Why Now Is the Time to Plan for What You’ve Built
Axis Estate Planning | Trusted. Thoughtful. Here for what matters most.
Over the next 20 years, the United States will experience the largest transfer of wealth in history. According to Cerulli Associates, Baby Boomers are expected to pass down more than $105 trillion in assets to their heirs—primarily Gen X and Millennials.
This moment presents a tremendous opportunity—but also a risk. Studies show that 70% of family wealth is lost by the second generation, and 90% disappears by the third. The culprit? A lack of planning.
At Axis Estate Planning, we help Michigan families make sure the legacy they’ve worked hard to build doesn’t get lost in transition. Because preserving generational wealth isn’t just about having savings or investments—it’s about intentionally protecting what matters most.
1. Don’t Rely on a Will Alone
A will is an important first step, but it does not protect your assets from probate. Probate is a public, often lengthy, and expensive process that can leave families tied up in legal delays when they should be healing and moving forward.
A Revocable Living Trust is one of the most effective ways to privately and efficiently transfer wealth. It keeps your estate out of court, maintains your privacy, and allows for clear incapacity planning should you become unable to manage your affairs during life.
2. Be Strategic About Beneficiaries and Taxes
Thanks to legislation like the SECURE Act, many beneficiaries must now withdraw inherited IRAs within 10 years, dramatically increasing their tax burden.
Our team at Axis Estate Planning works with clients to implement tax-efficient strategies, such as:
- Retirement Trusts
- Charitable Remainder Trusts
- Roth Conversions & Timing Tactics
These tools can reduce tax exposure and help your assets last longer across generations.
3. Prepare Your Heirs—Not Just Their Inheritance
One of the most overlooked aspects of estate planning is preparing the people, not just the plan.
Many families lose wealth not because of poor investments, but because heirs aren’t ready to manage it. An effective estate plan builds in education, structure, and protection through staged distributions and purpose-driven trusts. These can:
- Shield assets from divorce or lawsuits
- Protect beneficiaries from poor financial habits
- Align distributions with your values
This Is More Than a Transfer—It’s a Turning Point
The coming wealth transfer isn’t just a financial event—it’s a chance to shape your family’s future.
Whether you’re just starting the conversation or reviewing a plan that’s years old, now is the time to act. The steps you take today can secure your legacy for generations to come.
Let’s Talk About What Comes Next
At Axis Estate Planning, we guide families with thoughtful, future-focused solutions. We believe in building estate plans that work—not just on paper, but in real life.
Ready to start the conversation?
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
Axis Estate Planning
Trusted. Thoughtful. Here for what matters most.
Axis Estate Planning | Trusted. Thoughtful. Here for what matters most.
At Axis Estate Planning, we’ve worked with countless families caught off guard by a sudden health crisis—often when a loved one needs immediate nursing home or in-home care. In these moments, decisions become urgent, options are limited, and missteps can be costly.
One of the most misunderstood and impactful rules in Medicaid eligibility is the five-year look-back period. It can determine whether your family receives the support they need—or is forced to spend down hard-earned assets.
What Is the Medicaid Look-Back Rule?
When you apply for long-term care Medicaid—the program that helps pay for skilled nursing or at-home support—the government reviews your financial history for the five years leading up to the application. This is known as the “look-back period.”
During this time frame, Medicaid checks for:
- Asset transfers
- Property sales below market value
- Large financial gifts
- Other transactions that appear to reduce your wealth intentionally
If any red flags are raised, Medicaid can impose a penalty period—a span of months or even years when you are ineligible for benefits. That delay can result in tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs, right when you need care the most.
Common Mistakes That Can Trigger Penalties
Michigan families often face challenges not because of bad intentions—but because of a lack of awareness about how Medicaid rules work. Some of the most common missteps we see include:
- Gifting money to children or grandchildren—even for special occasions
- Adding a loved one to a home title without full payment
- Selling property to family at a discounted rate
- Donating to charities close to the time of application
- Co-signing on a loan or helping with a down payment without proper documentation
While these actions may feel generous or routine, they can be seen as uncompensated transfers under Medicaid rules—and result in a penalty.
