,1018],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1015,"children":1016},{},[1017],{"type":55,"value":457},{"type":55,"value":459},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1020,"children":1021},{},[1022],{"type":55,"value":464},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1024,"children":1025},{},[1026,1030],{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1027,"children":1028},{"href":470},[1029],{"type":55,"value":473},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1032,"children":1034},{"id":1033},"do-i-have-to-travel-to-meet-with-you",[1035],{"type":55,"value":1036},"Do I have to travel to meet with you?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1038,"children":1039},{},[1040],{"type":55,"value":1041},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1043,"children":1044},{},[1045],{"type":55,"value":1046},"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":49,"tag":50,"props":1048,"children":1050},{"id":1049},"should-i-hire-a-local-marquette-attorney-instead",[1051],{"type":55,"value":1052},"Should I hire a local Marquette attorney instead?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1054,"children":1055},{},[1056],{"type":55,"value":1057},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1059,"children":1060},{},[1061],{"type":55,"value":1062},"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":49,"tag":50,"props":1064,"children":1066},{"id":1065},"which-communities-do-you-serve-near-marquette",[1067],{"type":55,"value":1068},"Which communities do you serve near Marquette?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1070,"children":1071},{},[1072],{"type":55,"value":1073},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1075,"children":1076},{},[1077],{"type":55,"value":506},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1079,"children":1080},{},[1081,1082,1086],{"type":55,"value":511},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1083,"children":1084},{"href":514},[1085],{"type":55,"value":517},{"type":55,"value":325},{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":1088},[1089,1090,1091,1092,1093,1094,1095],{"id":855,"depth":159,"text":858},{"id":333,"depth":159,"text":336},{"id":354,"depth":159,"text":357},{"id":384,"depth":159,"text":387},{"id":1033,"depth":159,"text":1036},{"id":1049,"depth":159,"text":1052},{"id":1065,"depth":159,"text":1068},"content:about-us:locations:marquette.md","about-us/locations/marquette.md","about-us/locations/marquette",{"_path":1100,"_dir":179,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":1101,"description":1102,"seoTitle":1103,"h1":1103,"headline":1104,"answerCapsule":1105,"streetAddress":1106,"city":1101,"state":186,"zip":1107,"phone":1108,"url":1109,"map":1110,"directions":1111,"review":1112,"phoneDisplay":1113,"attorney":194,"attorneyUrl":195,"meetings":1114,"inPerson":1115,"ratingValue":1116,"reviewCount":1117,"ratingAsOf":199,"gbpName":200,"gbpCid":1118,"latitude":1119,"longitude":1120,"county":1121,"probateCourt":1122,"areasServed":1123,"services":1129,"testimonialsLocation":1130,"heroImage":1131,"heroImageAlt":1132,"differentiators":1133,"faqs":1134,"subhead":242,"body":1147,"_type":170,"_id":1382,"_source":172,"_file":1383,"_stem":1384,"_extension":175},"/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",[1101,1124,1125,1126,1127,1128],"Rochester Hills","Oakland Township","Auburn Hills","Lake Orion","Shelby Township",[213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220,221],"Rochester, MI","/img/hero/rochester.webp","Downtown Rochester, Michigan, near the Rutkowski Law Firm office on East Street",[17,18,226,227,228],[1135,1138,1141,1144],{"q":1136,"a":1137},"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":1139,"a":1140},"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":1142,"a":1143},"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":1145,"a":1146},"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":46,"children":1148,"toc":1374},[1149,1155,1168,1208,1212,1216,1221,1226,1231,1235,1240,1254,1258,1263,1314,1318,1326,1332,1337,1342,1348,1353,1365],{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1150,"children":1152},{"id":1151},"why-do-rochester-families-need-more-than-a-will",[1153],{"type":55,"value":1154},"Why do Rochester families need more than a will?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1156,"children":1157},{},[1158,1160,1166],{"type":55,"value":1159},"Because the house alone puts most Rochester estates over the line. The median Rochester home is worth about $473,000, according to the ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1161,"children":1164},{"href":1162,"rel":1163},"https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/rochestercitymichigan/PST045224",[265],[1165],{"type":55,"value":268},{"type":55,"value":1167},". 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":49,"tag":58,"props":1169,"children":1170},{},[1171,1173,1177,1178,1182,1183,1187,1188,1192,1193,1197,1198,1202,1203,1207],{"type":55,"value":1172},"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":49,"tag":261,"props":1174,"children":1175},{"href":278},[1176],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1179,"children":1180},{"href":286},[1181],{"type":55,"value":289},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1184,"children":1185},{"href":293},[1186],{"type":55,"value":217},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1189,"children":1190},{"href":299},[1191],{"type":55,"value":302},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1194,"children":1195},{"href":306},[1196],{"type":55,"value":218},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1199,"children":1200},{"href":312},[1201],{"type":55,"value":315},{"type":55,"value":317},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1204,"children":1205},{"href":320},[1206],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1209,"children":1210},{},[1211],{"type":55,"value":330},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1213,"children":1214},{"id":333},[1215],{"type":55,"value":336},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1217,"children":1218},{},[1219],{"type":55,"value":1220},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1222,"children":1223},{},[1224],{"type":55,"value":1225},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1227,"children":1228},{},[1229],{"type":55,"value":1230},"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":49,"tag":50,"props":1232,"children":1233},{"id":354},[1234],{"type":55,"value":357},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1236,"children":1237},{},[1238],{"type":55,"value":1239},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1241,"children":1242},{},[1243,1244,1248,1249,1253],{"type":55,"value":367},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1245,"children":1246},{"href":320},[1247],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":373},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1250,"children":1251},{"href":376},[1252],{"type":55,"value":379},{"type":55,"value":381},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1255,"children":1256},{"id":384},[1257],{"type":55,"value":387},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1259,"children":1260},{},[1261],{"type":55,"value":1262},"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":49,"tag":394,"props":1264,"children":1265},{},[1266,1284,1297,1306],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1267,"children":1268},{},[1269,1273,1274,1278,1279,1283],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1270,"children":1271},{},[1272],{"type":55,"value":405},{"type":55,"value":407},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1275,"children":1276},{"href":410},[1277],{"type":55,"value":413},{"type":55,"value":415},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1280,"children":1281},{"href":418},[1282],{"type":55,"value":421},{"type":55,"value":423},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1285,"children":1286},{},[1287,1291,1292,1296],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1288,"children":1289},{},[1290],{"type":55,"value":431},{"type":55,"value":433},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1293,"children":1294},{"href":195},[1295],{"type":55,"value":194},{"type":55,"value":439},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1298,"children":1299},{},[1300,1304],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1301,"children":1302},{},[1303],{"type":55,"value":447},{"type":55,"value":1305}," At our East Street office, at the Troy office, or through our secure virtual signing process.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1307,"children":1308},{},[1309,1313],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1310,"children":1311},{},[1312],{"type":55,"value":457},{"type":55,"value":459},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1315,"children":1316},{},[1317],{"type":55,"value":464},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1319,"children":1320},{},[1321,1325],{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1322,"children":1323},{"href":470},[1324],{"type":55,"value":473},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1327,"children":1329},{"id":1328},"can-i-meet-in-person-at-the-rochester-office",[1330],{"type":55,"value":1331},"Can I meet in person at the Rochester office?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1333,"children":1334},{},[1335],{"type":55,"value":1336},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1338,"children":1339},{},[1340],{"type":55,"value":1341},"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":49,"tag":50,"props":1343,"children":1345},{"id":1344},"which-communities-do-you-serve-near-rochester",[1346],{"type":55,"value":1347},"Which communities do you serve near Rochester?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1349,"children":1350},{},[1351],{"type":55,"value":1352},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1354,"children":1355},{},[1356,1358,1363],{"type":55,"value":1357},"Rutkowski Law Firm meets clients in person at its ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1359,"children":1361},{"href":1360},"/about-us/locations/troy/",[1362],{"type":55,"value":244},{"type":55,"value":1364}," and Rochester offices and works with families anywhere in Michigan by secure video.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1366,"children":1367},{},[1368,1369,1373],{"type":55,"value":511},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1370,"children":1371},{"href":514},[1372],{"type":55,"value":517},{"type":55,"value":325},{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":1375},[1376,1377,1378,1379,1380,1381],{"id":1151,"depth":159,"text":1154},{"id":333,"depth":159,"text":336},{"id":354,"depth":159,"text":357},{"id":384,"depth":159,"text":387},{"id":1328,"depth":159,"text":1331},{"id":1344,"depth":159,"text":1347},"content:about-us:locations:rochester.md","about-us/locations/rochester.md","about-us/locations/rochester",{"_path":1386,"_dir":179,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":1387,"description":1388,"seoTitle":1389,"h1":1389,"headline":1390,"answerCapsule":1391,"streetAddress":1392,"city":1387,"state":186,"zip":1393,"phone":1394,"url":1395,"map":1396,"directions":1397,"review":1398,"phoneDisplay":1399,"attorney":194,"attorneyUrl":195,"meetings":196,"inPerson":6,"ratingValue":1400,"reviewCount":1401,"ratingAsOf":199,"gbpName":1402,"gbpCid":1403,"latitude":1404,"longitude":1405,"county":1406,"probateCourt":1407,"areasServed":1408,"services":1413,"testimonialsLocation":1414,"heroImage":1415,"heroImageAlt":1416,"differentiators":1417,"faqs":1418,"subhead":242,"nearestOffice":243,"nearestOfficeName":244,"nearestOfficeAddress":245,"nearestOfficeDirections":246,"body":1430,"_type":170,"_id":1655,"_source":172,"_file":1656,"_stem":1657,"_extension":175},"/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",[1387,1128,1409,1410,1411,1412],"Macomb Township","Clinton Township","Utica","Warren",[213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220,221],"Sterling Heights, MI","/img/hero/sterling-heights.webp","Sterling Heights, Michigan",[17,18,226,227,228],[1419,1422,1424,1427],{"q":1420,"a":1421},"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":237,"a":1423},"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":1425,"a":1426},"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":1428,"a":1429},"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":46,"children":1431,"toc":1647},[1432,1438,1451,1491,1495,1499,1504,1509,1514,1518,1523,1537,1541,1546,1597,1601,1609,1613,1618,1623,1629,1634,1638],{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1433,"children":1435},{"id":1434},"what-do-sterling-heights-families-most-need-to-protect",[1436],{"type":55,"value":1437},"What do Sterling Heights families most need to protect?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1439,"children":1440},{},[1441,1443,1449],{"type":55,"value":1442},"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":49,"tag":261,"props":1444,"children":1447},{"href":1445,"rel":1446},"https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sterlingheightscitymichigan/PST045224",[265],[1448],{"type":55,"value":268},{"type":55,"value":1450},". That's a lot of paid-off homes heading toward probate and nursing home bills.