[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":926},["ShallowReactive",2],{"locations":3,"locationAll":121,"blogLatest":152,"$QEJIbFX0hy":782},[4,32,50,68,86,104],{"_path":5,"_dir":6,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":9,"description":10,"url":11,"streetAddress":12,"city":9,"state":13,"zip":14,"map":15,"phone":16,"directions":17,"review":18,"body":19,"_type":26,"_id":27,"_source":28,"_file":29,"_stem":30,"_extension":31},"/about-us/locations/ann-arbor","locations",false,"en","Ann Arbor","If you live in or near Ann Arbor, Michigan, book a virtual or in person consultation in our Rochester or Bloomfield Hills Offices.","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","315 E Eisenhower Pkwy, Suite 303b","MI","48108","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","+1 866-577-7296","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,,,,",{"type":20,"children":21,"toc":22},"root",[],{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":25},"",2,[],"markdown","content:about-us:locations:ann-arbor.md","content","about-us/locations/ann-arbor.md","about-us/locations/ann-arbor","md",{"_path":33,"_dir":6,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":34,"description":35,"url":36,"streetAddress":37,"city":34,"state":13,"zip":38,"map":39,"phone":40,"directions":41,"review":42,"body":43,"_type":26,"_id":47,"_source":28,"_file":48,"_stem":49,"_extension":31},"/about-us/locations/bloomfield-hills","Bloomfield Hills","If you live in or near Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, book a virtual or in person consultation. We look forward to meeting you!","https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rutkowski+Law+Firm+Asset+Protection+%26+Estate+Planning/@42.635935,-83.2296589,13z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x8714aca185624213!8m2!3d42.5897334!4d-83.2478499?shorturl=1","40950 Woodward Ave #130","48304","https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d46963.18856507582!2d-83.2296589!3d42.635935!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x8824c0abaceb87ff%3A0x8714aca185624213!2sRutkowski%20Law%20Firm%20Asset%20Protection%20%26%20Estate%20Planning!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sgg!4v1737720213911!5m2!1sen!2sgg","+1 248-951-9446","https://goo.gl/maps/yf3GwjHAzEBiwNzE8","https://www.google.com/search?q=Rutkowski+Law+Firm+Asset+Protection+%26+Estate+Planning%2C+40950+Woodward+Ave+%23130%2C+Bloomfield+Hills%2C+MI+48304&sca_esv=78c2cdce3559d586&hl=en-PK&gl=pk&ei=zYCTZ5CwH52hhbIPyOvjqQ0&ved=0ahUKEwjQyv_Ap46LAxWdUEEAHcj1ONUQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=Rutkowski+Law+Firm+Asset+Protection+%26+Estate+Planning%2C+40950+Woodward+Ave+%23130%2C+Bloomfield+Hills%2C+MI+48304&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAialJ1dGtvd3NraSBMYXcgRmlybSBBc3NldCBQcm90ZWN0aW9uICYgRXN0YXRlIFBsYW5uaW5nLCA0MDk1MCBXb29kd2FyZCBBdmUgIzEzMCwgQmxvb21maWVsZCBIaWxscywgTUkgNDgzMDQyBRAAGIAEMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB4yCxAAGIAEGIYDGIoFMgsQABiABBiGAxiKBTILEAAYgAQYhgMYigUyCxAAGIAEGIYDGIoFMgsQABiABBiGAxiKBUidClAAWK8CcAB4AZABAJgBcqABcqoBAzAuMbgBA8gBAPgBAfgBApgCAaACdpgDAJIHAzAuMaAH7Ak&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#lrd=0x8824c0abaceb87ff:0x8714aca185624213,3,,,,",{"type":20,"children":44,"toc":45},[],{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":46},[],"content:about-us:locations:bloomfield-hills.md","about-us/locations/bloomfield-hills.md","about-us/locations/bloomfield-hills",{"_path":51,"_dir":6,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":52,"description":53,"url":54,"streetAddress":55,"city":52,"state":13,"zip":56,"map":57,"phone":58,"directions":59,"review":60,"body":61,"_type":26,"_id":65,"_source":28,"_file":66,"_stem":67,"_extension":31},"/about-us/locations/detroit","Detroit","If you live in or near Detroit, Michigan, book a virtual or in person consultation in our Bloomfield Hills or Rochester offices.","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","420 Washington Blvd STE 301","48226","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","+1 313-631-8477","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,,,,",{"type":20,"children":62,"toc":63},[],{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":64},[],"content:about-us:locations:detroit.md","about-us/locations/detroit.md","about-us/locations/detroit",{"_path":69,"_dir":6,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":70,"description":71,"url":72,"streetAddress":73,"city":70,"state":13,"zip":74,"map":75,"phone":76,"directions":77,"review":78,"body":79,"_type":26,"_id":83,"_source":28,"_file":84,"_stem":85,"_extension":31},"/about-us/locations/marquette","Marquette","If you live in or near Marquette, Michigan, book a virtual or in person consultation in our Bloomfield Hills or Rochester offices.","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","132 W Washington St Suite A","49855","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","+1 906-212-9945","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,,,,",{"type":20,"children":80,"toc":81},[],{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":82},[],"content:about-us:locations:marquette.md","about-us/locations/marquette.md","about-us/locations/marquette",{"_path":87,"_dir":6,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":88,"description":89,"url":90,"streetAddress":91,"city":88,"state":13,"zip":92,"map":93,"phone":94,"directions":95,"review":96,"body":97,"_type":26,"_id":101,"_source":28,"_file":102,"_stem":103,"_extension":31},"/about-us/locations/rochester","Rochester","If you live in or near Rochester, Michigan, book a virtual or