Clients often ask us how to plan for educational expenses for their children or grandchildren.

According to the College Savings Plans Network, at an inflation rate of 6%, it will cost about $276,954.00 to send a child who is currently a toddler to an in-state, public college for four years, inclusive of tuition, fees, room

Highlighted by Lyden v. Lyden (In re E. Earl Lyden Trust)

In early April, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued an opinion in the case of In re E. Earl Lyden Trust, which highlights the importance of a comprehensive review of the estate plan during the pendency of a divorce.

Background of Case

Denice

With our second episode in our speaker series, Helen Heintz dives into the increasingly common practice of drafting prenuptial agreements. Highlighting the evolution of her clientele over nearly two decades, Helen outlines the shift towards safeguarding inherited wealth in first and second marriages—primarily driven by concerned parents wanting to protect assets for their children. Helen

One of the challenges facing owners of closely held businesses is how to preserve their business legacy in the event of their death. The federal estate tax, which applies to estates exceeding $13.61 million in 2024, can pose a significant financial burden on the heirs of business owners, especially if the estate (i.e., the taxpayer)

Who should I nominate as the Executor of my Will?  Who should be the Trustee of my Trust?  Should the Executor and Trustee be the same person?  Should I nominate my children?  Can I name multiple people in these roles?  What if I don’t have anyone appropriate to name?

These are questions that every estate

We are pleased to launch our speaker series, a break from the traditional podcast format, with our premier episode featuring Partner Vanessa Maczko who will detail where we are now with taxes and gifting, and where we are going. She discusses what is not a taxable gift and how to use your estate and gift

This time of year, many parents with a college-aged child are squeezing in last-minute vacations, back to school shopping and other activities before their child returns to college or starts first semester. However, one component that is often overlooked is to ensure adult children have adequate estate planning in place to address their financial and

Jacob Koenig, Managing Director and Partner of Woodbridge International, sits down with Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear to discuss his firm’s unique approach to selling companies, including their focus on marketing and their ability to reach an extensive network of well-vetted potential buyers. The conversation touches on current market conditions and the importance of

“I notice that your account does not have a beneficiary listed, would you like to list one now? Listing a beneficiary can avoid the expense and delay of probate.” 

This is a question more and more of our clients are being asked (and encouraged to prepare) by representatives at financial institutions. However, for many of our