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1452,"children":1453},{},[1454,1456,1460,1461,1465,1466,1470,1471,1475,1476,1480,1481,1485,1486,1490],{"type":55,"value":1455},"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":49,"tag":261,"props":1457,"children":1458},{"href":278},[1459],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1462,"children":1463},{"href":286},[1464],{"type":55,"value":289},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1467,"children":1468},{"href":293},[1469],{"type":55,"value":217},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1472,"children":1473},{"href":299},[1474],{"type":55,"value":302},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1477,"children":1478},{"href":306},[1479],{"type":55,"value":218},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1482,"children":1483},{"href":312},[1484],{"type":55,"value":315},{"type":55,"value":317},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1487,"children":1488},{"href":320},[1489],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1492,"children":1493},{},[1494],{"type":55,"value":330},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1496,"children":1497},{"id":333},[1498],{"type":55,"value":336},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1500,"children":1501},{},[1502],{"type":55,"value":1503},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1505,"children":1506},{},[1507],{"type":55,"value":1508},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1510,"children":1511},{},[1512],{"type":55,"value":1513},"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":49,"tag":50,"props":1515,"children":1516},{"id":354},[1517],{"type":55,"value":357},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1519,"children":1520},{},[1521],{"type":55,"value":1522},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1524,"children":1525},{},[1526,1527,1531,1532,1536],{"type":55,"value":367},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1528,"children":1529},{"href":320},[1530],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":373},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1533,"children":1534},{"href":376},[1535],{"type":55,"value":379},{"type":55,"value":381},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1538,"children":1539},{"id":384},[1540],{"type":55,"value":387},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1542,"children":1543},{},[1544],{"type":55,"value":1545},"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":49,"tag":394,"props":1547,"children":1548},{},[1549,1567,1580,1589],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1550,"children":1551},{},[1552,1556,1557,1561,1562,1566],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1553,"children":1554},{},[1555],{"type":55,"value":405},{"type":55,"value":407},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1558,"children":1559},{"href":410},[1560],{"type":55,"value":413},{"type":55,"value":415},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1563,"children":1564},{"href":418},[1565],{"type":55,"value":421},{"type":55,"value":423},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1568,"children":1569},{},[1570,1574,1575,1579],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1571,"children":1572},{},[1573],{"type":55,"value":431},{"type":55,"value":433},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1576,"children":1577},{"href":195},[1578],{"type":55,"value":194},{"type":55,"value":439},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1581,"children":1582},{},[1583,1587],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1584,"children":1585},{},[1586],{"type":55,"value":447},{"type":55,"value":1588}," By secure video with a notary, or in person at our Troy or Rochester office.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1590,"children":1591},{},[1592,1596],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1593,"children":1594},{},[1595],{"type":55,"value":457},{"type":55,"value":459},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1598,"children":1599},{},[1600],{"type":55,"value":464},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1602,"children":1603},{},[1604,1608],{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1605,"children":1606},{"href":470},[1607],{"type":55,"value":473},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1610,"children":1611},{"id":477},[1612],{"type":55,"value":480},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1614,"children":1615},{},[1616],{"type":55,"value":1617},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1619,"children":1620},{},[1621],{"type":55,"value":1622},"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":49,"tag":50,"props":1624,"children":1626},{"id":1625},"which-communities-do-you-serve-near-sterling-heights",[1627],{"type":55,"value":1628},"Which communities do you serve near Sterling Heights?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1630,"children":1631},{},[1632],{"type":55,"value":1633},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1635,"children":1636},{},[1637],{"type":55,"value":506},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1639,"children":1640},{},[1641,1642,1646],{"type":55,"value":511},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1643,"children":1644},{"href":514},[1645],{"type":55,"value":517},{"type":55,"value":325},{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":1648},[1649,1650,1651,1652,1653,1654],{"id":1434,"depth":159,"text":1437},{"id":333,"depth":159,"text":336},{"id":354,"depth":159,"text":357},{"id":384,"depth":159,"text":387},{"id":477,"depth":159,"text":480},{"id":1625,"depth":159,"text":1628},"content:about-us:locations:sterling-heights.md","about-us/locations/sterling-heights.md","about-us/locations/sterling-heights",{"_path":1659,"_dir":179,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":244,"description":1660,"seoTitle":1661,"h1":1661,"headline":1662,"answerCapsule":1663,"streetAddress":1664,"city":244,"primaryOffice":1115,"state":186,"zip":1665,"phone":1666,"url":1667,"map":1668,"directions":246,"review":1667,"phoneDisplay":1669,"attorney":194,"attorneyUrl":195,"meetings":1670,"inPerson":1115,"ratingValue":1116,"reviewCount":1671,"ratingAsOf":199,"gbpName":200,"gbpCid":1672,"county":1121,"probateCourt":1122,"areasServed":1673,"services":1679,"testimonialsLocation":1680,"heroImage":1681,"heroImageAlt":1682,"differentiators":1683,"faqs":1684,"subhead":242,"body":1702,"_type":170,"_id":1946,"_source":172,"_file":1947,"_stem":1948,"_extension":175},"/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",[244,1674,1675,1676,1677,1678],"Bloomfield Hills","Birmingham","Royal Oak","Clawson","West Bloomfield",[213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220,221],"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",[17,18,226,227,228],[1685,1688,1690,1693,1696,1699],{"q":1686,"a":1687},"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":1689,"a":1140},"Which court handles probate for Troy and Bloomfield Hills estates?",{"q":1691,"a":1692},"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":1694,"a":1695},"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":1697,"a":1698},"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":1700,"a":1701},"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":46,"children":1703,"toc":1938},[1704,1710,1723,1763,1767,1771,1776,1781,1786,1790,1795,1809,1813,1818,1823,1874,1878,1886,1892,1897,1901,1914,1920,1925,1929],{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1705,"children":1707},{"id":1706},"why-does-a-troy-or-bloomfield-hills-plan-need-to-be-finished-properly",[1708],{"type":55,"value":1709},"Why does a Troy or Bloomfield Hills plan need to be finished properly?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1711,"children":1712},{},[1713,1715,1721],{"type":55,"value":1714},"More assets means more places for a plan to fail. Troy's median household income is about $120,000, according to the ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1716,"children":1719},{"href":1717,"rel":1718},"https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/troycitymichigan/PST045224",[265],[1720],{"type":55,"value":268},{"type":55,"value":1722},", 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":49,"tag":58,"props":1724,"children":1725},{},[1726,1728,1732,1733,1737,1738,1742,1743,1747,1748,1752,1753,1757,1758,1762],{"type":55,"value":1727},"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":49,"tag":261,"props":1729,"children":1730},{"href":278},[1731],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1734,"children":1735},{"href":286},[1736],{"type":55,"value":289},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1739,"children":1740},{"href":293},[1741],{"type":55,"value":217},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1744,"children":1745},{"href":299},[1746],{"type":55,"value":302},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1749,"children":1750},{"href":306},[1751],{"type":55,"value":218},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1754,"children":1755},{"href":312},[1756],{"type":55,"value":315},{"type":55,"value":317},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1759,"children":1760},{"href":320},[1761],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1764,"children":1765},{},[1766],{"type":55,"value":330},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1768,"children":1769},{"id":333},[1770],{"type":55,"value":336},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1772,"children":1773},{},[1774],{"type":55,"value":1775},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1777,"children":1778},{},[1779],{"type":55,"value":1780},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1782,"children":1783},{},[1784],{"type":55,"value":1785},"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":49,"tag":50,"props":1787,"children":1788},{"id":354},[1789],{"type":55,"value":357},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1791,"children":1792},{},[1793],{"type":55,"value":1794},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":1796,"children":1797},{},[1798,1799,1803,1804,1808],{"type":55,"value":367},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1800,"children":1801},{"href":320},[1802],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":373},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1805,"children":1806},{"href":376},[1807],{"type":55,"value":379},{"type":55,"value":381},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1810,"children":1811},{"id":384},[1812],{"type":55,"value":387},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1814,"children":1815},{},[1816],{"type":55,"value":1817},"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":49,"tag":1819,"props":1820,"children":1822},"photo-grid",{":photos":1821},"[{\"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":49,"tag":394,"props":1824,"children":1825},{},[1826,1844,1857,1866],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1827,"children":1828},{},[1829,1833,1834,1838,1839,1843],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1830,"children":1831},{},[1832],{"type":55,"value":405},{"type":55,"value":407},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1835,"children":1836},{"href":410},[1837],{"type":55,"value":413},{"type":55,"value":415},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1840,"children":1841},{"href":418},[1842],{"type":55,"value":421},{"type":55,"value":423},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1845,"children":1846},{},[1847,1851,1852,1856],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1848,"children":1849},{},[1850],{"type":55,"value":431},{"type":55,"value":433},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1853,"children":1854},{"href":195},[1855],{"type":55,"value":194},{"type":55,"value":439},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1858,"children":1859},{},[1860,1864],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1861,"children":1862},{},[1863],{"type":55,"value":447},{"type":55,"value":1865}," At our Troy office, at the Rochester office, or through our secure virtual signing process.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":1867,"children":1868},{},[1869,1873],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":1870,"children":1871},{},[1872],{"type":55,"value":457},{"type":55,"value":459},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1875,"children":1876},{},[1877],{"type":55,"value":464},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1879,"children":1880},{},[1881,1885],{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1882,"children":1883},{"href":470},[1884],{"type":55,"value":473},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1887,"children":1889},{"id":1888},"can-i-meet-in-person-at-the-troy-office",[1890],{"type":55,"value":1891},"Can I meet in person at the Troy office?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1893,"children":1894},{},[1895],{"type":55,"value":1896},"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":49,"tag":1819,"props":1898,"children":1900},{":photos":1899},"[{\"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. Phone (248) 792-9193 when you arrive in the lobby and we'll get you up to the sixth floor.\"},{\"src\":\"/img/locations/troy-sixth-floor-elevators.webp\",\"step\":4,\"alt\":\"The sixth-floor elevator lobby at Rutkowski Law Firm's Troy office, with two stainless steel elevators along the back wall, a reception desk with a computer and phone in the foreground, gray lounge seating, and a navy Rutkowski Law Firm table beneath a wall of windows overlooking Troy\",\"caption\":\"Suite 600 is on the sixth floor. Our reception area is right off the elevators.\"},{\"src\":\"/img/locations/troy-rudy-office-dog.webp\",\"tall\":true,\"position\":\"50% 35%\",\"alt\":\"Rudy, the Troy office's chocolate Labrador and Director of Asset Relocation, sitting upright in a teal collar on the polished concrete floor of the office hallway and looking straight at the camera, with glass-walled offices behind him\",\"caption\":\"You'll probably meet Rudy, our chocolate Lab and Director of Asset Relocation. If you're allergic or uneasy around dogs, tell us when you book and we'll make sure he's relocated.\"}]",[],{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1902,"children":1903},{},[1904,1906,1912],{"type":55,"value":1905},"If you'd rather meet in Rochester, ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1907,"children":1909},{"href":1908},"/about-us/locations/rochester/",[1910],{"type":55,"value":1911},"our East Street office",{"type":55,"value":1913}," is a short drive north. Adult children helping a parent from out of town can join any meeting by video.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1915,"children":1917},{"id":1916},"which-communities-do-you-serve-near-troy",[1918],{"type":55,"value":1919},"Which communities do you serve near Troy?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1921,"children":1922},{},[1923],{"type":55,"value":1924},"The Troy office serves Troy, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Royal Oak, Clawson and West Bloomfield, and families anywhere in Michigan by video. Estates in this area are handled by the Oakland County Probate Court in Pontiac.