Rodney Dangerfield once joked that “my wife and I sleep in separate rooms, have dinner apart, and take separate vacations - we're doing everything we can to keep our marriage together!”  But what if your wife didn't live with you and still wanted to inherit your property after your death? The Michigan Supreme Court recently […]

The Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors recently published an excellent article explaining the use of “Lady Bird” deeds. A Lady Bird deed allows an owner “the best of both worlds”. He can maintain control of all legal rights regarding his home until his death. Upon death, the home transfers to the beneficiary without the need […]

You may have heard that it is wise to always title assets in the name of two people, or “owners.” In the event of the death of one owner, the asset passes directly to the surviving owner and avoids probate court. However, did you know that in some cases, including an additional owner on an […]

It is common practice to always name at least two owners on any asset. When one owner dies, the asset passes to the surviving owner and probate court can be avoided. However, problems can arise if a parent adds only one of his children as a co-owner on an asset. The parent and child may […]

Many people like to plan their estates by having two names on every asset. That way, when one owner dies, the asset automatically passes to the surviving owner, thus avoiding probate court. Once a person is added as an owner to an asset, that ownership takes effect immediately, and all owners have equal claim to […]