What Is a Trust?
A trust is more than a legal document — it's a powerful tool to protect your legacy, avoid probate, and give your family peace of mind. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan families choose and create the right trust for their unique needs.
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.
Common Types of Trusts in Michigan
Different families need different tools. Whether you're looking to avoid probate, plan for long-term care, or protect assets, there's a trust for that.
Trust vs. Will: Which Is Best for You?
Wills and trusts both help distribute your assets — but they work differently. Many Michigan families choose both for full protection.
Will: Distributes assets through probate after death
Trust: Manages and distributes assets during life and after death without probate
Will: Public record after death
Trust: Private and confidential
Will: Limited impact until death
Trust: Allows management of assets if incapacitated
Will: Simple to create but less control
Trust: More customizable but requires maintenance
Will: Simple estates and straightforward distributions
Trust: Families wanting privacy, control, or asset protection
The Benefits of Trust-Based Planning
Trusts offer privacy, control, and flexibility. Learn how they can streamline inheritance, reduce stress, and protect your assets.
When Should Families Consider a Trust?
From new parents to retirees, trusts can benefit Michigan families at every life stage. See if this planning tool fits your goals.
We guide your family from confusion to clarity — building a plan that protects what matters most.
Step 1: Discovery Call
Step 2: Plan Design Meeting
Step 3: Trust Drafting & Review
Step 4: Signing & Funding
Step 5: Ongoing Support
Learn the ins and outs of estate planning from the estate planning attorney, Michael Rutkowski.
Unlike a will, a trust helps you avoid probate, ensures seamless asset distribution, and provides financial protection for your loved ones. In this video, estate planning attorney Michael Rutkowski breaks down the mechanics of a trust, from setting it up to funding it properly.
Attorney at Rutkowski Law Firm
A special needs trust allows you to use inherited or settlement funds without losing government benefits. Attorney Michael Rutkowski explains how to access the money and what it can be used for.
Attorney at Rutkowski Law Firm
A special needs trust helps protect government benefits while allowing someone to receive an inheritance or settlement. Attorney Michael Rutkowski explains how they work and how to set one up.
Attorney at Rutkowski Law Firm
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
Vacation homes, rentals, or timeshares can complicate your estate. Here’s how to make sure they don’t.
Founder / Attorney
Irrevocable doesn’t mean hands-off learn how to retain control and flexibility while protecting your assets.
Founder / Attorney
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 TeamWith 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.
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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!”
