Estate Planning
Build a Plan That Protects What Matters Most
Without a clear plan, the people you care about may face confusion, delays, and court involvement during an already difficult time. That’s why working with an experienced estate planning attorney is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your family.
At Journey Law, we create estate plans that go beyond paperwork. We help you build a lasting legacy. Plans may include:
- Revocable Trust (if applicable)
- Pour-over Will
- Financial Power of Attorney (Durable Power of Attorney)
- Healthcare Power of Attorney (Patient Advocate Designation)
- Funeral Representative Designation
- Guardian nominations for children and pets
- Special Needs Trust (if applicable)
- Step-by-step support with trust funding
A Thoughtful Way to Care for the People You Love
Estate planning isn’t just about preparing for the end. It’s about taking control of your future today. Create a strong plan to ensure that:
- Your assets are passed on according to your wishes
- Your loved ones avoid unnecessary stress and legal hurdles
- You have a say in your own care and decisions if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself
At Journey Law, we help individuals and families across West Michigan create customized estate plans that bring clarity, security, and peace of mind.
Choosing the Right Will or Trust for You and Your Family
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to estate planning. We will help you choose the right tools for your situation, whether that’s a simple will, a revocable living trust, or a more specialized option like a special needs trust or irrevocable trust.
The biggest misconception about a will is that it keeps you out of probate court. . . it does not in Michigan. If you don’t want the public to know what you own and who you are giving it to. . . then a trust is the right choice for you.
Ready to Protect Your Family’s Future?
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. If you’re ready to take the next step or have questions about estate planning, schedule a 15 minute consultation with Kris Johnson today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning
What is estate planning, and why is it important?
Estate planning is the process of organizing your legal and financial affairs so your wishes are honored if you become incapacitated or pass away. A solid estate plan protects your loved ones, avoids court involvement, and helps ensure your legacy lives on the way you intended.
What’s the difference between a Will and Trust in Michigan?
A Will goes into effect after your death and typically requires probate court, which is a public and sometimes lengthy process. A Trust, on the other hand, takes effect during your lifetime and allows assets to be managed and distributed privately—without the need for court involvement.
What documents are included in a complete estate plan with Journey Law?
A comprehensive estate plan with Journey Law includes:
- Revocable Trust (if applicable)
- Pour-over Will
- Durable Power of Attorney (financial and legal power of attorney)
- Patient Advocate Designation (healthcare power of attorney)
- Funeral Representative Designation
- Guardian nominations for children and pets
- Special Needs Trust (if applicable)
- Step-by-step support with trust funding
What is a Durable Power of Attorney, and why do I need one?
A Durable Power of Attorney gives someone you trust the authority to manage your finances if you’re unable to do so. This includes paying bills, managing accounts, and even selling property. Without it, your family may need to go through probate court to get someone appointed—often during a stressful time.
What is a Patient Advocate Designation?
Also known as a healthcare power of attorney, this document allows a trusted person to make medical decisions for you if two doctors determine you’re unable to do so. This could happen temporarily (under anesthesia or in a coma) or long-term (due to illness or injury). Your Patient Advocate ensures your healthcare wishes are honored—even when you can’t speak for yourself.
Can I change my estate plan later?
Yes. Life changes, and your plan should too. All the documents created for you can be amended or revoked as long as you have the necessary mental capacity. Kris Johnson designs estate plans with flexibility in mind so your plan grows with you.
How can I avoid probate in Michigan?
The most effective way to avoid probate is by creating a revocable Trust and ensuring your assets are properly titled into it. Other strategies include naming beneficiaries on financial accounts, using joint ownership, or adding transfer-on-death designations. Kris will walk you through your options during your estate planning meeting.
How do I get started with estate planning at Journey Law?
Begin by scheduling a free 15-minute consultation meeting with Kris. This gives you a chance to ask questions and determine whether Journey Law is the right fit for your needs. When you’re ready to move forward, we’ll schedule your 90-minute intake meeting and provide a detailed Estate Planning Worksheet for you to complete and return a day or two before our meeting.
Ready to take the first step?
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Schedule a free call today and start moving forward with clarity and confidence.