Why Proactive Planning Matters
At Axis Estate Planning, we believe the best time to plan is before a crisis strikes. By taking action early, families can access more legal strategies to protect assets, reduce penalties, and ensure care is covered when it’s needed most.
We help our clients implement proven tools such as:
- Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs)
- Caregiver Agreements that document in-home support
- Customized Spend-Down Plans that align with Medicaid guidelines
Even if you’re already inside the five-year window, we may still be able to help mitigate penalties and preserve resources. The earlier you begin, the more options you’ll have.
The Axis Estate Planning Approach
The Medicaid look-back rule can feel overwhelming—but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. Our team offers families across Michigan clear, compassionate, and legally sound solutions to navigate the complexity of long-term care planning.
We’re here to help you take control of your future—with dignity, foresight, and protection for what matters most.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
Axis Estate Planning
Trusted. Thoughtful. Here for what matters most.
Every new administration brings the potential for change—and that includes your estate plan.
From estate tax exemption thresholds to capital gains law and asset protection rules, political shifts can affect how well your current plan works. At Axis Estate Planning, we’re not about panic—we’re about preparation.
Click here now to take our quick 4-question survey to see if your assets could be at risk.
Whether you’re just starting out or have an existing trust and will in place, now is the time to review your documents, strategies, and financial structure to make sure they still serve you and your family.
🔍 Not sure where to begin?
Book a complimentary consultation with Axis Estate Planning and gain clarity, confidence, and control.
At Axis Estate Planning, we believe that true estate planning isn’t just about preparing for what happens after you’re gone—it’s about protecting your future while you’re living, thriving, and caring for those you love.
Today, one of the most important aspects of modern estate planning is planning for long-term care—and understanding how Medicaid fits into that plan.
With healthcare costs climbing and long-term care making headlines, it’s more critical than ever to have a strategy in place that secures your care without sacrificing your financial legacy.
The True Cost of Long-Term Care
The reality is stark: whether through a nursing home or in-home services, the cost of long-term care can deplete a lifetime of savings in just a few short years.
- The average annual cost of nursing home care now exceeds six figures.
- Medicare offers limited healthcare benefits—and crucially, it does not cover extended nursing home stays.
- Medicaid is often the only financial safety net available for long-term care.
But qualifying for Medicaid isn’t as simple as it seems. Strict income and asset limits mean that without the right planning, families may be forced to spend down their life savings just to become eligible.
At Axis, we believe you deserve better.
How Estate Planning and Medicaid Work Together
Without thoughtful estate planning, the dream of passing on a legacy—or even maintaining financial dignity in later years—can slip away. That’s why integrating Medicaid planning into your estate plan is a powerful, proactive move.
Here’s how we help you protect what matters most:
- Irrevocable Trusts: These trusts can safeguard your assets from being counted against Medicaid eligibility while still providing security for your loved ones.
- Asset Protection Planning: Carefully structuring how your assets are held can help preserve your wealth for future generations.
- Strategic Gifting: With the right timing and strategy, gifting can reduce your countable assets and help you meet Medicaid eligibility guidelines without risking penalties.
- Spousal Planning: If you’re married, we help you navigate Medicaid rules that can protect the healthy spouse from financial devastation while securing care for the other.
- Planning ahead—ideally years before care is needed—gives you the best opportunity to shield your family’s future. Waiting for a health crisis can severely limit your options.
Why Early Planning Matters
The best time to plan for long-term care is when you’re healthy, vibrant, and able to make clear, confident decisions about your future.
A well-structured estate plan integrated with Medicaid strategies:
- Ensures access to quality care when you need it most
- Protects your home, savings, and retirement accounts
- Preserves your ability to leave a meaningful legacy to those you love
Estate planning isn’t just about who gets what—it’s about ensuring peace of mind, stability, and security for every chapter of life.
