Michigan Living Trust & Irrevocable Trust Lawyer
You Can’t Predict the Future–But a Trust Can Plan for It.
Not all trusts are created equal. Whether you’re looking to avoid probate, protect assets, or prepare for long-term care, we’ll help you decide what kind of trust is right for your situation—and build it and ensure it's funded the right way from day one.
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.
Used the Rutkowski team for our estate plan. Everything went smoothly and our expectations were exceeded every step of the way.
Not Sure What Kind of Trust You Need?
Living Trust vs. Irrevocable Trust: Which One Do You Need?
- Michigan Living Trust (Revocable Trust) :
- The most common choice for Michigan families. A living trust helps you avoid Michigan probate, stay in control of your assets, and make things easier for your loved ones.
- Irrevocable Trust :
- Used for asset protection, Medicaid planning, or minimizing estate taxes. Once created, its terms are harder to change.
- Which One Do You Need? :
- It depends on your goals—whether that’s avoiding court, protecting from lawsuits, qualifying for benefits, or reducing taxes. We’ll help you decide.
Comparison
Living Trust vs. Irrevocable Trust
Both types of trusts help you plan for the future—but they serve different purposes. Here’s how they compare, and why the right choice depends on your goals.
Purpose
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): Simplifies inheritance and avoids probate while keeping full control during lifetime
Irrevocable Trust: Protects assets from lawsuits, creditors, and long-term care costs
Can You Change It?
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): ✅ Yes — you can amend or revoke at any time
Irrevocable Trust: ❌ No — changes are limited once the trust is created
Asset Protection
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): ❌ No — assets are still considered yours and are exposed
Irrevocable Trust: ✅ Yes — assets are legally removed from your personal ownership
Medicaid Planning Use
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): ❌ No — living trusts do not protect assets for Medicaid
Irrevocable Trust: ✅ Yes — helps protect your home and savings from nursing home costs
When It Takes Effect
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): Immediately during your lifetime and after death
Irrevocable Trust: Immediately, but with limited access and control
Best For
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): Families who want flexibility and to avoid probate
Irrevocable Trust: Families who want asset protection, Medicaid eligibility, or tax planning
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.
Our Process for Helping You Choose and Create the Right Trust
We walk you through each step—from defining your goals to funding your trust—so you’re confident in your plan and protected from every angle.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
- We learn about your family, goals, and concerns
- We assess whether a living trust or irrevocable trust makes the most sense for your situation
Step 2: Trust Design & Drafting
- We design a trust around your life—not just legal forms
- Your attorney walks you through all key decisions, terms, and tax implications
Step 3: Signing & Funding Your Trust
- We finalize your trust documents and help ensure your assets are properly titled or transferred
- Ongoing support is available for future updates or funding help
Estate Planning for Michigan Families
Don't leave your family with a useless binder.
Most firms hand you a template and expect you to do the work. We provide a Done-For-You process that handles Trust Funding and Asset Protection.
We specialize in protecting your home from the 5-Year Medicaid Look-Back, ensuring your house stays in your family and out of the state's hands. Plan now so you never become a burden to those you love.
For a Call Back: Pick a time for a quick, 15-minute phone call with our intake team. They will gather your basic details and schedule your strategy session with our Customer Success Director. No tech degree or legal preparation required.
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
Common Questions About Types of Trusts
Our Offices
How Estate Planning Can Help Protect Your Family From Hidden Tax Traps
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The unexpected tax traps for Michigan heirs
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How to outsmart Medicaid estate recovery in Michigan
Why waiting for a nursing home crisis leaves your home exposed—and the proactive tools that shield your legacy.
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