in person consultation. We look forward to meeting you!","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","312 East Street","48307","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","+1 248-920-9841","https://goo.gl/maps/LP75GYr7Co6ECN4F9","https://g.page/r/CV55vLz8586fEAI/review",{"type":20,"children":98,"toc":99},[],{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":100},[],"content:about-us:locations:rochester.md","about-us/locations/rochester.md","about-us/locations/rochester",{"_path":105,"_dir":6,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":106,"description":107,"url":108,"streetAddress":109,"city":106,"state":13,"zip":110,"map":111,"phone":112,"directions":95,"review":113,"body":114,"_type":26,"_id":118,"_source":28,"_file":119,"_stem":120,"_extension":31},"/about-us/locations/sterling-heights","Sterling Heights","If you live in or near Sterling Heights, Michigan, book a virtual or in person consultation in our Bloomfield Hills or Rochester offices. We look forward to meeting you!","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","12900 Hall Rd #180","48313","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","+1 (586) 519-6318","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,,,,",{"type":20,"children":115,"toc":116},[],{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":117},[],"content:about-us:locations:sterling-heights.md","about-us/locations/sterling-heights.md","about-us/locations/sterling-heights",[122,127,132,137,142,147],{"_path":5,"_dir":6,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":9,"description":10,"url":11,"streetAddress":12,"city":9,"state":13,"zip":14,"map":15,"phone":16,"directions":17,"review":18,"body":123,"_type":26,"_id":27,"_source":28,"_file":29,"_stem":30,"_extension":31},{"type":20,"children":124,"toc":125},[],{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":126},[],{"_path":33,"_dir":6,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":34,"description":35,"url":36,"streetAddress":37,"city":34,"state":13,"zip":38,"map":39,"phone":40,"directions":41,"review":42,"body":128,"_type":26,"_id":47,"_source":28,"_file":48,"_stem":49,"_extension":31},{"type":20,"children":129,"toc":130},[],{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":131},[],{"_path":51,"_dir":6,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":52,"description":53,"url":54,"streetAddress":55,"city":52,"state":13,"zip":56,"map":57,"phone":58,"directions":59,"review":60,"body":133,"_type":26,"_id":65,"_source":28,"_file":66,"_stem":67,"_extension":31},{"type":20,"children":134,"toc":135},[],{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":136},[],{"_path":69,"_dir":6,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":70,"description":71,"url":72,"streetAddress":73,"city":70,"state":13,"zip":74,"map":75,"phone":76,"directions":77,"review":78,"body":138,"_type":26,"_id":83,"_source":28,"_file":84,"_stem":85,"_extension":31},{"type":20,"children":139,"toc":140},[],{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":141},[],{"_path":87,"_dir":6,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":88,"description":89,"url":90,"streetAddress":91,"city":88,"state":13,"zip":92,"map":93,"phone":94,"directions":95,"review":96,"body":143,"_type":26,"_id":101,"_source":28,"_file":102,"_stem":103,"_extension":31},{"type":20,"children":144,"toc":145},[],{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":146},[],{"_path":105,"_dir":6,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":106,"description":107,"url":108,"streetAddress":109,"city":106,"state":13,"zip":110,"map":111,"phone":112,"directions":95,"review":113,"body":148,"_type":26,"_id":118,"_source":28,"_file":119,"_stem":120,"_extension":31},{"type":20,"children":149,"toc":150},[],{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":151},[],[153,399,545],{"_path":154,"_dir":155,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":156,"description":157,"date":158,"imageUrl":159,"author":160,"practiceArea":161,"imageAlt":162,"body":163,"_type":26,"_id":396,"_source":28,"_file":397,"_stem":398,"_extension":31},"/blog/how-do-i-create-a-living-will-in-michigan","blog","How Do I Create a Living Will in Michigan?","Learn how state law handles end-of-life wishes and why a Patient Advocate Designation gives your family true peace of mind.","2026-08-25T17:13:56.477Z","https://media.rutkowskilawfirm.com/f9d0adf5-c332-4c31-9df3-fd14ab62cb60-rlf-blog-how-do-i-create-a-living-will.webp","Michael L. Rutkowski","estate-planning","Father daughter",{"type":20,"children":164,"toc":388},[165,174,180,185,190,195,201,206,211,237,242,248,253,265,308,313,319,324,329,341,347,352,357,362,368,373,378,383],{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":168,"children":170},"element","h2",{"id":169},"the-truth-about-creating-a-living-will-in-michigan",[171],{"type":172,"value":173},"text","The Truth About Creating a Living Will in Michigan",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":176,"children":177},"p",{},[178],{"type":172,"value":179},"If you are looking into creating a living will, you are taking a crucial step to protect your family from painful uncertainty. However, the most important thing to know right away is that Michigan law handles healthcare wishes differently than many other states.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":181,"children":182},{},[183],{"type":172,"value":184},"In Michigan, there is no standalone legal document officially called a living will.