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1926,"children":1927},{},[1928],{"type":55,"value":506},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1930,"children":1931},{},[1932,1933,1937],{"type":55,"value":511},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1934,"children":1935},{"href":514},[1936],{"type":55,"value":517},{"type":55,"value":325},{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":1939},[1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945],{"id":1706,"depth":159,"text":1709},{"id":333,"depth":159,"text":336},{"id":354,"depth":159,"text":357},{"id":384,"depth":159,"text":387},{"id":1888,"depth":159,"text":1891},{"id":1916,"depth":159,"text":1919},"content:about-us:locations:troy.md","about-us/locations/troy.md","about-us/locations/troy",[1950,2167,2384,2615,2837,3054],{"_path":178,"_dir":179,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":180,"description":181,"seoTitle":182,"h1":182,"headline":183,"answerCapsule":184,"streetAddress":185,"city":180,"state":186,"zip":187,"phone":188,"url":189,"map":190,"directions":191,"review":192,"phoneDisplay":193,"attorney":194,"attorneyUrl":195,"meetings":196,"inPerson":6,"ratingValue":197,"reviewCount":198,"ratingAsOf":199,"gbpName":200,"gbpCid":201,"latitude":202,"longitude":203,"county":204,"probateCourt":205,"areasServed":1951,"services":1952,"testimonialsLocation":222,"heroImage":223,"heroImageAlt":224,"differentiators":1953,"faqs":1954,"subhead":242,"nearestOffice":243,"nearestOfficeName":244,"nearestOfficeAddress":245,"nearestOfficeDirections":246,"body":1959,"_type":170,"_id":527,"_source":172,"_file":528,"_stem":529,"_extension":175},[180,207,208,209,210,211],[213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220,221],[17,18,226,227,228],[1955,1956,1957,1958],{"q":231,"a":232},{"q":234,"a":235},{"q":237,"a":238},{"q":240,"a":241},{"type":46,"children":1960,"toc":2159},[1961,1965,1975,2014,2018,2022,2026,2030,2034,2038,2042,2056,2060,2064,2114,2118,2126,2130,2134,2138,2142,2146,2150],{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":1962,"children":1963},{"id":251},[1964],{"type":55,"value":254},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1966,"children":1967},{},[1968,1969,1974],{"type":55,"value":259},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1970,"children":1972},{"href":263,"rel":1971},[265],[1973],{"type":55,"value":268},{"type":55,"value":270},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":1976,"children":1977},{},[1978,1979,1983,1984,1988,1989,1993,1994,1998,1999,2003,2004,2008,2009,2013],{"type":55,"value":275},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1980,"children":1981},{"href":278},[1982],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1985,"children":1986},{"href":286},[1987],{"type":55,"value":289},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1990,"children":1991},{"href":293},[1992],{"type":55,"value":217},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":1995,"children":1996},{"href":299},[1997],{"type":55,"value":302},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2000,"children":2001},{"href":306},[2002],{"type":55,"value":218},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2005,"children":2006},{"href":312},[2007],{"type":55,"value":315},{"type":55,"value":317},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2010,"children":2011},{"href":320},[2012],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2015,"children":2016},{},[2017],{"type":55,"value":330},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2019,"children":2020},{"id":333},[2021],{"type":55,"value":336},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2023,"children":2024},{},[2025],{"type":55,"value":341},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2027,"children":2028},{},[2029],{"type":55,"value":346},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2031,"children":2032},{},[2033],{"type":55,"value":351},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2035,"children":2036},{"id":354},[2037],{"type":55,"value":357},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2039,"children":2040},{},[2041],{"type":55,"value":362},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2043,"children":2044},{},[2045,2046,2050,2051,2055],{"type":55,"value":367},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2047,"children":2048},{"href":320},[2049],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":373},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2052,"children":2053},{"href":376},[2054],{"type":55,"value":379},{"type":55,"value":381},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2057,"children":2058},{"id":384},[2059],{"type":55,"value":387},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2061,"children":2062},{},[2063],{"type":55,"value":392},{"type":49,"tag":394,"props":2065,"children":2066},{},[2067,2085,2098,2106],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2068,"children":2069},{},[2070,2074,2075,2079,2080,2084],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2071,"children":2072},{},[2073],{"type":55,"value":405},{"type":55,"value":407},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2076,"children":2077},{"href":410},[2078],{"type":55,"value":413},{"type":55,"value":415},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2081,"children":2082},{"href":418},[2083],{"type":55,"value":421},{"type":55,"value":423},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2086,"children":2087},{},[2088,2092,2093,2097],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2089,"children":2090},{},[2091],{"type":55,"value":431},{"type":55,"value":433},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2094,"children":2095},{"href":195},[2096],{"type":55,"value":194},{"type":55,"value":439},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2099,"children":2100},{},[2101,2105],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2102,"children":2103},{},[2104],{"type":55,"value":447},{"type":55,"value":449},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2107,"children":2108},{},[2109,2113],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2110,"children":2111},{},[2112],{"type":55,"value":457},{"type":55,"value":459},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2115,"children":2116},{},[2117],{"type":55,"value":464},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2119,"children":2120},{},[2121,2125],{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2122,"children":2123},{"href":470},[2124],{"type":55,"value":473},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2127,"children":2128},{"id":477},[2129],{"type":55,"value":480},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2131,"children":2132},{},[2133],{"type":55,"value":485},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2135,"children":2136},{},[2137],{"type":55,"value":490},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2139,"children":2140},{"id":493},[2141],{"type":55,"value":496},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2143,"children":2144},{},[2145],{"type":55,"value":501},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2147,"children":2148},{},[2149],{"type":55,"value":506},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2151,"children":2152},{},[2153,2154,2158],{"type":55,"value":511},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2155,"children":2156},{"href":514},[2157],{"type":55,"value":517},{"type":55,"value":325},{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":2160},[2161,2162,2163,2164,2165,2166],{"id":251,"depth":159,"text":254},{"id":333,"depth":159,"text":336},{"id":354,"depth":159,"text":357},{"id":384,"depth":159,"text":387},{"id":477,"depth":159,"text":480},{"id":493,"depth":159,"text":496},{"_path":531,"_dir":179,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":532,"description":533,"seoTitle":534,"h1":534,"headline":535,"answerCapsule":536,"streetAddress":537,"city":532,"state":186,"zip":538,"phone":539,"url":540,"map":541,"directions":542,"review":543,"phoneDisplay":544,"attorney":194,"attorneyUrl":195,"meetings":196,"inPerson":6,"ratingValue":197,"reviewCount":545,"ratingAsOf":199,"gbpName":200,"gbpCid":546,"latitude":547,"longitude":548,"county":549,"probateCourt":550,"areasServed":2168,"services":2169,"testimonialsLocation":558,"heroImage":559,"heroImageAlt":560,"differentiators":2170,"faqs":2171,"subhead":242,"nearestOffice":243,"nearestOfficeName":244,"nearestOfficeAddress":245,"nearestOfficeDirections":246,"body":2176,"_type":170,"_id":799,"_source":172,"_file":800,"_stem":801,"_extension":175},[532,552,553,554,555,556],[213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220,221],[17,18,226,227,228],[2172,2173,2174,2175],{"q":564,"a":565},{"q":567,"a":568},{"q":237,"a":570},{"q":572,"a":573},{"type":46,"children":2177,"toc":2376},[2178,2182,2192,2231,2235,2239,2243,2247,2251,2255,2259,2273,2277,2281,2331,2335,2343,2347,2351,2355,2359,2363,2367],{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2179,"children":2180},{"id":578},[2181],{"type":55,"value":581},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2183,"children":2184},{},[2185,2186,2191],{"type":55,"value":586},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2187,"children":2189},{"href":589,"rel":2188},[265],[2190],{"type":55,"value":593},{"type":55,"value":595},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2193,"children":2194},{},[2195,2196,2200,2201,2205,2206,2210,2211,2215,2216,2220,2221,2225,2226,2230],{"type":55,"value":600},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2197,"children":2198},{"href":278},[2199],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2202,"children":2203},{"href":286},[2204],{"type":55,"value":289},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2207,"children":2208},{"href":293},[2209],{"type":55,"value":217},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2212,"children":2213},{"href":299},[2214],{"type":55,"value":302},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2217,"children":2218},{"href":306},[2219],{"type":55,"value":218},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2222,"children":2223},{"href":312},[2224],{"type":55,"value":315},{"type":55,"value":317},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2227,"children":2228},{"href":320},[2229],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2232,"children":2233},{},[2234],{"type":55,"value":330},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2236,"children":2237},{"id":333},[2238],{"type":55,"value":336},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2240,"children":2241},{},[2242],{"type":55,"value":648},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2244,"children":2245},{},[2246],{"type":55,"value":653},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2248,"children":2249},{},[2250],{"type":55,"value":658},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2252,"children":2253},{"id":354},[2254],{"type":55,"value":357},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2256,"children":2257},{},[2258],{"type":55,"value":667},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2260,"children":2261},{},[2262,2263,2267,2268,2272],{"type":55,"value":367},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2264,"children":2265},{"href":320},[2266],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":373},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2269,"children":2270},{"href":376},[2271],{"type":55,"value":379},{"type":55,"value":381},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2274,"children":2275},{"id":384},[2276],{"type":55,"value":387},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2278,"children":2279},{},[2280],{"type":55,"value":690},{"type":49,"tag":394,"props":2282,"children":2283},{},[2284,2302,2315,2323],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2285,"children":2286},{},[2287,2291,2292,2296,2297,2301],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2288,"children":2289},{},[2290],{"type":55,"value":405},{"type":55,"value":407},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2293,"children":2294},{"href":410},[2295],{"type":55,"value":413},{"type":55,"value":415},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2298,"children":2299},{"href":418},[2300],{"type":55,"value":421},{"type":55,"value":423},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2303,"children":2304},{},[2305,2309,2310,2314],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2306,"children":2307},{},[2308],{"type":55,"value":431},{"type":55,"value":433},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2311,"children":2312},{"href":195},[2313],{"type":55,"value":194},{"type":55,"value":439},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2316,"children":2317},{},[2318,2322],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2319,"children":2320},{},[2321],{"type":55,"value":447},{"type":55,"value":449},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2324,"children":2325},{},[2326,2330],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2327,"children":2328},{},[2329],{"type":55,"value":457},{"type":55,"value":459},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2332,"children":2333},{},[2334],{"type":55,"value":464},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2336,"children":2337},{},[2338,2342],{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2339,"children":2340},{"href":470},[2341],{"type":55,"value":473},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2344,"children":2345},{"id":477},[2346],{"type":55,"value":480},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2348,"children":2349},{},[2350],{"type":55,"value":761},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2352,"children":2353},{},[2354],{"type":55,"value":766},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2356,"children":2357},{"id":769},[2358],{"type":55,"value":772},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2360,"children":2361},{},[2362],{"type":55,"value":777},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2364,"children":2365},{},[2366],{"type":55,"value":506},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2368,"children":2369},{},[2370,2371,2375],{"type":55,"value":511},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2372,"children":2373},{"href":514},[2374],{"type":55,"value":517},{"type":55,"value":325},{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":2377},[2378,2379,2380,2381,2382,2383],{"id":578,"depth":159,"text":581},{"id":333,"depth":159,"text":336},{"id":354,"depth":159,"text":357},{"id":384,"depth":159,"text":387},{"id":477,"depth":159,"text":480},{"id":769,"depth":159,"text":772},{"_path":803,"_dir":179,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":804,"description":805,"seoTitle":806,"h1":806,"headline":807,"answerCapsule":808,"streetAddress":809,"city":804,"state":186,"zip":810,"phone":811,"url":812,"map":813,"directions":814,"review":815,"phoneDisplay":816,"attorney":194,"attorneyUrl":195,"meetings":817,"inPerson":6,"ratingValue":197,"reviewCount":818,"ratingAsOf":199,"gbpName":819,"gbpCid":820,"latitude":821,"longitude":822,"county":804,"probateCourt":823,"areasServed":2385,"services":2386,"testimonialsLocation":831,"heroImage":832,"heroImageAlt":833,"differentiators":2387,"faqs":2388,"subhead":242,"nearestOffice":243,"nearestOfficeName":244,"nearestOfficeAddress":245,"nearestOfficeDirections":246,"body":2394,"_type":170,"_id":1096,"_source":172,"_file":1097,"_stem":1098,"_extension":175},[804,825,826,827,828,829],[213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220,221],[17,18,226,227,228],[2389,2390,2391,2392,2393],{"q":837,"a":838},{"q":840,"a":841},{"q":843,"a":844},{"q":846,"a":847},{"q":849,"a":850},{"type":46,"children":2395,"toc":2606},[2396,2400,2410,2449,2453,2457,2461,2465,2469,2473,2477,2491,2495,2499,2549,2553,2561,2565,2569,2573,2577,2581,2585,2589,2593,2597],{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