At Axis Estate Planning, we’re here to walk this journey with you—listening, guiding, and crafting a plan that honors your life’s work and protects your family’s future.
Let’s Talk About Your Future
As healthcare costs and public benefits continue to evolve, partnering with an experienced estate planning attorney who understands Medicaid is more important than ever.
At Axis, we bring trusted guidance, thoughtful strategy, and a deep commitment to protecting what matters most—your family, your legacy, your life.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
Axis Estate Planning
Trusted. Thoughtful. Here for what matters most.
At Axis Estate Planning, we understand that family means so much more than tradition. Today’s families come in beautifully diverse forms—second marriages, stepchildren, life partners, and chosen families who stand by you through every season of life.
But with that beautiful complexity comes some unique challenges, especially when it comes to protecting the people you love most. Without a thoughtful, tailored estate plan, blended families can face unintended disinheritance, painful disputes, and financial hardships that tear at the bonds you worked so hard to build.
Your family deserves better. You deserve a plan crafted just for you.
The Risk of Waiting
If your family doesn’t fit the “traditional mold,” relying on a basic will—or worse, no plan at all—can leave your legacy vulnerable.
Here’s where things often go wrong:
- Unintended Disinheritance: If you leave everything to your spouse, trusting them to later provide for your children from a prior relationship, there’s no legal guarantee they will—or even can. They can leave those assets to new spouses, their own children, or anyone else.
- Conflict Between Loved Ones: Without clear instructions, surviving spouses and children can end up in painful disputes, often requiring costly and emotionally draining court involvement.
- Ex-Spouses Managing Your Children’s Inheritance: If minor children inherit assets without guidance, an ex-spouse could step in to manage their money—something you may strongly want to avoid.
- Outdated Beneficiary Designations: Life changes fast. If you haven’t updated your life insurance, retirement accounts, or payable-on-death accounts after a divorce or remarriage, your assets could go to someone you no longer intend.
You’ve built a life you love. Let’s make sure it’s protected with the same care.
How Axis Estate Planning Helps Blended Families Thrive
At Axis Estate Planning, we believe no two families are the same—and estate planning should never be one-size-fits-all. We listen. We understand your story. And we craft a plan that captures the full heart and complexity of your family dynamics.
Here’s how we protect your legacy:
- Trusts Over Wills: A well-crafted trust can provide income or specific support for your spouse while ensuring the remainder of your assets pass to your children or others you choose. It’s a safeguard that helps protect against unintended disinheritance.
- Crystal-Clear Instructions: We help you clearly spell out who inherits what—from biological children to stepchildren to cherished friends—ensuring your wishes are honored.
- Updated Beneficiaries: We guide you through reviewing and updating your beneficiary designations so your life insurance and retirement plans match your estate goals.
- Choosing the Right Trustee or Executor: Selecting a neutral party can help prevent conflict. We’ll help you pick someone fair and impartial to ensure your wishes are carried out with integrity.
- Planning for Long-Term Care: We help you safeguard assets with smart Medicaid planning and asset protection trusts, so your family’s future remains secure even if long-term care becomes necessary.
Honest Conversations, Lasting Peace
The heart of blended family planning isn’t just about legal documents—it’s about honest, meaningful conversations. Setting clear expectations today helps prevent misunderstandings tomorrow.
At Axis Estate Planning, we’re not just here to draft papers—we’re here to protect your family’s story, your hopes, and your dreams with wisdom, compassion, and care.
If you’re part of a blended or beautifully complex family, don’t leave things to chance. Let’s create a plan as special as the life you’ve built.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
Axis Estate Planning
Trusted. Thoughtful. Here for what matters most.
Navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and Your Legacy with Confidence
At Axis Estate Planning, we understand that planning for your future goes beyond wills and trusts—it’s also about preparing for the challenges that come with aging, including shifts in healthcare policy. Under the current administration, proposed changes to Medicare and Medicaid could have a profound impact on seniors and their families. Staying informed and proactive is key to protecting your health, financial security, and peace of mind.
