The Biggest Misconception About Wills
April 17, 2011
As a Grand Rapids Estate Planning attorney, I regularly hear misconceptions about estate planning. A recent conversation reminded me of what I believe is THE biggest misconception about Wills. During the conversation, a friend said “so I have my will or trust, so I don’t have to worry about going through probate…”
The Myth: having a Will means you don’t go through probate. And the buzzer says “bzzzzzt,” wrong. Just having a Will virtually guarantees that you go through probate. A Will serves as a “roadmap” for the probate process – it allows you to say who you want to do certain things and how you would prefer they be done (and if you have minor children it is one of the ways to name guardians, but definitely NOT the “best” way, in my opinion). If you’re curious to know more, you can read my previous blog post on the topic by clicking here.
Michael Lichterman is an estate planning and business planning attorney who helps families and business owners create a lasting legacy by planning for their Whole Family Wealth™. This goes beyond merely planning for finances – it’s about who your are and what’s important to you. He focuses on estate and asset protection planning for the “experienced” generation, the “sandwich generation” (caring for parents and children), doctors/physicians, nurses, lawyers, dentists, professionals with minor children, family owned businesses and pet planning. He takes the “counselor” part of attorney and counselor at law very seriously, and enjoys creating life long relationships with his clients – many of which have become great friends.
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