2397,"children":2398},{"id":855},[2399],{"type":55,"value":858},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2401,"children":2402},{},[2403,2404,2409],{"type":55,"value":863},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2405,"children":2407},{"href":866,"rel":2406},[265],[2408],{"type":55,"value":268},{"type":55,"value":871},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2411,"children":2412},{},[2413,2414,2418,2419,2423,2424,2428,2429,2433,2434,2438,2439,2443,2444,2448],{"type":55,"value":876},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2415,"children":2416},{"href":278},[2417],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2420,"children":2421},{"href":286},[2422],{"type":55,"value":289},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2425,"children":2426},{"href":293},[2427],{"type":55,"value":217},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2430,"children":2431},{"href":299},[2432],{"type":55,"value":302},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2435,"children":2436},{"href":306},[2437],{"type":55,"value":218},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2440,"children":2441},{"href":312},[2442],{"type":55,"value":315},{"type":55,"value":317},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2445,"children":2446},{"href":320},[2447],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":912},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2450,"children":2451},{},[2452],{"type":55,"value":330},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2454,"children":2455},{"id":333},[2456],{"type":55,"value":336},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2458,"children":2459},{},[2460],{"type":55,"value":925},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2462,"children":2463},{},[2464],{"type":55,"value":930},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2466,"children":2467},{},[2468],{"type":55,"value":935},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2470,"children":2471},{"id":354},[2472],{"type":55,"value":357},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2474,"children":2475},{},[2476],{"type":55,"value":944},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2478,"children":2479},{},[2480,2481,2485,2486,2490],{"type":55,"value":367},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2482,"children":2483},{"href":320},[2484],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":373},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2487,"children":2488},{"href":376},[2489],{"type":55,"value":379},{"type":55,"value":381},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2492,"children":2493},{"id":384},[2494],{"type":55,"value":387},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2496,"children":2497},{},[2498],{"type":55,"value":967},{"type":49,"tag":394,"props":2500,"children":2501},{},[2502,2520,2533,2541],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2503,"children":2504},{},[2505,2509,2510,2514,2515,2519],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2506,"children":2507},{},[2508],{"type":55,"value":405},{"type":55,"value":407},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2511,"children":2512},{"href":410},[2513],{"type":55,"value":413},{"type":55,"value":415},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2516,"children":2517},{"href":418},[2518],{"type":55,"value":421},{"type":55,"value":423},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2521,"children":2522},{},[2523,2527,2528,2532],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2524,"children":2525},{},[2526],{"type":55,"value":431},{"type":55,"value":433},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2529,"children":2530},{"href":195},[2531],{"type":55,"value":194},{"type":55,"value":439},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2534,"children":2535},{},[2536,2540],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2537,"children":2538},{},[2539],{"type":55,"value":447},{"type":55,"value":1010},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2542,"children":2543},{},[2544,2548],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2545,"children":2546},{},[2547],{"type":55,"value":457},{"type":55,"value":459},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2550,"children":2551},{},[2552],{"type":55,"value":464},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2554,"children":2555},{},[2556,2560],{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2557,"children":2558},{"href":470},[2559],{"type":55,"value":473},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2562,"children":2563},{"id":1033},[2564],{"type":55,"value":1036},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2566,"children":2567},{},[2568],{"type":55,"value":1041},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2570,"children":2571},{},[2572],{"type":55,"value":1046},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2574,"children":2575},{"id":1049},[2576],{"type":55,"value":1052},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2578,"children":2579},{},[2580],{"type":55,"value":1057},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2582,"children":2583},{},[2584],{"type":55,"value":1062},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2586,"children":2587},{"id":1065},[2588],{"type":55,"value":1068},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2590,"children":2591},{},[2592],{"type":55,"value":1073},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2594,"children":2595},{},[2596],{"type":55,"value":506},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2598,"children":2599},{},[2600,2601,2605],{"type":55,"value":511},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2602,"children":2603},{"href":514},[2604],{"type":55,"value":517},{"type":55,"value":325},{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":2607},[2608,2609,2610,2611,2612,2613,2614],{"id":855,"depth":159,"text":858},{"id":333,"depth":159,"text":336},{"id":354,"depth":159,"text":357},{"id":384,"depth":159,"text":387},{"id":1033,"depth":159,"text":1036},{"id":1049,"depth":159,"text":1052},{"id":1065,"depth":159,"text":1068},{"_path":1100,"_dir":179,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":1101,"description":1102,"seoTitle":1103,"h1":1103,"headline":1104,"answerCapsule":1105,"streetAddress":1106,"city":1101,"state":186,"zip":1107,"phone":1108,"url":1109,"map":1110,"directions":1111,"review":1112,"phoneDisplay":1113,"attorney":194,"attorneyUrl":195,"meetings":1114,"inPerson":1115,"ratingValue":1116,"reviewCount":1117,"ratingAsOf":199,"gbpName":200,"gbpCid":1118,"latitude":1119,"longitude":1120,"county":1121,"probateCourt":1122,"areasServed":2616,"services":2617,"testimonialsLocation":1130,"heroImage":1131,"heroImageAlt":1132,"differentiators":2618,"faqs":2619,"subhead":242,"body":2624,"_type":170,"_id":1382,"_source":172,"_file":1383,"_stem":1384,"_extension":175},[1101,1124,1125,1126,1127,1128],[213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220,221],[17,18,226,227,228],[2620,2621,2622,2623],{"q":1136,"a":1137},{"q":1139,"a":1140},{"q":1142,"a":1143},{"q":1145,"a":1146},{"type":46,"children":2625,"toc":2829},[2626,2630,2640,2679,2683,2687,2691,2695,2699,2703,2707,2721,2725,2729,2779,2783,2791,2795,2799,2803,2807,2811,2820],{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2627,"children":2628},{"id":1151},[2629],{"type":55,"value":1154},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2631,"children":2632},{},[2633,2634,2639],{"type":55,"value":1159},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2635,"children":2637},{"href":1162,"rel":2636},[265],[2638],{"type":55,"value":268},{"type":55,"value":1167},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2641,"children":2642},{},[2643,2644,2648,2649,2653,2654,2658,2659,2663,2664,2668,2669,2673,2674,2678],{"type":55,"value":1172},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2645,"children":2646},{"href":278},[2647],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2650,"children":2651},{"href":286},[2652],{"type":55,"value":289},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2655,"children":2656},{"href":293},[2657],{"type":55,"value":217},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2660,"children":2661},{"href":299},[2662],{"type":55,"value":302},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2665,"children":2666},{"href":306},[2667],{"type":55,"value":218},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2670,"children":2671},{"href":312},[2672],{"type":55,"value":315},{"type":55,"value":317},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2675,"children":2676},{"href":320},[2677],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2680,"children":2681},{},[2682],{"type":55,"value":330},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2684,"children":2685},{"id":333},[2686],{"type":55,"value":336},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2688,"children":2689},{},[2690],{"type":55,"value":1220},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2692,"children":2693},{},[2694],{"type":55,"value":1225},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2696,"children":2697},{},[2698],{"type":55,"value":1230},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2700,"children":2701},{"id":354},[2702],{"type":55,"value":357},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2704,"children":2705},{},[2706],{"type":55,"value":1239},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2708,"children":2709},{},[2710,2711,2715,2716,2720],{"type":55,"value":367},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2712,"children":2713},{"href":320},[2714],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":373},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2717,"children":2718},{"href":376},[2719],{"type":55,"value":379},{"type":55,"value":381},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2722,"children":2723},{"id":384},[2724],{"type":55,"value":387},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2726,"children":2727},{},[2728],{"type":55,"value":1262},{"type":49,"tag":394,"props":2730,"children":2731},{},[2732,2750,2763,2771],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2733,"children":2734},{},[2735,2739,2740,2744,2745,2749],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2736,"children":2737},{},[2738],{"type":55,"value":405},{"type":55,"value":407},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2741,"children":2742},{"href":410},[2743],{"type":55,"value":413},{"type":55,"value":415},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2746,"children":2747},{"href":418},[2748],{"type":55,"value":421},{"type":55,"value":423},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2751,"children":2752},{},[2753,2757,2758,2762],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2754,"children":2755},{},[2756],{"type":55,"value":431},{"type":55,"value":433},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2759,"children":2760},{"href":195},[2761],{"type":55,"value":194},{"type":55,"value":439},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2764,"children":2765},{},[2766,2770],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2767,"children":2768},{},[2769],{"type":55,"value":447},{"type":55,"value":1305},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2772,"children":2773},{},[2774,2778],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2775,"children":2776},{},[2777],{"type":55,"value":457},{"type":55,"value":459},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2780,"children":2781},{},[2782],{"type":55,"value":464},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2784,"children":2785},{},[2786,2790],{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2787,"children":2788},{"href":470},[2789],{"type":55,"value":473},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2792,"children":2793},{"id":1328},[2794],{"type":55,"value":1331},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2796,"children":2797},{},[2798],{"type":55,"value":1336},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2800,"children":2801},{},[2802],{"type":55,"value":1341},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2804,"children":2805},{"id":1344},[2806],{"type":55,"value":1347},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2808,"children":2809},{},[2810],{"type":55,"value":1352},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2812,"children":2813},{},[2814,2815,2819],{"type":55,"value":1357},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2816,"children":2817},{"href":1360},[2818],{"type":55,"value":244},{"type":55,"value":1364},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2821,"children":2822},{},[2823,2824,2828],{"type":55,"value":511},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2825,"children":2826},{"href":514},[2827],{"type":55,"value":517},{"type":55,"value":325},{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":2830},[2831,2832,2833,2834,2835,2836],{"id":1151,"depth":159,"text":1154},{"id":333,"depth":159,"text":336},{"id":354,"depth":159,"text":357},{"id":384,"depth":159,"text":387},{"id":1328,"depth":159,"text":1331},{"id":1344,"depth":159,"text":1347},{"_path":1386,"_dir":179,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":1387,"description":1388,"seoTitle":1389,"h1":1389,"headline":1390,"answerCapsule":1391,"streetAddress":1392,"city":1387,"state":186,"zip":1393,"phone":1394,"url":1395,"map":1396,"directions":1397,"review":1398,"phoneDisplay":1399,"attorney":194,"attorneyUrl":195,"meetings":196,"inPerson":6,"ratingValue":1400,"reviewCount":1401,"ratingAsOf":199,"gbpName":1402,"gbpCid":1403,"latitude":1404,"longitude":1405,"county":1406,"probateCourt":1407,"areasServed":2838,"services":2839,"testimonialsLocation":1414,"heroImage":1415,"heroImageAlt":1416,"differentiators":2840,"faqs":2841,"subhead":242,"nearestOffice":243,"nearestOfficeName":244,"nearestOfficeAddress":245,"nearestOfficeDirections":246,"body":2846,"_type":170,"_id":1655,"_source":172,"_file":1656,"_stem":1657,"_extension":175},[1387,1128,1409,1410,1411,1412],[213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220,221],[17,18,226,227,228],[2842,2843,2844,2845],{"q":1420,"a":1421},{"q":237,"a":1423},{"q":1425,"a":1426},{"q":1428,"a":1429},{"type":46,"children":2847,"toc":3046},[2848,2852,2862,2901,2905,2909,2913,2917,2921,2925,2929,2943,2947,2951,3001,3005,3013,3017,3021,3025,3029,3033,3037],{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2849,"children":2850},{"id":1434},[2851],{"type":55,"value":1437},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2853,"children":2854},{},[2855,2856,2861],{"type":55,"value":1442},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2857,"children":2859},{"href":1445,"rel":2858},[265],[2860],{"type":55,"value":268},{"type":55,"value":1450},