Medicare: A Move Toward Privatization
Recent federal policy discussions suggest a push toward privatizing Medicare by expanding Medicare Advantage plans. While the administration argues that increased competition among private insurers may lead to innovation and lower costs, this shift raises concerns. These plans often vary widely in coverage, and what one plan offers may not be available in another.
For many seniors, this means limited access to doctors, higher out-of-pocket costs, or confusion over covered services—a risk that could disrupt essential care.
Medicaid: Proposed Budget Cuts and What They Mean
The administration’s budget proposals include an $880 billion reduction to Medicaid funding over the next decade. This could drastically affect long-term care services—services that millions of seniors rely on to live safely and with dignity.
Whether it’s nursing home care, in-home assistance, or adult day health programs, Medicaid is often the only financial safety net available to low-income seniors. These cuts could force families to make difficult choices, both emotionally and financially.
At Axis Estate Planning, we work closely with families to implement Medicaid planning strategies that protect assets while preserving eligibility—because you deserve care without losing everything you’ve worked for.
Government Efficiency or Disruption?
In another shakeup, the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has initiated sweeping changes across federal agencies—including CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). Budget and staffing cuts have raised alarms over whether these agencies can continue to manage and monitor healthcare programs effectively.
As a result, the quality, accessibility, and consistency of services for seniors may suffer, adding another layer of uncertainty in an already complex system.
What Can Seniors and Families Do Now?
While some of these changes are still proposals, preparing now ensures you’re protected no matter what happens. Here’s how you can stay ahead:
- ✅ Stay Informed: Monitor Medicare and Medicaid updates. Know your options and be aware of changes to your coverage.
- ✅ Speak Up: Advocate for policies that support seniors by joining local and national groups working to protect elder care.
- ✅ Consult a Professional: Work with an estate planning attorney who understands elder law and how to navigate Medicaid and Medicare changes.
Let Axis Estate Planning Be Your Guide
Whether you’re newly retired, managing care for a loved one, or facing a serious health diagnosis, Axis Estate Planning is here to help you plan wisely and confidently. From protecting your legacy to ensuring you have access to the care you need, we stand with you every step of the way.
Let us help you create a future rooted in security, dignity, and peace of mind.
📍 Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
📞 Call Us: (248) 251-1001
🌐 Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
Let us help you plan for your family’s future with confidence and peace of mind.
When most people think about estate planning, they picture wills, trusts, and the careful distribution of assets. But at Axis Estate Planning, we know there’s another crucial piece that often gets overlooked—life insurance. It’s not just a policy; it’s a legacy of love, support, and peace of mind for those who matter most.
A Financial Cushion in Times of Grief
Losing a loved one is never easy. Alongside the emotional toll, families are often faced with the unexpected financial weight of final expenses. With funeral costs ranging from $7,000 to $12,000 or more, life insurance offers immediate, tax-free support—so your family can focus on healing, not hustling for funds.
Immediate Support When It Matters Most
Life insurance does more than just cover funeral expenses—it provides a lifeline for your loved ones. Unlike many estate assets, life insurance benefits typically bypass probate, reaching beneficiaries quickly and directly. That means your family can cover daily living expenses, pay down debts, continue mortgage payments, or even invest in a child’s education—without delay.
It’s not just about money. It’s about ensuring stability during chaos and showing your loved ones they’re cared for—even in your absence.
Planning Ahead: Protecting Your Legacy with Life Insurance Trusts
If your estate is sizable, you may be looking at estate taxes that could significantly reduce what your heirs receive. That’s where an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) can become a game-changer. By placing your life insurance policy into a trust, the death benefit is kept outside your taxable estate, helping maximize what gets passed on to your family.
With current federal estate tax exemptions set to shift in 2025, now is the time to act. But ILITs are a long-term commitment—so it’s essential to work with trusted professionals who understand both the nuances and the heart behind the planning.
At Axis Estate Planning, we combine the legal precision of estate law with the human-centered care of families who simply want to do right by the ones they love.
