(248) 735-0900

ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY IN
NOVI MICHIGAN

Estate Planning Attorney

Call Us Today!

(248) 735-0900

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY

A Power of Attorney is a legally binding document by which you authorize another person to act on your behalf. A Power of Attorney may be as limited or as broad as you choose. A Durable Power of Attorney is a Power of Attorney that continues to be effective in the event of your disability – the very time that a Power of Attorney is needed most! In the event of your physical or mental disability, a Durable Power of Attorney will allow another person you choose, such as your spouse or adult child, to manage your finances on your behalf. Without it, if accident or illness disables you, your loved ones will be required to go to probate court and request that a conservator be appointed for you. It is possible that the person appointed by the probate court to manage your affairs will not be the person you would have chosen of your own free will. A Durable Power of Attorney is the means to ensure that if you become disabled, your finances will continue to be managed by a person in whom you have complete trust.

Contact an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney
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What Your Agent Can Do

  • Sign your checks
  • Pay your bills
  • Make bank deposits for you
  • Sell your property
  • Contract for medical and professional services
  • Procure insurance for you
  • Access and manage your digital assets
  • Make decisions regarding your investments
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How to Choose an Agent

  • Is your chosen Agent organized and good with finances?
  • Is your Agent in good financial standing or is there a potential for self-dealing?
  • Is your Agent local or, if not, does he or she have the skills to handle finances remotely?
  • Is your Agent willing to do this for you?
DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY

Complimentary Consultation

Come on in for a complimentary 30 minute consultation to meet Karen and learn about what you should be considering in your estate plan to fit your personal circumstances. If you fill out our estate plan questionnaire and bring it with you, it will make the meeting more productive.
SCHEDULE TODAY

Complete our questionnaire and bring to the meeting.

ESTATE PLAN QUESTIONNAIRE
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Naming More than one Agent

You can name Co-Agents where either one of them alone has the authority to act, or where they must act together, to make financial decisions. You should also name Successor Agents who will act if your agent becomes unavailable or unwilling to act on your behalf.

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What are the Agent's Duties?

Your Agent must follow your instructions and act in your best interest. The Agent must keep receipts and accurate records about your assets. The Agent must keep a record of the actions done on your behalf. If you ask your Agent to keep you informed of his or her actions, then he or she must do so. If you ask your Agent for an accounting, then your agent must provide you with one. Agents cannot make a gift from your property, or create an account or other asset in joint tenancy with you, unless provided for in the Durable Power of Attorney or by judicial order. If an Agent violates his or her duties, they may be subject to civil or criminal penalties.
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Why do I Need a Durable Power of Attorney if My Spouse and I Own Everything Jointly?

If you and your spouse own a bank account jointly, then your spouse can sign checks and withdraw money from your joint bank accounts whether you are able to or not. However, the same is not true about your jointly owned stock or home. Your spouse needs your consent and signature in order to make changes to the legal title of your jointly owned home or stock. Your spouse does not have legal authority to name or change a beneficiary on your life insurance or retirement benefits either. To provide your consent and signature to these legal transactions after your disability or incapacity, your spouse must be named as your Agent under a Durable Power of Attorney.

Testimonials

“Karen, we really, really appreciate you! The better the planning we do, the luckier we have been, which is why I brought Aunt Betty to you 14 years ago, and we have sought your advice throughout. She is at peace knowing she doesn't need to worry about managing estate-related choices in her final days.“

Jay Smith

“Thanks for taking such good care of us and making it easy to ask questions. I appreciate not being made to feel stupid for asking questions. It was a lovely gift at a tough time.“

Charlie Patricolo

“Throughout the emotional roller coaster ride as my father’s Trustee, I am grateful you were there for me. You kept me grounded and focused on the job at hand, when I could easily have let my emotions take over. I am sure my Dad is smiling down on how everything came together, and happy I stayed with you as my legal counsel. I know I am certainly smiling. Thank you again.”

Lynn Speerschneider

“I would not hesitate to contact Karen in the future, or recommend her to friends and family, for estate planning needs. She made a confusing process very easy and painless.”

Linkedin.com
Top qualities: Personable, Good Value, On Time

“Karen is very personable and professional. Her method of determining my estate planning needs minimized the amount of time and effort on my part. She generated an estate plan that was fully customized for my special situation. It was a pleasure to work with her. I will continue to recommend her to my associates and friends.”

Lawyers.com
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0

“I’d like to start by saying THANK YOU! For the first time in my life I found myself in trouble. I spoke with you and realized that I was speaking to a warm and sensitive person. After our discussion, you referred me to someone you felt more appropriate or fitting to my situation. I am grateful to you both! If I need a Lawyer or a CPA again, I would want the support and guidance of the two of you! Thank you again, you have made a difference in my life!”

Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0