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2863,"children":2864},{},[2865,2866,2870,2871,2875,2876,2880,2881,2885,2886,2890,2891,2895,2896,2900],{"type":55,"value":1455},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2867,"children":2868},{"href":278},[2869],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2872,"children":2873},{"href":286},[2874],{"type":55,"value":289},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2877,"children":2878},{"href":293},[2879],{"type":55,"value":217},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2882,"children":2883},{"href":299},[2884],{"type":55,"value":302},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2887,"children":2888},{"href":306},[2889],{"type":55,"value":218},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2892,"children":2893},{"href":312},[2894],{"type":55,"value":315},{"type":55,"value":317},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2897,"children":2898},{"href":320},[2899],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2902,"children":2903},{},[2904],{"type":55,"value":330},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2906,"children":2907},{"id":333},[2908],{"type":55,"value":336},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2910,"children":2911},{},[2912],{"type":55,"value":1503},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2914,"children":2915},{},[2916],{"type":55,"value":1508},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2918,"children":2919},{},[2920],{"type":55,"value":1513},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2922,"children":2923},{"id":354},[2924],{"type":55,"value":357},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2926,"children":2927},{},[2928],{"type":55,"value":1522},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2930,"children":2931},{},[2932,2933,2937,2938,2942],{"type":55,"value":367},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2934,"children":2935},{"href":320},[2936],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":373},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2939,"children":2940},{"href":376},[2941],{"type":55,"value":379},{"type":55,"value":381},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":2944,"children":2945},{"id":384},[2946],{"type":55,"value":387},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":2948,"children":2949},{},[2950],{"type":55,"value":1545},{"type":49,"tag":394,"props":2952,"children":2953},{},[2954,2972,2985,2993],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2955,"children":2956},{},[2957,2961,2962,2966,2967,2971],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2958,"children":2959},{},[2960],{"type":55,"value":405},{"type":55,"value":407},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2963,"children":2964},{"href":410},[2965],{"type":55,"value":413},{"type":55,"value":415},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2968,"children":2969},{"href":418},[2970],{"type":55,"value":421},{"type":55,"value":423},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2973,"children":2974},{},[2975,2979,2980,2984],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2976,"children":2977},{},[2978],{"type":55,"value":431},{"type":55,"value":433},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":2981,"children":2982},{"href":195},[2983],{"type":55,"value":194},{"type":55,"value":439},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2986,"children":2987},{},[2988,2992],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2989,"children":2990},{},[2991],{"type":55,"value":447},{"type":55,"value":1588},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":2994,"children":2995},{},[2996,3000],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":2997,"children":2998},{},[2999],{"type":55,"value":457},{"type":55,"value":459},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3002,"children":3003},{},[3004],{"type":55,"value":464},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3006,"children":3007},{},[3008,3012],{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3009,"children":3010},{"href":470},[3011],{"type":55,"value":473},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3014,"children":3015},{"id":477},[3016],{"type":55,"value":480},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3018,"children":3019},{},[3020],{"type":55,"value":1617},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3022,"children":3023},{},[3024],{"type":55,"value":1622},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3026,"children":3027},{"id":1625},[3028],{"type":55,"value":1628},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3030,"children":3031},{},[3032],{"type":55,"value":1633},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3034,"children":3035},{},[3036],{"type":55,"value":506},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3038,"children":3039},{},[3040,3041,3045],{"type":55,"value":511},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3042,"children":3043},{"href":514},[3044],{"type":55,"value":517},{"type":55,"value":325},{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":3047},[3048,3049,3050,3051,3052,3053],{"id":1434,"depth":159,"text":1437},{"id":333,"depth":159,"text":336},{"id":354,"depth":159,"text":357},{"id":384,"depth":159,"text":387},{"id":477,"depth":159,"text":480},{"id":1625,"depth":159,"text":1628},{"_path":1659,"_dir":179,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":244,"description":1660,"seoTitle":1661,"h1":1661,"headline":1662,"answerCapsule":1663,"streetAddress":1664,"city":244,"primaryOffice":1115,"state":186,"zip":1665,"phone":1666,"url":1667,"map":1668,"directions":246,"review":1667,"phoneDisplay":1669,"attorney":194,"attorneyUrl":195,"meetings":1670,"inPerson":1115,"ratingValue":1116,"reviewCount":1671,"ratingAsOf":199,"gbpName":200,"gbpCid":1672,"county":1121,"probateCourt":1122,"areasServed":3055,"services":3056,"testimonialsLocation":1680,"heroImage":1681,"heroImageAlt":1682,"differentiators":3057,"faqs":3058,"subhead":242,"body":3065,"_type":170,"_id":1946,"_source":172,"_file":1947,"_stem":1948,"_extension":175},[244,1674,1675,1676,1677,1678],[213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220,221],[17,18,226,227,228],[3059,3060,3061,3062,3063,3064],{"q":1686,"a":1687},{"q":1689,"a":1140},{"q":1691,"a":1692},{"q":1694,"a":1695},{"q":1697,"a":1698},{"q":1700,"a":1701},{"type":46,"children":3066,"toc":3276},[3067,3071,3081,3120,3124,3128,3132,3136,3140,3144,3148,3162,3166,3170,3173,3223,3227,3235,3239,3243,3246,3255,3259,3263,3267],{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3068,"children":3069},{"id":1706},[3070],{"type":55,"value":1709},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3072,"children":3073},{},[3074,3075,3080],{"type":55,"value":1714},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3076,"children":3078},{"href":1717,"rel":3077},[265],[3079],{"type":55,"value":268},{"type":55,"value":1722},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3082,"children":3083},{},[3084,3085,3089,3090,3094,3095,3099,3100,3104,3105,3109,3110,3114,3115,3119],{"type":55,"value":1727},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3086,"children":3087},{"href":278},[3088],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3091,"children":3092},{"href":286},[3093],{"type":55,"value":289},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3096,"children":3097},{"href":293},[3098],{"type":55,"value":217},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3101,"children":3102},{"href":299},[3103],{"type":55,"value":302},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3106,"children":3107},{"href":306},[3108],{"type":55,"value":218},{"type":55,"value":283},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3111,"children":3112},{"href":312},[3113],{"type":55,"value":315},{"type":55,"value":317},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3116,"children":3117},{"href":320},[3118],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3121,"children":3122},{},[3123],{"type":55,"value":330},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3125,"children":3126},{"id":333},[3127],{"type":55,"value":336},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3129,"children":3130},{},[3131],{"type":55,"value":1775},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3133,"children":3134},{},[3135],{"type":55,"value":1780},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3137,"children":3138},{},[3139],{"type":55,"value":1785},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3141,"children":3142},{"id":354},[3143],{"type":55,"value":357},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3145,"children":3146},{},[3147],{"type":55,"value":1794},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3149,"children":3150},{},[3151,3152,3156,3157,3161],{"type":55,"value":367},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3153,"children":3154},{"href":320},[3155],{"type":55,"value":323},{"type":55,"value":373},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3158,"children":3159},{"href":376},[3160],{"type":55,"value":379},{"type":55,"value":381},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3163,"children":3164},{"id":384},[3165],{"type":55,"value":387},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3167,"children":3168},{},[3169],{"type":55,"value":1817},{"type":49,"tag":1819,"props":3171,"children":3172},{":photos":1821},[],{"type":49,"tag":394,"props":3174,"children":3175},{},[3176,3194,3207,3215],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3177,"children":3178},{},[3179,3183,3184,3188,3189,3193],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3180,"children":3181},{},[3182],{"type":55,"value":405},{"type":55,"value":407},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3185,"children":3186},{"href":410},[3187],{"type":55,"value":413},{"type":55,"value":415},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3190,"children":3191},{"href":418},[3192],{"type":55,"value":421},{"type":55,"value":423},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3195,"children":3196},{},[3197,3201,3202,3206],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3198,"children":3199},{},[3200],{"type":55,"value":431},{"type":55,"value":433},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3203,"children":3204},{"href":195},[3205],{"type":55,"value":194},{"type":55,"value":439},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3208,"children":3209},{},[3210,3214],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3211,"children":3212},{},[3213],{"type":55,"value":447},{"type":55,"value":1865},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3216,"children":3217},{},[3218,3222],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3219,"children":3220},{},[3221],{"type":55,"value":457},{"type":55,"value":459},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3224,"children":3225},{},[3226],{"type":55,"value":464},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3228,"children":3229},{},[3230,3234],{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3231,"children":3232},{"href":470},[3233],{"type":55,"value":473},{"type":55,"value":325},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3236,"children":3237},{"id":1888},[3238],{"type":55,"value":1891},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3240,"children":3241},{},[3242],{"type":55,"value":1896},{"type":49,"tag":1819,"props":3244,"children":3245},{":photos":1899},[],{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3247,"children":3248},{},[3249,3250,3254],{"type":55,"value":1905},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3251,"children":3252},{"href":1908},[3253],{"type":55,"value":1911},{"type":55,"value":1913},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3256,"children":3257},{"id":1916},[3258],{"type":55,"value":1919},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3260,"children":3261},{},[3262],{"type":55,"value":1924},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3264,"children":3265},{},[3266],{"type":55,"value":506},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3268,"children":3269},{},[3270,3271,3275],{"type":55,"value":511},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3272,"children":3273},{"href":514},[3274],{"type":55,"value":517},{"type":55,"value":325},{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":3277},[3278,3279,3280,3281,3282,3283],{"id":1706,"depth":159,"text":1709},{"id":333,"depth":159,"text":336},{"id":354,"depth":159,"text":357},{"id":384,"depth":159,"text":387},{"id":1888,"depth":159,"text":1891},{"id":1916,"depth":159,"text":1919},[3285,3423,3458],{"_path":3286,"_dir":3287,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":3288,"description":3289,"name":194,"role":3290,"imageUrl":3291,"leadership":1115,"order":3292,"imageAlt":3293,"practiceAreas":3294,"body":3297,"_type":170,"_id":3420,"_source":172,"_file":3421,"_stem":3422,"_extension":175},"/about-us/team/michael-rutkowski","team","Michael Rutkowski","Michael L. Rutkowski is a husband, #girldad, entrepreneur, and estate planning attorney who lives his life with intention, grit, and an unshakable sense of purpose. He owns and operates four growing companies—including Rutkowski Law Firm, one of Michigan’s leading estate planning and elder law firms — but he’ll be the first to tell you: business success means nothing if you’re not winning at home.","Founder / Attorney","/img/team/michael-rutkowski.webp",1,"Head shot of Michael Rutkowski",[3295,3296,220],"Estate Planning","Medicaid Planning",{"type":46,"children":3298,"toc":3415},[3299,3317,3322,3327,3332,3337,3343,3348,3354,3391,3397],{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3300,"children":3301},{},[3302,3304,3308,3309,3315],{"type":55,"value":3303},"Michael L. Rutkowski is a husband, #girldad, entrepreneur, and estate planning attorney who lives his life with intention, grit, and an unshakable sense of purpose. He owns and operates four growing companies—including Rutkowski Law Firm, one of Michigan’s leading ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3305,"children":3306},{"href":278},[3307],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":317},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3310,"children":3312},{"href":3311},"/practice-areas/elder-law/",[3313],{"type":55,"value":3314},"elder law",{"type":55,"value":3316}," firms — but he’ll be the first to tell you: business success means nothing if you’re not winning at home.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3318,"children":3319},{},[3320],{"type":55,"value":3321},"Mike starts every day at 4:00 a.m. with the same rhythm—Bible, journal, gratitude, workout, cold plunge, meditation. His commitment to daily habits has transformed every area of his life, from his health to his mindset to his ability to lead others. In his mid-40s, he’s in the best shape of his life—physically, spiritually, and professionally.