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":186,"children":187},{},[188],{"type":172,"value":189},"Instead, your written healthcare instructions gain legal force through a statutory document called a Patient Advocate Designation. This document combines your written treatment choices with the legal appointment of a trusted person to speak for you.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":191,"children":192},{},[193],{"type":172,"value":194},"Relying on a generic online form labeled as a living will leaves your family exposed. Michigan hospitals and care providers are bound by specific state statutes. To ensure your personal choices are honored, your strategy must follow the exact requirements set by Michigan law.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":196,"children":198},{"id":197},"understanding-the-role-of-a-patient-advocate-designation",[199],{"type":172,"value":200},"Understanding the Role of a Patient Advocate Designation",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":202,"children":203},{},[204],{"type":172,"value":205},"A Patient Advocate Designation is the legal vehicle that makes a Michigan living will enforceable.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":207,"children":208},{},[209],{"type":172,"value":210},"This document performs two vital functions at the same time:",{"type":166,"tag":212,"props":213,"children":214},"ul",{},[215,227],{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":217,"children":218},"li",{},[219,225],{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":221,"children":222},"strong",{},[223],{"type":172,"value":224},"Appointing Your Advocate:",{"type":172,"value":226}," You select a trusted family member or friend to serve as your legal voice if medical professionals determine you cannot make your own decisions.",{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":228,"children":229},{},[230,235],{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":231,"children":232},{},[233],{"type":172,"value":234},"Documenting Your Care Preferences:",{"type":172,"value":236}," You outline clear instructions regarding life-sustaining treatment, ventilator support, artificial hydration, and end-of-life care.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":238,"children":239},{},[240],{"type":172,"value":241},"Your designated advocate is legally obligated to carry out the written instructions you set down. If a unique medical scenario arises that was not explicitly detailed in your paperwork, your advocate holds the legal standing to make decisions based on your known personal values.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":243,"children":245},{"id":244},"key-steps-for-creating-a-living-will-in-michigan",[246],{"type":172,"value":247},"Key Steps for Creating a Living Will in Michigan",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":249,"children":250},{},[251],{"type":172,"value":252},"Formally creating a living will through a Patient Advocate Designation requires strict adherence to state rules. A missing signature or improper witness can render your document invalid during a crisis.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":254,"children":255},{},[256,258,263],{"type":172,"value":257},"To properly ",{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":259,"children":260},{},[261],{"type":172,"value":262},"create a living will",{"type":172,"value":264}," that holds up under Michigan law, you must ensure the following requirements are met:",{"type":166,"tag":212,"props":266,"children":267},{},[268,278,288,298],{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":269,"children":270},{},[271,276],{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":272,"children":273},{},[274],{"type":172,"value":275},"Clear Medical Instructions:",{"type":172,"value":277}," You must detail your specific choices regarding artificial life support, pain management, and care goals.",{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":279,"children":280},{},[281,286],{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":282,"children":283},{},[284],{"type":172,"value":285},"Selecting Primary and Alternate Advocates:",{"type":172,"value":287}," You should name a primary advocate and at least one successor advocate in case your first choice is unavailable.",{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":289,"children":290},{},[291,296],{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":292,"children":293},{},[294],{"type":172,"value":295},"Signed Advocate Acceptances:",{"type":172,"value":297}," Under Michigan statute, your named advocate must sign a formal acceptance outlining their legal duties before their authority can take effect.",{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":299,"children":300},{},[301,306],{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":302,"children":303},{},[304],{"type":172,"value":305},"Independent Witnesses:",{"type":172,"value":307}," The document must be executed in front of two qualified witnesses who are neither family members nor heirs, and who are not attending healthcare providers.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":309,"children":310},{},[311],{"type":172,"value":312},"Your advocate's authority does not start immediately upon signing. Their decision-making power only becomes active when two attending physicians certify in writing that you are unable to make your own medical choices.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":314,"children":316},{"id":315},"why-verbal-conversations-are-not-enough",[317],{"type":172,"value":318},"Why Verbal Conversations Are Not Enough",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":320,"children":321},{},[322],{"type":172,"value":323},"Many people assume that telling their spouse or adult children what they want during a medical emergency is sufficient.