What to Know Before You Purchase
Life insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Factors like age, health, and the type of policy (term, whole, or universal) all play a role. Navigating these decisions can feel overwhelming—but that’s why we’re here.
Our team works hand-in-hand with your financial advisor to ensure every choice supports your long-term estate planning goals, aligns with your values, and makes the most sense for your family’s unique future.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Love and Security
At Axis Estate Planning, we believe estate planning is about more than just protecting your assets—it’s about protecting your people. Life insurance is one way to extend your love beyond your lifetime—helping your family move forward with confidence, dignity, and security.
Let’s plan with purpose. Let’s create peace of mind—together.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
Axis Estate Planning
Trusted. Thoughtful. Here for what matters most.
Finding Peace, Purpose, and Empowerment Through Estate Planning
Receiving a terminal diagnosis is a life-altering moment—one that comes with a surge of emotions and an avalanche of uncertainty. But in the midst of the unknown, there is a path to clarity. With thoughtful estate planning, you can take meaningful steps to protect your loved ones, ensure your wishes are honored, and create a lasting legacy of love and intention.
At Axis Estate Planning, we are here to walk beside you—offering trusted guidance, compassionate support, and the legal tools you need to plan with confidence.
Secure Your Legacy with a Review of Your Current Plan
If you already have an estate plan in place, this is the time to revisit it. Wills, trusts, and other essential documents should reflect your current wishes and the unique needs of your family. Small updates can make a significant impact—ensuring your assets pass exactly how you intend and minimizing any confusion or delays for your loved ones.
Beneficiary designations—often overlooked—should also be reviewed. These are critical on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial assets. One mismatched name or outdated form can derail even the most well-crafted estate plan.
And if you have a trust, don’t forget to fund it properly. This means retitling or transferring intended assets into the trust’s name, ensuring they are managed and distributed according to your instructions.
Empower Your Advocates with Powers of Attorney
When facing serious illness, making sure you have powers of attorney in place is essential. A financial power of attorney gives someone you trust the ability to manage your finances, pay bills, and handle property if you become unable to do so.
Equally important is a healthcare power of attorney—someone who can speak for you when you can’t speak for yourself. Pair this with a living will that outlines your wishes around medical care, especially in regard to life-sustaining measures. This relieves your loved ones from the heavy burden of guessing what you would want.
Explore Trust Strategies That Fit Your Family’s Needs
Depending on your circumstances, various trusts can offer security and peace of mind. A revocable living trust can help avoid probate and provide smooth asset management. If you have minor children or dependents with special needs, a trust ensures their care is handled with compassion and financial responsibility.
In some cases, irrevocable trusts can offer protections for long-term care planning and Medicaid eligibility. Every family is unique—working with an experienced estate planning attorney can help tailor the right approach for your situation.
Prepare for Long-Term Care While Protecting What Matters
If nursing home care may be needed, Medicaid planning becomes a crucial part of your estate strategy. While the rules are complex, there are ways to preserve assets for a spouse or family while still qualifying for benefits. Proactive planning can help prevent unnecessary financial strain and give your family more security during a difficult time.
Create a Legacy of Love and Intention
Estate planning isn’t only about legal documents—it’s about the memories, messages, and meaning you leave behind. Whether it’s charitable giving, writing a letter of wishes, or recording a heartfelt message for your loved ones, these personal touches can be more valuable than any asset.
They are a reflection of who you are, what you believe, and how you wish to be remembered.
Let Axis Estate Planning Help You Find Peace of Mind
While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, delaying action can create more stress for your loved ones down the road. At Axis Estate Planning, we help individuals and families navigate these decisions with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
Let us help you put the pieces in place—so you can focus on what truly matters: cherishing time with those you love and embracing the comfort of knowing your wishes will be honored.
📍 Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
📞 Call Us: (248) 251-1001
🌐 Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
Let us help you plan for your family’s future with confidence and peace of mind.