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3323,"children":3324},{},[3325],{"type":55,"value":3326},"His passion for estate planning was born out of personal moments—friends and family starting families of their own and turning to him for help. What began as a few conversations quickly became a calling: to help people protect what matters most. Today, Mike’s work empowers thousands of families across Michigan to preserve their legacies, shield their life savings, and plan ahead with confidence.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3328,"children":3329},{},[3330],{"type":55,"value":3331},"At home, Mike is surrounded by his real why—his wife Katie and their three daughters, who fill the family calendar with competitive dance, volleyball, and nonstop joy. Katie is a visionary in her own right, leading Headquarters Mental Wellness, a dynamic mental health collective designed to connect people with care that actually fits their lives. Together, they’ve created a home that’s faith-filled, high-energy, a little crazy, and full of love—the kind of household where the Wi-Fi is never fast enough, but the laughter is loud and constant.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3333,"children":3334},{},[3335],{"type":55,"value":3336},"Mike also serves as the Director of Fitness for Rise Up Kings, where he helps faith-driven men become stronger leaders in their businesses and in their homes. Whether he’s coaching clients, leading teams, or cheering from the sidelines of a tournament, one thing is clear: Mike lives what he teaches.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3338,"children":3340},{"id":3339},"education",[3341],{"type":55,"value":3342},"Education",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3344,"children":3345},{},[3346],{"type":55,"value":3347},"Mike’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Sales and Business Marketing from Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. Mike earned his Juris Doctor, with a concentration in Business Transactions, through Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School’s challenging accelerated two-year program. Before starting the Rutkowski Law Firm, Mike spent six years at the fast-paced firm of Evans Pletkovic, PC, advising clients on business formation, negotiation, and contracts, as well as handling numerous workers’ compensation and employment law matters.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3349,"children":3351},{"id":3350},"practice-areas",[3352],{"type":55,"value":3353},"Practice Areas",{"type":49,"tag":3355,"props":3356,"children":3357},"ul",{},[3358,3362,3367,3371,3376,3381,3386],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3359,"children":3360},{},[3361],{"type":55,"value":3295},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3363,"children":3364},{},[3365],{"type":55,"value":3366},"Asset Protection",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3368,"children":3369},{},[3370],{"type":55,"value":3296},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3372,"children":3373},{},[3374],{"type":55,"value":3375},"Elder Law",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3377,"children":3378},{},[3379],{"type":55,"value":3380},"Estate Tax Planning",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3382,"children":3383},{},[3384],{"type":55,"value":3385},"Special Needs Planning",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3387,"children":3388},{},[3389],{"type":55,"value":3390},"Veterans Benefits Planning",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3392,"children":3394},{"id":3393},"awards-memberships",[3395],{"type":55,"value":3396},"Awards & Memberships",{"type":49,"tag":3355,"props":3398,"children":3399},{},[3400,3405,3410],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3401,"children":3402},{},[3403],{"type":55,"value":3404},"Super Lawyers",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3406,"children":3407},{},[3408],{"type":55,"value":3409},"Best Lawyers",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3411,"children":3412},{},[3413],{"type":55,"value":3414},"Wealth Counsel",{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":3416},[3417,3418,3419],{"id":3339,"depth":159,"text":3342},{"id":3350,"depth":159,"text":3353},{"id":3393,"depth":159,"text":3396},"content:about-us:team:michael-rutkowski.md","about-us/team/michael-rutkowski.md","about-us/team/michael-rutkowski",{"_path":3424,"_dir":3287,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":3425,"description":3426,"name":3427,"role":3428,"imageUrl":3429,"leadership":1115,"order":159,"imageAlt":3430,"practiceAreas":3431,"body":3432,"_type":170,"_id":3455,"_source":172,"_file":3456,"_stem":3457,"_extension":175},"/about-us/team/anisha-rutkowski","Anisha Rutkowski","Anisha practices in the areas of estate planning, probate and business law. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University, where she studied Business Administration. After her undergraduate studies, Anisha received an honors scholarship to attend the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She was ranked in the top 5% of her class throughout her time in law school and served as an Editor on the school’s Law Review. Anisha graduated Magna Cum Laude and was awarded the Distinguished Student Award for her graduating class.","Anisha D. Rutkowski","Attorney","/img/team/anisha-rutkowski.webp","Head shot of Anisha Rutkowski",[3295],{"type":46,"children":3433,"toc":3453},[3434,3438,3443,3448],{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3435,"children":3436},{},[3437],{"type":55,"value":3426},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3439,"children":3440},{},[3441],{"type":55,"value":3442},"Anisha has served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Gerald E. Rosen in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and the Honorable Michael Warren in the Oakland County Circuit Court. She spent five years working for the State of Michigan, first as a prehearing attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals and then completing two judicial clerkships with the Michigan Supreme Court.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3444,"children":3445},{},[3446],{"type":55,"value":3447},"Anisha has served as an adjunct professor at the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where she instructed law students on advanced legal research and writing methods. She has also served as a mentor for aspiring lawyers through Cooley’s Mentor Jet program.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3449,"children":3450},{},[3451],{"type":55,"value":3452},"Anisha was born and raised in Rochester, Michigan. After moving to northern Michigan for a few years early in her legal career, she and her husband returned to Rochester to work and raise their children. Outside of practicing law, Anisha is an avid reader, enjoys horseback riding and, most of all, weekend adventures with her family.",{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":3454},[],"content:about-us:team:anisha-rutkowski.md","about-us/team/anisha-rutkowski.md","about-us/team/anisha-rutkowski",{"_path":3459,"_dir":3287,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":3460,"description":3461,"name":3460,"role":3462,"imageUrl":3463,"leadership":1115,"order":3464,"imageAlt":3465,"practiceAreas":3466,"body":3467,"_type":170,"_id":3490,"_source":172,"_file":3491,"_stem":3492,"_extension":175},"/about-us/team/gail-gonos","Gail Gonos","Gail is a dedicated paralegal with over 25 years of experience with a strong focus on estate planning, trust administration, corporate, probate and client support. 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",[3295],{"type":46,"children":3468,"toc":3488},[3469,3473,3478,3483],{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3470,"children":3471},{},[3472],{"type":55,"value":3461},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3474,"children":3475},{},[3476],{"type":55,"value":3477},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":3479,"children":3480},{},[3481],{"type":55,"value":3482},"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":49,"tag":58,"props":3484,"children":3485},{},[3486],{"type":55,"value":3487},"When Gail is not working, she enjoys walks on the beach, hiking, and kayaking, but is best known for her passion for football.",{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":3489},[],"content:about-us:team:gail-gonos.md","about-us/team/gail-gonos.md","about-us/team/gail-gonos",[3494,3699,3929],{"_path":38,"_dir":3495,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":3496,"description":3497,"date":3498,"imageUrl":3499,"imageAlt":3500,"author":194,"body":3501,"_type":170,"_id":3696,"_source":172,"_file":3697,"_stem":3698,"_extension":175},"blog","The Hidden Dangers of Probate–What You Need to Know","Discover how avoiding probate can significantly ease the burden on your family, ensuring a smooth transition while preserving your legacy.","2024-08-08T00:00:00Z","/img/blog/Hidden-Dangers-of-Probate.webp","Father and Daughter in a discussion",{"type":46,"children":3502,"toc":3689},[3503,3526,3536,3541,3546,3589,3598,3603,3631,3640,3645,3663,3672,3685],{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3504,"children":3505},{},[3506,3508,3515,3517,3524],{"type":55,"value":3507},"As experts in ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3509,"children":3513},{"href":278,"target":3510,"rel":3511},"_blank",[3512],"noopener",[3514],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":3516},", we understand the complexities and challenges that come with planning for the future. One of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of this planning is the process of ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3518,"children":3521},{"href":3519,"target":3510,"rel":3520},"/estate-planning/probate-avoidance/",[3512],[3522],{"type":55,"value":3523},"probate",{"type":55,"value":3525},". Today, we want to shed light on the dangers of probate and provide essential tips to help you avoid it, ensuring your loved ones are protected and their wishes are honored.",{"type":49,"tag":3527,"props":3528,"children":3530},"h3",{"id":3529},"understanding-probate",[3531],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3532,"children":3533},{},[3534],{"type":55,"value":3535},"Understanding Probate",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3537,"children":3538},{},[3539],{"type":55,"value":3540},"Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is distributed under court supervision. This process can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful for your loved ones.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3542,"children":3543},{},[3544],{"type":55,"value":3545},"Here’s why probate can be problematic:",{"type":49,"tag":394,"props":3547,"children":3548},{},[3549,3559,3569,3579],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3550,"children":3551},{},[3552,3557],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3553,"children":3554},{},[3555],{"type":55,"value":3556},"Costly Fees:",{"type":55,"value":3558}," Probate can be expensive, with attorney fees, court costs, and administrative expenses potentially consuming a significant portion of the estate.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3560,"children":3561},{},[3562,3567],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3563,"children":3564},{},[3565],{"type":55,"value":3566},"Time-Consuming:",{"type":55,"value":3568}," Probate can take months or even years to complete, delaying the distribution of assets to beneficiaries.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3570,"children":3571},{},[3572,3577],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3573,"children":3574},{},[3575],{"type":55,"value":3576},"Public Record:",{"type":55,"value":3578}," Probate proceedings are public, meaning anyone can access the details of your estate, potentially compromising privacy.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3580,"children":3581},{},[3582,3587],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3583,"children":3584},{},[3585],{"type":55,"value":3586},"Family Disputes:",{"type":55,"value":3588}," The probate process can sometimes lead to disputes among family members, causing emotional and financial strain.",{"type":49,"tag":3527,"props":3590,"children":3592},{"id":3591},"avoiding-probate-key-strategies",[3593],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3594,"children":3595},{},[3596],{"type":55,"value":3597},"Avoiding Probate: Key Strategies",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3599,"children":3600},{},[3601],{"type":55,"value":3602},"To spare your family from the burdens of probate, consider implementing the following strategies:",{"type":49,"tag":394,"props":3604,"children":3605},{},[3606,3611,3616,3621,3626],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3607,"children":3608},{},[3609],{"type":55,"value":3610},"Create a Living Trust: A living trust allows you to transfer assets to a trust while you’re alive. Upon your death, the trustee can distribute the assets directly to beneficiaries without going through probate.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3612,"children":3613},{},[3614],{"type":55,"value":3615},"Joint Ownership: Owning property jointly with rights of survivorship ensures that the property passes directly to the co-owner upon your death, bypassing probate.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3617,"children":3618},{},[3619],{"type":55,"value":3620},"Beneficiary Designations: Designate beneficiaries for retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts. These assets can be transferred directly to the named beneficiaries without probate.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3622,"children":3623},{},[3624],{"type":55,"value":3625},"Pay-on-Death (POD) and Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Accounts: These designations can be added to bank accounts and securities, allowing assets to be transferred directly to the named beneficiary upon your death.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3627,"children":3628},{},[3629],{"type":55,"value":3630},"Gifts: Consider giving assets to your heirs while you’re still alive. This not only reduces the size of your estate but also helps you see your loved ones enjoy their inheritance.",{"type":49,"tag":3527,"props":3632,"children":3634},{"id":3633},"important-considerations",[3635],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3636,"children":3637},{},[3638],{"type":55,"value":3639},"Important Considerations",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3641,"children":3642},{},[3643],{"type":55,"value":3644},"When planning to avoid probate, keep the following in mind:",{"type":49,"tag":3355,"props":3646,"children":3647},{},[3648,3653,3658],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3649,"children":3650},{},[3651],{"type":55,"value":3652},"Consult an Attorney: Estate planning can be complex, and it’s essential to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure your plans are legally sound and reflect your wishes.