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
Mike helped my family set up our trust. He made everything easy to understand and helped us feel comfortable in our decisions.
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.
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 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 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
Building a Long-Term Legacy Plan for Military Families
Why passing down money isn't the same as protecting a legacy—and how trusts secure future generations.
Founder / Attorney
How Trusts Provide Stability During Unexpected Life Changes
Why traditional wills fall short during sudden deployments and relocations—and how trusts create seamless continuity.
Founder / Attorney
Don’t let a Michigan Medicaid spend-down destroy your estate plan
How to qualify for long-term care benefits without sacrificing your family’s multi-generational goals.
Founder / Attorney