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":325,"children":326},{},[327],{"type":172,"value":328},"Unfortunately, verbal conversations leave major room for confusion, disagreement, and emotional stress. When a sudden medical crisis occurs, family members experiencing shock often remember conversations differently. Without written legal authority, doctors cannot follow the instructions of family members, which can force your loved ones into a public probate court battle in Oakland, Wayne, or Washtenaw counties just to gain legal guardianship.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":330,"children":331},{},[332,334,339],{"type":172,"value":333},"Documenting your preferences in a legally binding ",{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":335,"children":336},{},[337],{"type":172,"value":338},"l",{"type":172,"value":340},"iving will in Michigan removes the burden of guesswork. It protects your children from feeling guilty about making tough choices because they know they are simply carrying out your clear written directions.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":342,"children":344},{"id":343},"integrating-healthcare-directives-into-your-comprehensive-asset-shield",[345],{"type":172,"value":346},"Integrating Healthcare Directives Into Your Comprehensive Asset Shield",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":348,"children":349},{},[350],{"type":172,"value":351},"A Patient Advocate Designation is an essential piece of a complete estate plan, but it should never stand alone.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":353,"children":354},{},[355],{"type":172,"value":356},"Your healthcare decisions interact directly with your broader financial plan. If long-term care becomes necessary, unexpected medical expenses can quickly add up. If your healthcare advocate does not have a properly coordinated financial power of attorney or trust structure in place, paying for your care can quickly deplete your family savings.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":358,"children":359},{},[360],{"type":172,"value":361},"A robust strategy ties your healthcare preferences directly to your financial powers of attorney, Michigan Lady Bird Deeds, and living trusts. This creates a complete Asset Shield that protects your health, preserves your wealth, and maintains your family's dignity.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":363,"children":365},{"id":364},"the-done-for-you-advantage-over-document-mills",[366],{"type":172,"value":367},"The Done-For-You Advantage Over Document Mills",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":369,"children":370},{},[371],{"type":172,"value":372},"The biggest mistake Michigan families make is relying on a generalist attorney or a document mill. These low-cost operations hand clients generic paper templates downloaded off the internet and leave them to figure out execution on their own.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":374,"children":375},{},[376],{"type":172,"value":377},"If those templates lack mandatory Michigan statutory language or miss required advocate acceptances, local hospitals will reject them during an emergency.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":379,"children":380},{},[381],{"type":172,"value":382},"At Rutkowski Law Firm, we focus on total execution. Our Proven Process delivers a white-glove, Done-For-Youexperience backed by a team with over 50 years of combined legal experience. We handle all the details, ensuring your healthcare directives and trust structures strictly comply with state law so your plan works when your family needs it most.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":384,"children":385},{},[386],{"type":172,"value":387},"Our legal team is ready to develop a comprehensive plan to secure your Legacy and provide your family with true Peace of Mind.",{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":389},[390,391,392,393,394,395],{"id":169,"depth":24,"text":173},{"id":197,"depth":24,"text":200},{"id":244,"depth":24,"text":247},{"id":315,"depth":24,"text":318},{"id":343,"depth":24,"text":346},{"id":364,"depth":24,"text":367},"content:blog:how-do-i-create-a-living-will-in-michigan.md","blog/how-do-i-create-a-living-will-in-michigan.md","blog/how-do-i-create-a-living-will-in-michigan",{"_path":400,"_dir":155,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":401,"description":402,"date":403,"author":160,"practiceArea":161,"imageUrl":404,"body":405,"_type":26,"_id":542,"_source":28,"_file":543,"_stem":544,"_extension":31},"/blog/living-will-vs-patient-advocate-designation-what-michigan-families-should-know","Living Will vs Patient Advocate Designation: What Michigan Families Should Know","Learn why relying on a generic living will leaves your family exposed—and how state law handles medical choices.","2026-08-25T16:36:56.477Z","https://media.rutkowskilawfirm.com/e09364eb-7f86-4761-9eb6-3aca1526d53f-rlf-blog-living-will-vs-patient-advocate-designation.webp",{"type":20,"children":406,"toc":534},[407,413,418,423,428,434,439,444,449,455,460,465,470,476,481,486,491,495,500,505,510,514,519,524,529],{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":408,"children":410},{"id":409},"understanding-legal-terminology-vs-michigan-reality",[411],{"type":172,"value":412},"Understanding Legal Terminology vs. Michigan Reality",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":414,"children":415},{},[416],{"type":172,"value":417},"When preparing for the future, many people ask about creating a living will in Michigan. It is a term commonly used in movies, national news, and generic online articles.