Michigan Living Trust Lawyer
You Can’t Predict the Future—But You Can Make It Easier for Your Family.
A Michigan living trust — also called a revocable trust — helps you avoid probate, keep control of your assets, and make life easier for your loved ones. At Rutkowski Law Firm, we design trusts that protect families without unnecessary complexity or fear.
Trusted by Over 450 Clients with a 4.9 Star Rating
I’ve had the pleasure to work with Mike on several occasions. As a legal practitioner myself, I’ve always been impressed by Mike’s pragmatic approach to the law and his ability to add value to the client matters in which he is involved. I have zero reservations referring clients to Mike and absolutely trust that he will provide a high level of service and sophistication to any such matters. I highly recommend Mike and his firm.
The team displayed a high level of professionalism and expertise in guiding me through the complexities of estate planning.
Simple, Smart Protection
What a Michigan Living Trust Does for You
- Avoid Probate :
- Michigan's probate process — governed by the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC) — can take 5–12 months and becomes a public record. A properly funded living trust bypasses it entirely.
- Maintain Full Control :
- You manage and access your assets during your lifetime. You can change or update your trust at any time.
- Plan for Incapacity :
- If you’re ever unable to manage your affairs, your successor trustee can step in and handle things smoothly, without court involvement.
- Keep Family Matters Private :
- Unlike a will, a trust keeps your wishes—and your finances—out of the public record.
Comparison
Living Trust vs. Irrevocable Trust
A living trust (revocable trust) and an irrevocable trust both protect your legacy—but they’re built for very different purposes. Here’s how they compare.
Primary Purpose
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): Simplify inheritance and avoid probate
Irrevocable Trust: Protect assets from lawsuits, taxes, or long-term care costs
Can Be Changed?
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): ✅ Yes — at any time during your life
Irrevocable Trust: ❌ No — very limited after creation
Protects Against Nursing Home Costs?
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): ❌ No
Irrevocable Trust: ✅ Yes
Who Controls It?
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): You (while alive and well)
Irrevocable Trust: Usually a third-party trustee
Best Fit For
Living Trust (Revocable Trust): Families wanting flexibility, privacy, and a smooth inheritance process
Irrevocable Trust: Families needing asset protection, Medicaid planning, or tax reduction
Our Process for Creating a Living Trust That Works for Michigan Families
Setting up a trust shouldn't be overwhelming. We make it a straightforward, supportive experience—so you leave with clarity, confidence, and a complete plan.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
- We learn about your family, your assets, and your goals.
- We walk you through what a living trust can do in Michigan—and what it cannot.
Step 2: Trust Design Meeting
- Together, we design your trust terms, select your successor trustees, and cover all your “what-ifs.”
Step 3: Signing and Funding
- We finalize your documents, help you fund the trust properly, and answer any questions you have along the way.
Estate Planning Guide
Estate planning protects your assets and makes sure your estate is distributed according to your wishes after your death.
Read the top 10 most common mistakes our estate planning team sees — free to read, right on the page. No download or email required.
Common Questions About Michigan Living Trusts
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
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.
Our Offices
What Happens If You Create a Trust but Never Fund It?
A signed trust sitting in a binder provides zero court protection if your bank accounts and deeds remain outside the trust.
Founder / Attorney
Which Assets Belong in Your Trust—and Which Should Stay Out?
Retitling the wrong account can trigger tax traps. Here is how to coordinate your assets correctly under Michigan law.
Founder / Attorney
Should Your Estate Plan Change as You Get Closer to Retirement?
An estate plan built at age 40 leaves major gaps at 60. Here is how to shield your life work before you retire.
Founder / Attorney