Grand Traverse County Michigan Divorce and Estate Planning Blog

For many couples, divorce can quickly become a contentious battle, with each spouse doing anything in their power to "win." This approach may help either spouse feel vindicated about the end of the marriage, but it can do more harm than good when it comes to minor children from the marriage. Ideally, you and your spouse will work together to shield your children from the emotional fallout that often results from divorce.

Children of any age can experience negative emotional consequences when their parents split up. It is important that both the parents and the divorce court take steps to mitigate the potential damage that divorce can cause.

The death of a prominent citizen of Detroit emphasizes the need of establishing an estate plan. Aretha Franklin recently passed away at the age of 76 and she had apparently done no estate planning. It is said that she did not have a will or trust in place, which may complicate the settling of her estate. She is survived by four sons who have all listed themselves as interested parties. A niece has also requested to be appointed as the personal representative of the estate.

Under Michigan law when there is no last will and testament, a single person's estate is divided equally among any children of the decedent. Reportedly, Ms. Franklin's lawyer had advised her of the need to have a will or a trust. She had not established either at the time of her death.

The opioid drug crisis continues to plague Michigan and the nation. Two people, a man and a woman, who own an assisted living facility in Oakland County, are facing criminal law charges after drugs and firearms were allegedly found on their property. The investigation was carried out by the Oakland County Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET).

NET conducted a search that reportedly turned up a large amount of illegal drugs and firearms. The  drugs allegedly found included marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and morphine. Five firearms and cash were also reportedly seized in the search. The residents of the home did not show signs of neglect or ill health.

Becoming new parents can be one of the most exciting steps in a young family's life in Michigan. While there are so many things to be considered and provided for the new family member, establishing or reviewing an estate plan should not be neglected. While extensive planning may have gone into expanding a family, it is difficult to plan for the unexpected. That is where estate planning can help.

While many eventualities are difficult to consider, preparing for them can provide peace of mind and a certain level of security to a young family. Having a living will that designates a person's health care wishes should he or she become incapacitated relieves loved ones of that burden in the event of an unexpected accident or illness. Along with a living will, a guardian should be designated for any minor children thus ensuring their continued care.