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":419,"children":420},{},[421],{"type":172,"value":422},"However, understanding the difference between generalized terminology and legal reality is critical for your family's security. In Michigan, relying on a document labeled strictly as a living will can leave your loved ones in a painful legal trap during a sudden health crisis.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":424,"children":425},{},[426],{"type":172,"value":427},"Under Michigan statutory law, a traditional living will is not a legally binding document on its own. To give your treatment wishes true legal authority, state law requires a Patient Advocate Designation.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":429,"children":431},{"id":430},"living-will-vs-patient-advocate-designation-the-core-differences",[432],{"type":172,"value":433},"Living Will vs Patient Advocate Designation: The Core Differences",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":435,"children":436},{},[437],{"type":172,"value":438},"Understanding how these two documents differ helps ensure your voice is heard when medical decisions must be made.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":440,"children":441},{},[442],{"type":172,"value":443},"A traditional living will simply states your treatment preferences on paper. It outlines what you want regarding artificial life support or ventilator care, but it does not legally appoint anyone to enforce those choices. If a doctor or hospital questions the paperwork, there is no designated leader legally authorized to step in.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":445,"children":446},{},[447],{"type":172,"value":448},"A statutory Patient Advocate Designation in Michigan combines written treatment instructions with the legal appointment of a trusted decision-maker. This document authorizes your named advocate to speak directly to your medical team, enforce your written instructions, and make medical decisions on your behalf.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":450,"children":452},{"id":451},"how-written-instructions-and-decision-making-authority-work-together",[453],{"type":172,"value":454},"How Written Instructions and Decision-Making Authority Work Together",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":456,"children":457},{},[458],{"type":172,"value":459},"Your written instructions and your patient advocate work as a team.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":461,"children":462},{},[463],{"type":172,"value":464},"Your written choices serve as the exact roadmap for your care. You can document precise instructions regarding ventilator support, artificial hydration, pain management, and end-of-life care. Your advocate is legally bound to follow those instructions.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":466,"children":467},{},[468],{"type":172,"value":469},"However, medicine is unpredictable. If a sudden medical situation arises that was not explicitly detailed in your written preferences, your advocate holds the legal standing to evaluate options with your doctors and make decisions based on your known personal values.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":471,"children":473},{"id":472},"why-choosing-the-right-patient-advocate-matters",[474],{"type":172,"value":475},"Why Choosing the Right Patient Advocate Matters",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":477,"children":478},{},[479],{"type":172,"value":480},"Selecting the individual who will serve as your patient advocate is just as vital as writing down your treatment choices.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":482,"children":483},{},[484],{"type":172,"value":485},"Your patient advocate must be someone who can remain calm under extreme emotional stress and honor your wishes firmly, even if other family members disagree. You should also name at least one alternate advocate in case your primary choice is unavailable.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":487,"children":488},{},[489],{"type":172,"value":490},"Under Michigan law, your advocate holds no authority while you are healthy. Their legal power only becomes active when two attending physicians examine you and certify in writing that you lack the capacity to make your own medical choices.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":492,"children":493},{"id":343},[494],{"type":172,"value":346},{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":496,"children":497},{},[498],{"type":172,"value":499},"A Patient Advocate Designation in Michigan is a vital piece of a complete estate plan, but it cannot stand alone.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":501,"children":502},{},[503],{"type":172,"value":504},"Your medical choices tie directly into your financial security. If a health crisis requires long-term care, unexpected expenses can quickly add up. If your healthcare advocate does not have a properly coordinated financial power of attorney or trust structure in place, paying for your care can quickly exhaust your life savings.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":506,"children":507},{},[508],{"type":172,"value":509},"A complete strategy connects your healthcare preferences directly to financial powers of attorney, Michigan Lady Bird Deeds, and living trusts. This creates a complete Asset Shield that protects your health, preserves your wealth, and keeps your family out of public probate court in Oakland, Wayne, or Washtenaw counties.