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3654,"children":3655},{},[3656],{"type":55,"value":3657},"Review and Update Documents: Regularly review and update your estate planning documents to account for changes in your life, such as marriage, divorce, births, and deaths.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3659,"children":3660},{},[3661],{"type":55,"value":3662},"Communicate with Your Family: Discuss your estate plan with your loved ones to ensure they understand your wishes and know where to find important documents.",{"type":49,"tag":3527,"props":3664,"children":3666},{"id":3665},"how-rutkowski-law-firm-can-help",[3667],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3668,"children":3669},{},[3670],{"type":55,"value":3671},"How Rutkowski Law Firm Can Help",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3673,"children":3674},{},[3675,3677,3683],{"type":55,"value":3676},"At ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3678,"children":3681},{"href":3679,"target":3510,"rel":3680},"/",[3512],[3682],{"type":55,"value":1402},{"type":55,"value":3684},", we specialize in estate and family planning. We help clients navigate the intricacies of avoiding probate and ensuring their wishes are carried out. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process, providing personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs.",{"type":49,"tag":3686,"props":3687,"children":3688},"br",{},[],{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":3690},[3691,3693,3694,3695],{"id":3529,"depth":3692,"text":3535},3,{"id":3591,"depth":3692,"text":3597},{"id":3633,"depth":3692,"text":3639},{"id":3665,"depth":3692,"text":3671},"content:blog:the-hidden-dangers-of-probate-what-you-need-to-know.md","blog/the-hidden-dangers-of-probate-what-you-need-to-know.md","blog/the-hidden-dangers-of-probate-what-you-need-to-know",{"_path":39,"_dir":3495,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":3700,"description":3701,"date":3702,"imageUrl":3703,"author":194,"imageAlt":3704,"practiceArea":5,"body":3705,"_type":170,"_id":3926,"_source":172,"_file":3927,"_stem":3928,"_extension":175},"Why a Michigan will alone won't keep your family out of probate","A basic will does not avoid court or protect bank accounts. Learn how a proactive trust framework provides true peace of mind.","2026-07-28T20:20:00.000Z","https://media.rutkowskilawfirm.com/be4ffdee-1b1a-43a5-bea0-463689f18434-rlf-will-alone-wont-keep-your-family-out-of-probate.webp","Family at lake side",{"type":46,"children":3706,"toc":3919},[3707,3712,3717,3722,3728,3739,3744,3777,3783,3788,3793,3798,3804,3809,3832,3837,3843,3855,3860,3893,3899,3904,3909,3914],{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3708,"children":3709},{},[3710],{"type":55,"value":3711},"Across Michigan, many parents sit at the kitchen table feeling a sense of relief after signing a basic last will and testament. It’s common to assume that once a will is in place, your home, bank accounts, and lifetime of savings are fully shielded from the court system.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3713,"children":3714},{},[3715],{"type":55,"value":3716},"However, under Michigan inheritance laws, even with a traditional will, your estate can still be forced through the court process. In truth, a will functions more like a formal letter of instruction directed to a county probate judge in areas such as Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, or Washtenaw counties.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3718,"children":3719},{},[3720],{"type":55,"value":3721},"Depending solely on this single document can leave your loved ones facing public court records, bureaucratic delays, and unexpected financial strain. Learning how Michigan inheritance laws actually work is the first step toward creating a plan that genuinely safeguards what matters most.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3723,"children":3725},{"id":3724},"the-common-misconception-what-a-will-actually-does",[3726],{"type":55,"value":3727},"The Common Misconception: What a Will Actually Does",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3729,"children":3730},{},[3731,3733,3737],{"type":55,"value":3732},"The most widespread misunderstanding in Michigan ",{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3734,"children":3735},{"href":278},[3736],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":3738}," is that having a will keeps your loved ones out of court. Many families hire a generalist attorney or turn to a cheap document mill, assuming that once a will is signed, the job is finished.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3740,"children":3741},{},[3742],{"type":55,"value":3743},"To understand why a will alone is not enough, you must look at what a will actually accomplishes under state law:",{"type":49,"tag":3355,"props":3745,"children":3746},{},[3747,3757,3767],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3748,"children":3749},{},[3750,3755],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3751,"children":3752},{},[3753],{"type":55,"value":3754},"A letter to the judge:",{"type":55,"value":3756}," A will serves as written instructions telling a probate judge who you want appointed as your personal representative and who should receive your assets after court clearance.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3758,"children":3759},{},[3760,3765],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3761,"children":3762},{},[3763],{"type":55,"value":3764},"Zero power during life:",{"type":55,"value":3766}," A will has no legal authority while you are alive. It cannot provide private management of your affairs if you become ill or incapacitated.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3768,"children":3769},{},[3770,3775],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3771,"children":3772},{},[3773],{"type":55,"value":3774},"Takes effect only after death:",{"type":55,"value":3776}," Because a will only activates upon death, any asset titled solely in your individual name remains legally frozen until a judge validates the document.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3778,"children":3780},{"id":3779},"why-probate-is-still-required-for-solely-titled-assets",[3781],{"type":55,"value":3782},"Why Probate Is Still Required for Solely Titled Assets",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3784,"children":3785},{},[3786],{"type":55,"value":3787},"If a will doesn’t keep your estate out of court, why do so many people believe it does? Much of the confusion comes from not distinguishing between simply distributing assets and truly avoiding probate.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3789,"children":3790},{},[3791],{"type":55,"value":3792},"A will spells out how your property should be divided, but it does not change who owns those assets while you’re alive. When a home, bank account, or investment portfolio is titled only in your personal name, your children cannot receive those assets without court authorization.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3794,"children":3795},{},[3796],{"type":55,"value":3797},"If the total value of this solely owned property exceeds Michigan’s $53,000 small estate limit, your children must open a formal probate case. The probate process in Michigan requires public filings, court fees, property inventories, and mandatory waiting periods for creditors. During these months, bank accounts can remain frozen, leaving your family unable to cover everyday expenses or mortgage payments.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3799,"children":3801},{"id":3800},"the-operational-difference-distributing-assets-vs-avoiding-probate",[3802],{"type":55,"value":3803},"The Operational Difference: Distributing Assets vs. Avoiding Probate",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3805,"children":3806},{},[3807],{"type":55,"value":3808},"There is a vast legal and practical difference between directing a judge on how to pass down your property and eliminating court interference entirely:",{"type":49,"tag":3355,"props":3810,"children":3811},{},[3812,3822],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3813,"children":3814},{},[3815,3820],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3816,"children":3817},{},[3818],{"type":55,"value":3819},"Distributing assets through probate:",{"type":55,"value":3821}," This path requires a judge to oversee every transfer. Your personal financial details become a matter of public record, and court-mandated procedures can delay distributions to your children for up to a year or longer.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3823,"children":3824},{},[3825,3830],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3826,"children":3827},{},[3828],{"type":55,"value":3829},"Avoiding probate completely:",{"type":55,"value":3831}," This approach bypasses the court system entirely. Assets pass directly and privately to your beneficiaries immediately upon your passing, without public exposure, judge approvals, or court fees.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3833,"children":3834},{},[3835],{"type":55,"value":3836},"For most Michigan families, achieving complete probate avoidance is the primary goal of the entire estate planning process. Bypassing court protects your family's privacy, preserves your hard-earned wealth from administrative costs, and shields your home from long-term care risks—such as the $12,216 monthly cost of Michigan nursing home care.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3838,"children":3840},{"id":3839},"how-a-revocable-living-trust-secures-true-protection",[3841],{"type":55,"value":3842},"How a Revocable Living Trust Secures True Protection",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3844,"children":3845},{},[3846,3848,3853],{"type":55,"value":3847},"To keep your family out of the courtroom, your strategy must move beyond a basic piece of paper. The most effective way to avoid court is by establishing a ",{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3849,"children":3850},{},[3851],{"type":55,"value":3852},"revocable living trust",{"type":55,"value":3854}," paired with fully coordinated beneficiary designations.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3856,"children":3857},{},[3858],{"type":55,"value":3859},"Unlike a traditional will, a trust operates as a private legal shield for your assets:",{"type":49,"tag":3355,"props":3861,"children":3862},{},[3863,3873,3883],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3864,"children":3865},{},[3866,3871],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3867,"children":3868},{},[3869],{"type":55,"value":3870},"Immediate private management:",{"type":55,"value":3872}," If you experience a health crisis, your appointed trustee can manage your bank accounts and real estate immediately, avoiding the need for a public guardianship proceeding.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3874,"children":3875},{},[3876,3881],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3877,"children":3878},{},[3879],{"type":55,"value":3880},"Seamless asset transfers:",{"type":55,"value":3882}," Because your trust owns the assets, ownership transfers to your heirs privately and automatically when you pass away, with zero court intervention.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3884,"children":3885},{},[3886,3891],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3887,"children":3888},{},[3889],{"type":55,"value":3890},"Protection for complex dynamics:",{"type":55,"value":3892}," A trust allows you to set specific guidelines for minor children, protect inheritances from potential divorces or creditors, and ensure fair treatment for blended families.",{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":3894,"children":3896},{"id":3895},"why-michigan-families-must-review-their-strategy-today",[3897],{"type":55,"value":3898},"Why Michigan Families Must Review Their Strategy Today",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3900,"children":3901},{},[3902],{"type":55,"value":3903},"A paper binder tucked away on a closet shelf is not a real plan. The typical method used by generic document mills puts the burden back on you—leaving you to navigate bank retitling and account changes alone. When deeds and financial accounts aren’t properly aligned, your trust stays unfunded, and your family can still be dragged into probate court.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3905,"children":3906},{},[3907],{"type":55,"value":3908},"At the Rutkowski Law Firm, we turn confusion into clarity. We don’t simply hand you a pile of legal forms and send you on your way. Through our Proven Process, our team delivers a white-glove, done-for-you trust funding service supported by more than 50 years of combined experience. We take on the heavy lifting with your banks and institutions, transferring your accounts, property deeds, and investments into your trust structure to create a fortified Asset Shield—lifting the administrative load from your children’s shoulders.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3910,"children":3911},{},[3912],{"type":55,"value":3913},"From our offices in Rochester, Bloomfield Hills, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, and Marquette, we can review your existing documents, uncover hidden vulnerabilities, and make sure your plan functions the way it should when your family needs it most.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3915,"children":3916},{},[3917],{"type":55,"value":3918},"Are you ready to ensure your plan actually works and keeps your family out of court?",{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":3920},[3921,3922,3923,3924,3925],{"id":3724,"depth":159,"text":3727},{"id":3779,"depth":159,"text":3782},{"id":3800,"depth":159,"text":3803},{"id":3839,"depth":159,"text":3842},{"id":3895,"depth":159,"text":3898},"content:blog:why-a-michigan-will-alone-won-t-keep-your-family-out-of-probate.md","blog/why-a-michigan-will-alone-won-t-keep-your-family-out-of-probate.md","blog/why-a-michigan-will-alone-won-t-keep-your-family-out-of-probate",{"_path":40,"_dir":3495,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":3930,"description":3931,"date":3932,"imageUrl":3933,"imageAlt":3934,"author":194,"body":3935,"_type":170,"_id":4193,"_source":172,"_file":4194,"_stem":4195,"_extension":175},"The Harsh Realities of Probate And How To Plan Ahead","Learn about the probate process, why it matters, and how to navigate it smoothly to protect your loved ones and assets.","2024-08-30T00:00:00Z","/img/blog/the-probate-process.webp","probate process",{"type":46,"children":3936,"toc":4191},[3937,3942,3947,3955,3966,3974,3979,4031,4041,4046,4099,4108,4113,4156,4165,4170,4177,4188],{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3938,"children":3939},{},[3940],{"type":55,"value":3941},"Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of navigating the probate process. Unfortunately, many families find themselves caught in the complex, time-consuming, and often frustrating world of probate—mostly because they weren’t aware of the alternatives.