Michigan Estate Planning Attorney
Make Your Medical Wishes Known with a Living Will
A Living Will—also known as an Advance Directive—protects your voice when you can’t speak for yourself. Clarify your healthcare preferences now, so your family isn’t left guessing later.
Trusted by Over 450 Clients with a 4.9 Star Rating
Highly recommend, fair cost for excellent estate plan. The firm set-up our Trusts and Will in 2018 with one of the attorneys at an affordable cost for a very comprehensive documents. Just had the 2nd follow up review (at no costs) with Mike Rutkowski who was very thorough and clear in addressing all our questions and concerns. The documents created initially was so robust that no legal updates needed yet so far since no changes in beneficiaries took place. "Normal" future family changes (additional kids and grand children) were predicted and covered that made maintaining the document is relatively easy and at no additional cost. Also been getting news letters that keep me educated of estate planning related topics. Thank you Mike for helping us protecting our family's future when we can no longer do it. Appreciate you.
Very professional and supportive as I moved through the estate planning process. Great communication and very easy to work with. They were upfront about the fee schedule. I highly recommend this firm.
Clarity. Dignity. Peace of Mind.
What Is a Living Will?
It ensures your family and doctors know what you want when facing critical medical decisions—like life support, resuscitation, and end-of-life care. It’s a vital act of love and clarity.
- Medical Clarity :
- Ensure your treatment preferences are known and respected.
- Prevent Family Disputes :
- Relieve loved ones from making painful medical decisions in the dark.
- Peace of Mind :
- Know that your wishes will be followed, even in a crisis.
- Dignity at Every Stage :
- Make decisions based on your values—not in the heat of the moment.
Comparison
Living Will vs. Last Will and Testament
Understanding the difference between a Living Will and a Last Will and Testament is key to ensuring your wishes are honored in life and after.
Purpose
Living Will: Directs medical care if you’re incapacitated
Last Will and Testament: Distributes your assets after death
When It Takes Effect
Living Will: While you’re still alive but unable to communicate
Last Will and Testament: Only after you pass away
Covers
Living Will: Medical treatments, life support, and end-of-life care
Last Will and Testament: Assets, guardianship, and executor instructions
Avoids Probate?
Living Will: Not applicable (medical decisions only)
Last Will and Testament: ❌ No — must go through probate court
Part of an Estate Plan?
Living Will: ✅ Yes
Last Will and Testament: ✅ Yes
Do You Need Both?
Living Will: ✅ Yes — to protect healthcare wishes
Last Will and Testament: ✅ Yes — to protect your legacy
Our Process for Creating a Living Will
We make the process simple, thoughtful, and personalized—because your wishes deserve to be honored with care.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
- We’ll learn about your family, your goals, and what matters most to you.
Step 2: Custom Planning Session
- We guide you through the key decisions and begin drafting your plan.
Step 3: Review & Sign
- We review everything together and help you execute your documents properly.
Part of a Bigger Picture
How a Living Will Fits Into a Complete Estate Plan
A Living Will is one essential piece of your full estate plan. We help you combine it with tools like Powers of Attorney, Trusts, and Guardianship Designations to create a plan that protects every chapter of life.
- Revocable Living Trust :
- Avoid probate for all assets while maintaining control during your lifetime.
- Power of Attorney :
- Authorize a trusted person to manage finances or medical decisions if needed.
- Living Will :
- Clarify your wishes for medical treatment if you become incapacitated.
- Guardianship Designations :
- Make sure the right people are legally empowered to care for your dependents.
Estate Planning Guide
Estate Planning is an essential process that will protect your assets and ensure you’re your estate is distributed according to your wishes after your death.
Many people make mistakes when creating their estate plan, which can lead to unnecessary stress, confusion, and costly legal battles for their loved ones. Below, our estate planning team put together the top 10 and most common mistakes we see in estate planning.
Common Questions About Living Wills
Guiding the Firm, Protecting Families
Whether you need a will, trust, asset protection plan or are in need of medicaid crisis planning, our team is here to help! We are dedicated to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Call us today to book your consultation.
Meet the Whole Team
Request a Consultation
With offices in Rochester and Bloomfield Hills, we’re proud to serve families throughout Michigan. Prefer virtual? We offer video consultations for estate planning, so you can plan from the comfort of home.
Please fill in the form and one of our customer service representatives will be in touch first thing on the next business day.
If you'd rather book a discovery call so you know exactly when to expect a call from our customer success agents, you're welcome to click the link below and find a time that works best for you.
“Their whole team was amazing to work with! The attorneys were very knowledgeable and made it easy to understand. We chose virtual planning process option because it was so much more convenient with my work schedule but they offered to meet in person too of we didn't do zoom. Highly Recommended!”
Our Offices
Are Your Powers of Attorney and Health Documents Ready for the Road?
Before your next trip, whether it's across state lines or across the ocean, make sure your legal documents are up to date.
Founder / Attorney
Planning for Properties Beyond Michigan
Vacation homes, rentals, or timeshares can complicate your estate. Here’s how to make sure they don’t.
Founder / Attorney
Staying Involved: How to Maintain Oversight in an Irrevocable Trust
Irrevocable doesn’t mean hands-off learn how to retain control and flexibility while protecting your assets.
Founder / Attorney