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":511,"children":512},{"id":364},[513],{"type":172,"value":367},{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":515,"children":516},{},[517],{"type":172,"value":518},"The biggest mistake Michigan families make is relying on generic online templates or a document mill. These cheap operations hand clients a heavy paper binder, provide an instruction sheet, and leave the family to figure out how to execute on their own.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":520,"children":521},{},[522],{"type":172,"value":523},"Generic forms often omit mandatory Michigan statutory provisions, such as formal advocate acceptances. When a crisis hits, local hospitals reject the paperwork, forcing adult children into an expensive probate court battle just to gain legal guardianship.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":525,"children":526},{},[527],{"type":172,"value":528},"At Rutkowski Law Firm, we focus on total execution. Our Proven Process delivers a white-glove, Done-For-Youexperience backed by a team with over 50 years of combined legal experience. We handle all the details, ensuring your healthcare directives strictly comply with state law so your plan works seamlessly when your family needs it most.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":530,"children":531},{},[532],{"type":172,"value":533},"Our legal team is ready to review your current plan, eliminate dangerous gaps, and secure true Peace of Mind.",{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":535},[536,537,538,539,540,541],{"id":409,"depth":24,"text":412},{"id":430,"depth":24,"text":433},{"id":451,"depth":24,"text":454},{"id":472,"depth":24,"text":475},{"id":343,"depth":24,"text":346},{"id":364,"depth":24,"text":367},"content:blog:living-will-vs-patient-advocate-designation-what-michigan-families-should-know.md","blog/living-will-vs-patient-advocate-designation-what-michigan-families-should-know.md","blog/living-will-vs-patient-advocate-designation-what-michigan-families-should-know",{"_path":546,"_dir":155,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":547,"description":548,"date":549,"imageUrl":550,"author":160,"imageAlt":551,"practiceArea":161,"body":552,"_type":26,"_id":779,"_source":28,"_file":780,"_stem":781,"_extension":31},"/blog/what-happens-if-you-create-a-trust-but-never-fund-it","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.","2026-08-13T20:20:00.000Z","https://media.rutkowskilawfirm.com/ba41dbed-1be3-421c-ab8c-9f3b92a03487-rlf-blog-what-happens-if-you-create-a-trust-but-never-fund-it.webp","Family",{"type":20,"children":553,"toc":771},[554,560,565,570,589,595,614,626,676,687,693,698,703,708,714,719,724,729,735,740,745,750,756,761,766],{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":555,"children":557},{"id":556},"the-empty-safe-deposit-box-problem",[558],{"type":172,"value":559},"The Empty Safe-Deposit Box Problem",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":561,"children":562},{},[563],{"type":172,"value":564},"Creating an estate plan without funding it is like buying an expensive safe-deposit box and leaving all your valuables sitting on the counter.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":566,"children":567},{},[568],{"type":172,"value":569},"Many families believe that once they sign their trust documents, their home and savings are automatically protected. The reality is that placing your wishes on paper is only the first step. If you do not legally connect your bank accounts, real estate deeds, and investments to your trust, that document remains empty.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":571,"children":572},{},[573,575,580,582,587],{"type":172,"value":574},"Understanding ",{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":576,"children":577},{},[578],{"type":172,"value":579},"how to fund a trust",{"type":172,"value":581}," is what turns a stack of paper into an active ",{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":583,"children":584},{},[585],{"type":172,"value":586},"Asset Shield",{"type":172,"value":588},". Without proper funding, your plan will fail when your family needs it most.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":590,"children":592},{"id":591},"what-trust-funding-actually-means",[593],{"type":172,"value":594},"What Trust Funding Actually Means",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":596,"children":597},{},[598,600,605,607,612],{"type":172,"value":599},"A common misconception is that learning how to ",{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":601,"children":602},{},[603],{"type":172,"value":604},"fund a trust",{"type":172,"value":606}," requires adding new money to your estate. In reality, ",{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":608,"children":609},{},[610],{"type":172,"value":611},"trust funding",{"type":172,"value":613}," simply means changing the legal ownership title or beneficiary designation on your existing assets so they align with your trust instructions.