Category Archives: Uncategorized
Free Property Fraud Alerts
Property fraud alerts notify you when a document is recorded in your local Register of Deeds office that matches your name. Do you need to sign up for this free service? YES! Think of it as an early warning system that can protect you from real estate or mortgage fraud. Lenawee County has signed up 1,150 […]
Also posted in Identity Theft, Personal Protection
Tagged Property Fraud
What are your riparian property rights?
Riparian is an adjective that describes all things related to riverbanks or shorelines Property owners who own land that includes the shoreline of a river or lake have riparian property rights. Property owners with riparian rights may:• Access the water from their property• Install a dock from the shore of their property It’s important to […]
Estate Plan Documents: Where are they?
Imagine your loved ones not being able to locate the documents you had prepared to administer your estate? A stressful time just became more challenging. One of the most important things about your estate plan and associated documents is remembering where they are. Keeping Track There are three important questions to ask yourself. First, where […]
Also posted in Estate Planning
Tagged Document storage, Estate Plan Documents
Where are your important papers?
Do you keep your documents in one spot and is everything up-to-date? These documents need updating; passports, estate planning papers, insurance policies, financial records, property deeds, and passwords, to name a few. Choose a day to review your documents. Do you have a new address or beneficiary to add to a life insurance policy? Want […]
Also posted in Estate Planning
Tagged Estate Planning
What About Crowdfunding?
Many people have ideas for a new business, but get discouraged by the financial requirements to make their idea a reality. Banks have become increasingly leery of new businesses. Due to increased regulatory oversight, securing a commercial loan for a startup is challenging at best. When a bank is willing to make a loan to […]
Tagged Business
When to Tell “What’s in the Will?”
Most parents are reluctant to discuss with their adult children what’s in their estate plan. For some it’s a reminder of our mortality, others are concerned it may create bickering about who is getting what. However, there can be significant advantages in an open discussion. One advantage is it can allow children to plan their […]
Tagged Estate Planning
“Lady Bird” or Beneficiary Deeds
Most clients seek to avoid having their assets at death pass through the supervision of probate court. They are concerned about fees imposed by the court, attorney’s fees and delays in distribution of assets. Fortunately, most of these concerns are exaggerated or unrealistic, but irregardless a direct transfer of assets on death is often the […]
Tagged Estate Planning
Powers of Attorney – Will They Work?
A recent New York Times article was titled, “Power of Attorney is Not Always a Solution.” It related the story of a woman who was given a power of attorney by her brother who was later afflicted by dementia. When she tried to use the power of attorney, banks were reluctant to accept her power […]
Tagged Estate Planning; Financial
