Comments for Lichterman Law, PLC

Comment on Motley Fool Tries to Explain a Trust by Michael

Michael — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:25:19 +0000

Jeff,

Thank you for the great comment. I’m a firm believer that “guessing” is not what you want from any service professional. You want someone who will say “I don’t know the answer off the top of my head, but I’ll research it and get you an answer.” Glad to know there are like-minded folks like yourself with the same believe.

Mike

Comment on Motley Fool Tries to Explain a Trust by Jeff Mulder, CPA

Jeff Mulder, CPA — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:46:38 +0000

Mike,

Couldn’t agree w/ you more. Saturday or Sunday morning I was listening to WOOD radio; it was a show hosted by an attorney- your “family” lawyer, or something like that; caller asked “if I take a distribution from my 401k before I’m 59 1/2 will I avoid the 10% penalty because I’m totally blind?”. The lawyer obviously didn’t know the answer – he went around and around about the exceptions; he finally said “sure, I think being totally blind = totally disabled, at least it’s close enough to give it a shot”. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! He really needed to say “I don’t know; I can get back to you later or you should call a CPA who prepares personal tax returns”. But he never said that. The caller specifically asked “does blind = totally disabled?” and all he could say was “seems to me it would”.
So yes, all of us in the professional service world need to stick with what we know! (and have a good referral network for things we don’t know!)

Comment on “Oh, We Didn’t Use an Attorney…We Bought It Online” by Jonathan Ginsberg

Jonathan Ginsberg — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:38:25 +0000

I am a bankruptcy lawyer in Atlanta. I see the same issues with “do it yourself” bankruptcy forms or online services. One size fits all forms cannot (1) address local rules and customs, and (2) cannot offer judgment and perspective. In Atlanta, for example the Chapter 13 plan we use was created by the trustees and judges here. The plans that come with online services will not work, meaning that pro se debtors end up having to hire local counsel anyway who have to come in and fix the problems created by using the wrong forms.

Comment on Motley Fool Tries to Explain a Trust by Jonathan Mast

Jonathan Mast — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:01:21 +0000

Mike,

You’re not splitting hairs – you’re providing a more accurate answer and that’s important. For those of us that are not financial experts we often lean on those we see as “experts” only to be led astray due to inaccurate or, more commonly, information that is effectively in-complete.

Thanks for noting this!

Comment on Legacy Planning for Your Whole Family Wealth™ by Scott Cousino

Scott Cousino — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:58:20 +0000

My wife and I have experienced Mike’s process personally and can’t speak highly enough about it and the way he supports families. In fact, I am so confident of Mike and his process that I have referred him to my clients. Anyone who’s looking for a long-term relationship of trust and support that goes well beyond a simple legal transaction absolutely MUST experience how Mike helps families ensure their true legacy is not diluted by a lack of planning!!

Comment on Why Estate Planning Is Especially Important for Women by Brian Kamin

Brian Kamin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:04:00 +0000

Great advice Michael, there is another growing issue in estate planning and that is digital assets, these include internet accounts and blogs. For more information on this topic check out this link
http://bit.ly/afxlCA

Comment on Fond Farewell and Moving the Cheese by Paula Woolley

Paula Woolley — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:35:05 +0000

I am honored to have served you Mike and your wonderful clients. You truly are a great attorney and I’ve learned so much about estate planning from you. I will continue to send everyone that I know in West Michigan to your fabulous firm for their wills and trusts. I will miss you and all of the clients of the Lichterman Law Firm but it is a comfort knowing that I am leaving you all in such wonderful hands. Welcome Kristi!

Comment on Why You Should Care About Estate Planning: Professionals by Daniel Alexander II

Daniel Alexander II — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 04:46:06 +0000

Great Post!

Comment on Stuck Between Fear and Excitement – The Business Owner’s Daily Experience by GF Founder

GF Founder — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 08:06:25 +0000

Wow, great, insightful article Mike!

It could be an emotional roller coaster! Here are two significant points that keep my business from running me:

1. Faith (not all business people may relate) keeps me recognizing that God, not the artificial, is my provider. Hence, the fear remains at bay.

2. “Keeping your eye on the ball.” Athletes certainly understand more than anyone. The business objectives you’ve set, should be your roadmap. Occasionally a storm washes out the road and you have to take a detour. However, you must find your way back onto the planned route quickly or risk more of the unplanned, unexpected, and unknown. That’s something that no entrepreneur willingly invites into the business plan!

Comment on The Creative Business Lawyer™ and How You Can Use it to Grow Your Business by Ken Zigrino

Ken Zigrino — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:14:14 +0000

Hey Michael:

I’m a Minnesota lawyer and have just come across the Creative Business Lawyer and Personal Family Lawyer programs. Have some questions and would appreciate a few minutes of your time to talk about the programs. Thanks in advance.

Ken Zigrino