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":615,"children":616},{},[617,619,624],{"type":172,"value":618},"Properly ",{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":620,"children":621},{},[622],{"type":172,"value":623},"funding a trust",{"type":172,"value":625}," involves several key steps:",{"type":166,"tag":212,"props":627,"children":628},{},[629,646,656,666],{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":630,"children":631},{},[632,637,639,644],{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":633,"children":634},{},[635],{"type":172,"value":636},"Real Estate:",{"type":172,"value":638}," Executing and recording updated deeds, such as a ",{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":640,"children":641},{},[642],{"type":172,"value":643},"Michigan Lady Bird Deed",{"type":172,"value":645}," or a quitclaim deed, to transfer property ownership to the trust.",{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":647,"children":648},{},[649,654],{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":650,"children":651},{},[652],{"type":172,"value":653},"Financial Accounts:",{"type":172,"value":655}," Retitling standard checking, savings, and non-retirement investment accounts into the name of the trust.",{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":657,"children":658},{},[659,664],{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":660,"children":661},{},[662],{"type":172,"value":663},"Business Interests:",{"type":172,"value":665}," Assigning membership interests or stock certificates to the trust structure.",{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":667,"children":668},{},[669,674],{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":670,"children":671},{},[672],{"type":172,"value":673},"Beneficiary Coordination:",{"type":172,"value":675}," Aligning life insurance policies and specific accounts with your overall estate plan.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":677,"children":678},{},[679,681,685],{"type":172,"value":680},"Signing the trust document creates the holding vessel, but ",{"type":166,"tag":220,"props":682,"children":683},{},[684],{"type":172,"value":611},{"type":172,"value":686}," is what actually places your property inside that vessel.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":688,"children":690},{"id":689},"why-unfunded-trusts-end-up-in-michigan-probate-court",[691],{"type":172,"value":692},"Why Unfunded Trusts End Up in Michigan Probate Court",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":694,"children":695},{},[696],{"type":172,"value":697},"The primary reason families create a trust is probate avoidance. In Michigan, probate court proceedings in Oakland, Wayne, or Washtenaw counties can take up to a year or longer, creating expensive legal fees, public record disclosures, and unnecessary stress for surviving family members.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":699,"children":700},{},[701],{"type":172,"value":702},"However, probate court does not look at what your trust document says; it looks at how your assets are titled.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":704,"children":705},{},[706],{"type":172,"value":707},"If a home, bank account, or investment account remains in your individual name at the time of incapacity or death, financial institutions will freeze that asset. Because the property sits outside the trust, your designated trustee has no legal authority to access it. To gain access, your family must file a petition in probate court, completely defeating the purpose of creating the trust in the first place.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":709,"children":711},{"id":710},"the-pour-over-will-misconception",[712],{"type":172,"value":713},"The Pour-Over Will Misconception",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":715,"children":716},{},[717],{"type":172,"value":718},"When families discover that an asset was left outside their trust, they often assume a pour-over will serves as a backup safety net.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":720,"children":721},{},[722],{"type":172,"value":723},"A pour-over will is an important legal document that captures forgotten personal property and directs it into your trust after death. But it is not a substitute for funding a trust properly during your lifetime.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":725,"children":726},{},[727],{"type":172,"value":728},"Because a pour-over will is still a will, the assets covered by it must go through Michigan probate court before they can be transferred into the trust. Relying on a pour-over will can expose your family to court delays, filing fees, and public oversight before your trustee can carry out your wishes. Proactive funding during your lifetime is the only way to help ensure a private, seamless transfer.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":730,"children":732},{"id":731},"why-funding-problems-surface-during-a-crisis",[733],{"type":172,"value":734},"Why Funding Problems Surface During a Crisis",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":736,"children":737},{},[738],{"type":172,"value":739},"Families rarely discover that a trust is unfunded during calm times. Funding gaps usually surface during a sudden medical emergency or after a loved one passes away.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":741,"children":742},{},[743],{"type":172,"value":744},"If you become incapacitated due to illness or injury, your successor trustee needs immediate access to pay your bills, manage your home, or cover healthcare costs. If your bank accounts are outside the trust and you do not have a properly coordinated financial power of attorney, your family may be forced to petition the court for an emergency conservatorship.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":746,"children":747},{},[748],{"type":172,"value":749},"Asset ownership also changes over time. When you buy a new home, open a new investment account, or switch banks, you must make sure those assets are properly titled to your trust. Leaving newly acquired property in your individual name recreates the probate risk you were trying to avoid.",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":751,"children":753},{"id":752},"the-done-for-you-advantage",[754],{"type":172,"value":755},"The Done-For-You Advantage",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":757,"children":758},{},[759],{"type":172,"value":760},"The greatest weakness in modern estate planning is the one-size-fits-all approach taken by generalist attorneys and document mills. They hand clients a heavy binder of paper templates, add an instruction sheet, and leave the family to navigate the retitling process at the bank on its own.