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3943,"children":3944},{},[3945],{"type":55,"value":3946},"In this newsletter, we’ll shed light on the harsh realities of probate, why it’s so challenging, and how you can take steps now to avoid it.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3948,"children":3949},{},[3950],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3951,"children":3952},{},[3953],{"type":55,"value":3954},"What is Probate?",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3956,"children":3957},{},[3958,3964],{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":3959,"children":3961},{"href":3519,"target":3510,"rel":3960},[3512],[3962],{"type":55,"value":3963},"Probate ",{"type":55,"value":3965},"is the legal process through which a deceased person's estate is administered and distributed. The probate court oversees this process to ensure that the deceased's debts are paid and that the remaining assets are distributed according to the will or, if there is no will, according to state law.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3967,"children":3968},{},[3969],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3970,"children":3971},{},[3972],{"type":55,"value":3973},"The Challenges of Probate",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":3975,"children":3976},{},[3977],{"type":55,"value":3978},"Here’s why probate can be particularly tough on families:",{"type":49,"tag":3355,"props":3980,"children":3981},{},[3982,3992,4002,4012,4021],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3983,"children":3984},{},[3985,3990],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3986,"children":3987},{},[3988],{"type":55,"value":3989},"Time-Consuming and Stressful",{"type":55,"value":3991},": Probate can take months or even years to complete, during which time your family may face significant delays in accessing the assets they need. The process often involves endless paperwork, court appearances, and waiting periods, all while your family is dealing with the emotional impact of your loss.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":3993,"children":3994},{},[3995,4000],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":3996,"children":3997},{},[3998],{"type":55,"value":3999},"Expensive Legal Fees:",{"type":55,"value":4001}," Probate can be a costly affair. Attorney fees, court costs, and other administrative expenses can quickly add up, sometimes consuming a significant portion of the estate’s value. These costs are often paid from the estate, reducing what’s left for your heirs.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4003,"children":4004},{},[4005,4010],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4006,"children":4007},{},[4008],{"type":55,"value":4009},"Lack of Privacy:",{"type":55,"value":4011}," Probate is a public process, meaning that all details of your estate, including the nature and value of your assets and the identity of your beneficiaries, are accessible to anyone. This lack of privacy can be uncomfortable for your family and may even invite unwanted attention or disputes.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4013,"children":4014},{},[4015,4019],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4016,"children":4017},{},[4018],{"type":55,"value":3586},{"type":55,"value":4020}," The probate process can often lead to disagreements among family members, especially if there is no clear will or if the will is contested. These disputes can result in lengthy legal battles, further delaying the distribution of assets and creating deep rifts in your family.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4022,"children":4023},{},[4024,4029],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4025,"children":4026},{},[4027],{"type":55,"value":4028},"Court Control:",{"type":55,"value":4030}," Once probate begins, the court takes control of the process. This means that your family may have limited say in how things are handled, leading to decisions that might not align with your or your loved ones’ wishes. The court’s involvement can feel impersonal, adding to the emotional burden on your family.",{"type":49,"tag":4032,"props":4033,"children":4035},"h4",{"id":4034},"the-benefits-of-avoiding-probate",[4036],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4037,"children":4038},{},[4039],{"type":55,"value":4040},"The Benefits of Avoiding Probate",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":4042,"children":4043},{},[4044],{"type":55,"value":4045},"Given the challenges of probate, it’s clear why so many people aim to avoid it altogether. Fortunately, with proper estate planning, you can spare your family the difficulties of probate and ensure a smoother transition of your assets:",{"type":49,"tag":394,"props":4047,"children":4048},{},[4049,4059,4069,4079,4089],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4050,"children":4051},{},[4052,4057],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4053,"children":4054},{},[4055],{"type":55,"value":4056},"Speed and Efficiency",{"type":55,"value":4058},": By planning ahead, you can ensure that your assets are transferred quickly and efficiently without the delays of probate. Tools like living trusts allow for the immediate transfer of assets upon your death, bypassing the court system entirely.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4060,"children":4061},{},[4062,4067],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4063,"children":4064},{},[4065],{"type":55,"value":4066},"Lower Costs",{"type":55,"value":4068},": Avoiding probate means avoiding the high costs associated with the process. By setting up trusts and other estate planning tools, you can minimize legal fees and keep more of your estate intact for your loved ones.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4070,"children":4071},{},[4072,4077],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4073,"children":4074},{},[4075],{"type":55,"value":4076},"Privacy Protection",{"type":55,"value":4078},": Estate planning allows you to keep your financial affairs private. Trusts, for example, are not subject to public record, ensuring that the details of your estate remain confidential.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4080,"children":4081},{},[4082,4087],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4083,"children":4084},{},[4085],{"type":55,"value":4086},"Family Harmony",{"type":55,"value":4088},": A well-crafted estate plan can help prevent disputes among your heirs by clearly outlining your wishes and providing a mechanism for resolving potential disagreements outside of court.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4090,"children":4091},{},[4092,4097],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4093,"children":4094},{},[4095],{"type":55,"value":4096},"Personal Control",{"type":55,"value":4098},": With estate planning, you retain control over how your assets are managed and distributed, both during your lifetime and after your death. This allows you to ensure that your wishes are followed and that your loved ones are cared for in the way you intend.",{"type":49,"tag":4032,"props":4100,"children":4102},{"id":4101},"how-to-avoid-probate-key-strategies",[4103],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4104,"children":4105},{},[4106],{"type":55,"value":4107},"How to Avoid Probate: Key Strategies",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":4109,"children":4110},{},[4111],{"type":55,"value":4112},"To protect your family from the difficulties of probate, consider these estate planning strategies:",{"type":49,"tag":3355,"props":4114,"children":4115},{},[4116,4126,4136,4146],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4117,"children":4118},{},[4119,4124],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4120,"children":4121},{},[4122],{"type":55,"value":4123},"Create a Revocable Living Trust",{"type":55,"value":4125},": A trust allows your assets to be managed and distributed without the need for probate, offering a seamless transition for your loved ones.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4127,"children":4128},{},[4129,4134],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4130,"children":4131},{},[4132],{"type":55,"value":4133},"Joint Ownership",{"type":55,"value":4135},": Holding property jointly with rights of survivorship ensures that it passes directly to the co-owner upon your death, bypassing probate.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4137,"children":4138},{},[4139,4144],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4140,"children":4141},{},[4142],{"type":55,"value":4143},"Beneficiary Designations",{"type":55,"value":4145},": Ensure that all your financial accounts, retirement funds, and life insurance policies have up-to-date beneficiary designations, so they can be transferred directly to your heirs.",{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4147,"children":4148},{},[4149,4154],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4150,"children":4151},{},[4152],{"type":55,"value":4153},"Pay-on-Death and Transfer-on-Death Accounts",{"type":55,"value":4155},": These designations allow you to pass assets directly to a named beneficiary upon your death, avoiding probate.",{"type":49,"tag":4032,"props":4157,"children":4159},{"id":4158},"plan-ahead-to-protect-your-family",[4160],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4161,"children":4162},{},[4163],{"type":55,"value":4164},"Plan Ahead to Protect Your Family",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":4166,"children":4167},{},[4168],{"type":55,"value":4169},"The probate process is not only challenging and costly, but it also adds unnecessary stress to your family during an already difficult time. By planning ahead and taking proactive steps now, you can help your loved ones avoid the burdens of probate and ensure that your wishes are carried out smoothly.",{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":4171,"children":4172},{},[4173],{"type":49,"tag":73,"props":4174,"children":4175},{},[4176],{"type":55,"value":3671},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":4178,"children":4179},{},[4180,4181,4186],{"type":55,"value":3676},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":4182,"children":4184},{"href":3679,"target":3510,"rel":4183},[3512],[4185],{"type":55,"value":1402},{"type":55,"value":4187},", we’re committed to helping you create a comprehensive estate plan that minimizes or eliminates the need for probate. Our experienced attorneys will work with you to develop a plan tailored to your unique needs and goals, giving you peace of mind and protecting your family from the complications of probate.",{"type":49,"tag":3686,"props":4189,"children":4190},{},[],{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":4192},[],"content:blog:the-harsh-realities-of-probate-why-you-should-plan-ahead-to-avoid-it.md","blog/the-harsh-realities-of-probate-why-you-should-plan-ahead-to-avoid-it.md","blog/the-harsh-realities-of-probate-why-you-should-plan-ahead-to-avoid-it",[4197],{"_path":3286,"_dir":3287,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":3288,"description":3289,"name":194,"role":3290,"imageUrl":3291,"leadership":1115,"order":3292,"imageAlt":3293,"practiceAreas":4198,"body":4199,"_type":170,"_id":3420,"_source":172,"_file":3421,"_stem":3422,"_extension":175},[3295,3296,220],{"type":46,"children":4200,"toc":4293},[4201,4215,4219,4223,4227,4231,4235,4239,4243,4274,4278],{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":4202,"children":4203},{},[4204,4205,4209,4210,4214],{"type":55,"value":3303},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":4206,"children":4207},{"href":278},[4208],{"type":55,"value":281},{"type":55,"value":317},{"type":49,"tag":261,"props":4211,"children":4212},{"href":3311},[4213],{"type":55,"value":3314},{"type":55,"value":3316},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":4216,"children":4217},{},[4218],{"type":55,"value":3321},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":4220,"children":4221},{},[4222],{"type":55,"value":3326},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":4224,"children":4225},{},[4226],{"type":55,"value":3331},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":4228,"children":4229},{},[4230],{"type":55,"value":3336},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":4232,"children":4233},{"id":3339},[4234],{"type":55,"value":3342},{"type":49,"tag":58,"props":4236,"children":4237},{},[4238],{"type":55,"value":3347},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":4240,"children":4241},{"id":3350},[4242],{"type":55,"value":3353},{"type":49,"tag":3355,"props":4244,"children":4245},{},[4246,4250,4254,4258,4262,4266,4270],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4247,"children":4248},{},[4249],{"type":55,"value":3295},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4251,"children":4252},{},[4253],{"type":55,"value":3366},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4255,"children":4256},{},[4257],{"type":55,"value":3296},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4259,"children":4260},{},[4261],{"type":55,"value":3375},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4263,"children":4264},{},[4265],{"type":55,"value":3380},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4267,"children":4268},{},[4269],{"type":55,"value":3385},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4271,"children":4272},{},[4273],{"type":55,"value":3390},{"type":49,"tag":50,"props":4275,"children":4276},{"id":3393},[4277],{"type":55,"value":3396},{"type":49,"tag":3355,"props":4279,"children":4280},{},[4281,4285,4289],{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4282,"children":4283},{},[4284],{"type":55,"value":3404},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4286,"children":4287},{},[4288],{"type":55,"value":3409},{"type":49,"tag":398,"props":4290,"children":4291},{},[4292],{"type":55,"value":3414},{"title":158,"searchDepth":159,"depth":159,"links":4294},[4295,4296,4297],{"id":3339,"depth":159,"text":3342},{"id":3350,"depth":159,"text":3353},{"id":3393,"depth":159,"text":3396},1792510992565]