Will Lawyers in Troy

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Oakland County & Surrounding Areas

A last will and testament is an integral part of your estate planning process, and it’s the most common way to ensure your assets are distributed to your heirs according to your wishes. So, to prepare a will according to your needs, it is essential to have an experienced wills attorney in Troy, MI.

The experienced lawyers at The Center for Elder Law and BRMM can assist you in preparing a will that will protect your assets and distribute them properly once you’ve passed away. Our will attorneys know the ins and outs of proper will preparation and can help keep yours out of probate court.

For trusted legal guidance, reach out to a knowledgeable Troy will attorney. Call (248) 213-9514 or contact us immediately to schedule your consultation.

Why is a Will Important?

It is essential to have a will. It is a legal document that specifies who should inherit your property after your death. With a will, you can name a “personal guardian” to care for any minor children in the case that you and the other parent die or if the surviving parent is unable to care for the children. They will have legal guardianship of the children until they turn 18.

Beyond choosing who receives your property, a carefully drafted will also let you give clear instructions about how debts and final expenses should be handled, which can greatly reduce stress for your family. For many people in Troy and throughout Oakland County, a will works together with other planning tools, such as powers of attorney and beneficiary designations, to create a more complete protection plan. When everything is coordinated under Michigan law, your loved ones are less likely to face delays, confusion, or unexpected decisions in the Oakland County Probate Court after your passing.

What Happens if I Die Without a Will?

If you die without a will, your state’s laws on succession will be applied to your case. Generally, a spouse and children are “next-in-line” to inherit your property. If you do not have a spouse or children, close relatives like your parents, siblings, and grandparents will inherit your property. If you have no relatives, your property will go to the state.

When you rely on the default rules instead of working with will lawyers in Troy, MI to write your own plan, you give up the chance to direct how sentimental items, family heirlooms, or business interests are handled. Intestacy laws also do not consider unmarried partners, stepchildren, or close friends, which can lead to outcomes that feel unfair or contrary to your wishes. Taking the time now to set out your own decisions allows your family to focus on grieving and healing instead of trying to interpret what you might have wanted.

• Related: What Problems Will Your Family Face If You Die Without a Will?

Do You Need an Attorney for a Will?

While you don’t technically need an attorney for a will, it is recommended to have one. An experienced attorney can build a sound and specific will. An attorney will also be there to help you update the will if need be. Probably the biggest benefit will be that they will help you avoid easy-to-make mistakes.

Working with a Troy will lawyer also means you can ask questions about how your will fits with other parts of your estate plan, such as trusts or beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts. A lawyer can help you think through “what if” scenarios, including second marriages, blended families, or children with different needs, so your documents are practical for real life. Because we regularly appear in Oakland County Probate Court, we see how poorly drafted forms can create disputes, and we use that experience to help you put clearer instructions in place from the beginning.

What Makes a Will Legal?

Generally, states require these for the will to be valid:

• The testator (writer of the will) is 18 years old and of sound mind.
• The document must state that it is the testator’s will.
• The will is printed, except in the case where it is handwritten.
• There is a provision that disposes of property or names a guardian for minor children.
• An executor is appointed in the document.
• The testator and two witnesses must sign and date the will. The witnesses should be 18 years old and not be beneficiaries in the will.

It is not necessary to get your will notarized; however, it may make the probate process easier.

Michigan law has additional technical requirements in certain situations, such as handwritten or “holographic” wills, and mistakes in following those rules can lead to costly hearings in the local probate court. A wills and trusts attorney can walk you through the exact signing steps, help you choose appropriate witnesses, and suggest ways to store your original documents so they are easy for your personal representative to locate. Taking these precautions now makes it more likely that your will is accepted smoothly when it is needed, without unnecessary delay or stress for your family.

Understanding Wills Amendment in Troy, MI: Local Insights and Resources

Living in Troy, MI, and the greater Oakland County area, it's essential to stay informed about local regulations and resources that can impact your estate planning. The City of Troy and Oakland County government provide valuable resources and information to help residents navigate the complexities of wills and estate planning. For instance, the Oakland County Probate Court is a key entity that handles matters related to wills and estates, ensuring that your documents are processed according to Michigan state laws.

One common pain point for residents in Troy is the frequent changes in state laws that can affect the validity and execution of wills. Keeping up with these changes can be challenging, but our team at The Center for Elder Law and BRMM is well-versed in the latest legal requirements and amendments. We understand the local nuances and can help you amend your will to reflect any new legal stipulations, ensuring your estate plan remains robust and compliant.

When you work with a wills attorney in Troy, MI, to review your documents periodically, you can address changes such as moving assets between accounts, buying or selling property, or relocating within Michigan. Many families in and around Troy also have connections to nearby communities like Royal Oak, Birmingham, or Rochester Hills, and updates may be needed to coordinate property or business interests across these locations. Regular check-ins give you the chance to revisit your goals and make sure your plan still fits your family’s circumstances.

Another concern for many in the area is the potential for family disputes over asset distribution. With a well-drafted and regularly updated will, you can minimize the risk of conflicts among your heirs. Our attorneys are familiar with the common issues faced by families in Troy and can provide tailored advice to address these concerns, offering peace of mind that your wishes will be honored.

For some clients, we also discuss whether adding a trust or other planning tools makes sense alongside your will, especially when you own real estate, have a family business, or expect a more complex probate process in Oakland County. A wills and trusts lawyer can explain how these documents work together, outline the pros and cons, and help you decide what level of planning matches your goals and budget. This collaborative approach gives you a clearer picture of your options so you can move forward with confidence.

Whether you're near the bustling Somerset Collection or closer to the serene Troy Historic Village, our local knowledge and commitment to the community ensure that we can provide personalized and effective estate planning services. We are here to help you navigate the intricacies of will amendment, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Key ways we help Troy residents keep their wills up to date include:

• Monitoring law changes so your documents continue to meet current Michigan requirements, including any updates that affect probate procedures in Oakland County.
• Reviewing major life events such as marriages, divorces, births, deaths, and moves, and recommending specific changes that keep your will aligned with your real situation.
• Coordinating with other planning tools like beneficiary designations, trusts, and powers of attorney so your overall estate plan works together without gaps or conflicts.
• Addressing family dynamics by listening to your concerns about potential disputes and crafting language that can reduce confusion for relatives in Troy and the surrounding communities.

Choosing the Right Will Lawyer in Troy

Selecting the right attorney to help with your will is an important decision, especially when your goal is to protect family members and avoid problems in the Oakland County Probate Court. You want someone who takes time to understand your family, your property, and your concerns before recommending documents. It can also be reassuring to work with a firm that has long-standing roots in Troy and is familiar with how local judges and court procedures may affect your plan. Taking these factors into account can help you feel more confident when you move forward.

As you compare options, consider how each attorney approaches communication, availability, and planning for the long term. A Troy will lawyer who offers clear explanations, responds to questions promptly, and encourages regular reviews can be a better fit than someone who only prepares a document and moves on. It is also helpful to ask whether the same team can assist with future needs, such as probate, trust administration, or updates if you move within Michigan. Building a relationship with one office for all of these services can create more consistency and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

For more information on how we can assist you with your will and estate planning needs, contact The Center for Elder Law and BRMM today. Let us help you secure your legacy and protect your loved ones in Troy, MI.