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":762,"children":763},{},[764],{"type":172,"value":765},"For most people, bank paperwork is confusing. Life gets busy, the trust remains unfunded, and when a health crisis strikes or nursing home costs average $12,216 per month, the plan can fail completely.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":767,"children":768},{},[769],{"type":172,"value":770},"At Rutkowski Law Firm, we believe a plan is only as good as its ability to hold up when it is tested. Our Proven Process provides complete done-for-you funding support from a team with more than 50 years of combined legal experience. We handle the heavy lifting by coordinating real estate deeds and financial accounts for you, helping create a fully fortified plan that keeps your children out of court and gives your family true peace of mind.",{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":772},[773,774,775,776,777,778],{"id":556,"depth":24,"text":559},{"id":591,"depth":24,"text":594},{"id":689,"depth":24,"text":692},{"id":710,"depth":24,"text":713},{"id":731,"depth":24,"text":734},{"id":752,"depth":24,"text":755},"content:blog:what-happens-if-you-create-a-trust-but-never-fund-it.md","blog/what-happens-if-you-create-a-trust-but-never-fund-it.md","blog/what-happens-if-you-create-a-trust-but-never-fund-it",[783],{"_path":784,"_dir":785,"_draft":7,"_partial":7,"_locale":8,"title":786,"description":787,"name":160,"role":788,"imageUrl":789,"leadership":790,"order":791,"imageAlt":792,"practiceAreas":793,"body":797,"_type":26,"_id":923,"_source":28,"_file":924,"_stem":925,"_extension":31},"/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",true,1,"Head shot of Michael Rutkowski",[794,795,796],"Estate Planning","Medicaid Planning","Probate",{"type":20,"children":798,"toc":918},[799,821,826,831,836,841,847,852,858,894,900],{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":800,"children":801},{},[802,804,811,813,819],{"type":172,"value":803},"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":166,"tag":805,"props":806,"children":808},"a",{"href":807},"/practice-areas/estate-planning/",[809],{"type":172,"value":810},"estate planning",{"type":172,"value":812}," and ",{"type":166,"tag":805,"props":814,"children":816},{"href":815},"/practice-areas/elder-law/",[817],{"type":172,"value":818},"elder law",{"type":172,"value":820}," firms — but he’ll be the first to tell you: business success means nothing if you’re not winning at home.",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":822,"children":823},{},[824],{"type":172,"value":825},"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":166,"tag":175,"props":827,"children":828},{},[829],{"type":172,"value":830},"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":166,"tag":175,"props":832,"children":833},{},[834],{"type":172,"value":835},"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":166,"tag":175,"props":837,"children":838},{},[839],{"type":172,"value":840},"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":166,"tag":167,"props":842,"children":844},{"id":843},"education",[845],{"type":172,"value":846},"Education",{"type":166,"tag":175,"props":848,"children":849},{},[850],{"type":172,"value":851},"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":166,"tag":167,"props":853,"children":855},{"id":854},"practice-areas",[856],{"type":172,"value":857},"Practice Areas",{"type":166,"tag":212,"props":859,"children":860},{},[861,865,870,874,879,884,889],{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":862,"children":863},{},[864],{"type":172,"value":794},{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":866,"children":867},{},[868],{"type":172,"value":869},"Asset Protection",{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":871,"children":872},{},[873],{"type":172,"value":795},{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":875,"children":876},{},[877],{"type":172,"value":878},"Elder Law",{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":880,"children":881},{},[882],{"type":172,"value":883},"Estate Tax Planning",{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":885,"children":886},{},[887],{"type":172,"value":888},"Special Needs Planning",{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":890,"children":891},{},[892],{"type":172,"value":893},"Veterans Benefits Planning",{"type":166,"tag":167,"props":895,"children":897},{"id":896},"awards-memberships",[898],{"type":172,"value":899},"Awards & Memberships",{"type":166,"tag":212,"props":901,"children":902},{},[903,908,913],{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":904,"children":905},{},[906],{"type":172,"value":907},"Super Lawyers",{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":909,"children":910},{},[911],{"type":172,"value":912},"Best Lawyers",{"type":166,"tag":216,"props":914,"children":915},{},[916],{"type":172,"value":917},"Wealth Counsel",{"title":23,"searchDepth":24,"depth":24,"links":919},[920,921,922],{"id":843,"depth":24,"text":846},{"id":854,"depth":24,"text":857},{"id":896,"depth":24,"text":899},"content:about-us:team:michael-rutkowski.md","about-us/team/michael-rutkowski.md","about-us/team/michael-rutkowski",1787873746111]