What Documents Do I Need for a Complete Estate Plan in Michigan?
When it comes to protecting your family and your legacy, having a complete estate plan in Michigan is one of the most important steps you can take. Whether you’re planning ahead for retirement, facing a health crisis, or simply getting organized, understanding the essential estate planning documents can give you peace of mind.
Below, we’ll walk through the core documents every Michigander should consider—and how each one works to safeguard your wishes, your assets, and your loved ones.
1. Last Will and Testament
Your Last Will and Testament is the foundation of most estate plans. In Michigan, a will outlines:
Who will inherit your property
Who you appoint as guardian for your minor children
Who you choose as your personal representative (executor)
Without a will, Michigan’s intestate succession laws will determine who gets what—potentially leaving out people you care about most.
2. Revocable Living Trust
While not everyone needs a revocable living trust, it can be a powerful tool to:
Avoid probate court (which can be time-consuming and expensive)
Provide privacy for your estate
Manage your assets if you become incapacitated
In Michigan, a properly funded living trust ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes—without court involvement.
3. Durable Power of Attorney (Financial)
A Durable Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. This can include:
Paying bills
Managing bank accounts
Handling real estate and taxes
Without this document, your loved ones may need to seek guardianship or conservatorship through the court.
4. Medical Power of Attorney (Patient Advocate Designation)
In Michigan, this is often called a Designation of Patient Advocate. It lets you name someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to speak for yourself.
This document works alongside your Advance Directive to ensure that your healthcare choices are respected.
5. Advance Directive (Living Will)
A Living Will or Advance Directive communicates your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment, including:
Use of feeding tubes
Resuscitation preferences
End-of-life care decisions
These documents help your family and doctors make informed choices that align with your values.
6. HIPAA Authorization
A HIPAA Authorization allows the people you trust to access your medical records. This is critical if your agents under a medical or financial power of attorney need to advocate on your behalf with healthcare providers.
7. Final Disposition Instructions
This optional but helpful document spells out your wishes for:
Burial or cremation
Funeral arrangements
Organ donation
Michigan law allows you to designate a funeral representative to carry out these instructions.
Why Having a Complete Estate Plan Matters in Michigan
Creating an estate plan is more than just drafting a will—it’s about creating a comprehensive legal strategy to protect your family, preserve your wealth, and honor your wishes. Without the right documents, your estate could face:
Lengthy probate proceedings
Family disputes
Unintended tax consequences
Get Help Creating Your Estate Plan in West Michigan
At Legacy Legal & Business Services PLC, we help individuals and families throughout West Michigan build custom estate plans that are thorough, legally sound, and tailored to their unique needs.
Having a complete estate plan in Michigan means more than having just a will. By including the right legal documents, you can protect your loved ones, reduce legal complications, and ensure your legacy is honored exactly as you intend.
Need help getting started? Contact our team today at (616) 681-0100. For additional information check out our Estate Planning Services page or our Blog.