Losing someone you love unexpectedly is one of life’s most painful experiences. The shock, the grief, the confusion—it all comes rushing in at once, making even the simplest decisions feel impossible. At Axis Estate Planning, we understand how overwhelming these first days can be, and while no guide can take away the heartache, having a few steady steps to follow can help bring a sense of calm during the storm.
This gentle guide is here to help you navigate some of the immediate responsibilities that arise after a sudden loss, so you can focus on what matters most—being there for each other.
1. Obtain the Death Certificate
An official death certificate is essential to begin the legal and administrative processes ahead. You’ll need it to notify financial institutions, insurance providers, government agencies, and more. We recommend ordering several certified copies, as many institutions require their own.
If your loved one had a will or trust, the death certificate is usually the first document needed to initiate the probate or estate administration process. Our team at Axis Estate Planning is here to help guide you through what those steps look like and what’s required in the state of Michigan.
2. Notify Close Family, Friends, and Employers
In the midst of your grief, sharing the news can feel emotionally exhausting—but it’s an important step. Begin by informing immediate family, close friends, and your loved one’s employer if they were still working. Doing so allows loved ones to come together in support and ensures that final paychecks and any employee benefits can be addressed promptly.
Some families also choose to share a respectful notice on social media as a way to inform extended networks who may want to offer condolences or attend services.
3. Locate Funeral or Memorial Wishes
If your loved one had pre-arranged funeral or memorial plans—whether formally documented or shared with a family member—do your best to locate those instructions. If none exist, the responsibility of planning falls to the next of kin.
You may also be eligible for assistance from the Veterans Administration, religious organizations, or community groups. Whatever the form, funerals and memorials are more than ceremonies—they are a space for connection, storytelling, and the beginning of healing.
4. Secure Property and Protect Belongings
This is one step that’s easy to overlook but incredibly important. If your loved one lived alone, take care to secure their home and valuables. Change locks if necessary, collect any sensitive documents or keepsakes, and consider forwarding their mail to avoid identity theft or missed bills.
If pets were left behind, arrange for their care promptly. Taking these actions helps preserve your loved one’s legacy and protects against unnecessary complications.
5. Locate the Will or Estate Plan
If an estate plan or will exists, now is the time to locate it. Check for secure places like safes, fireproof lockboxes, or filing cabinets—and don’t hesitate to contact your loved one’s attorney, who may have a copy.
This plan outlines how assets should be distributed and who will handle affairs. If no will exists, Michigan’s intestate succession laws will dictate how assets are divided—which may or may not reflect your loved one’s wishes.
At Axis Estate Planning, we often say that having a plan in place is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your family. It provides clarity when they need it most—and ensures your wishes are honored.
A Final Thought: You’re Not Alone
Grief isn’t linear, and healing doesn’t happen overnight. But you don’t have to carry this burden by yourself. Reach out to your support system—family, friends, counselors, clergy—and allow yourself the space to grieve.
If you’ve been putting off your own estate planning, this moment may be the gentle nudge you need. Preparing your plan is not just about protecting your wealth—it’s about protecting the people you love, long after you’re gone.
We’re here to walk that path with you, every step of the way.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
Axis Estate Planning
Trusted. Thoughtful. Here for what matters most.
At Axis Estate Planning, we recognize that estate planning extends beyond physical and financial assets. Today, our digital footprint—spanning social media, banking, cryptocurrency, email, and more—plays a significant role in our lives. But what happens to these assets when we’re gone?
A digital Will ensures that your online presence is handled according to your wishes after your passing. Unlike a traditional Will, which distributes tangible assets, a digital Will outlines what should happen to your online accounts, digital media, and other virtual assets. Without one, your loved ones may struggle to access or manage your digital estate, and some accounts may be lost forever.
Why a Digital Will Matters
Many people assume that their online accounts will automatically transfer to their loved ones, but that’s rarely the case. Each platform has its own policies for posthumous access, and without clear instructions, your family may face significant legal and logistical challenges.
By including a digital Will as part of your estate plan, you can:
- Identify and organize your digital assets
- Ensure your loved ones know how to access your accounts
- Prevent valuable accounts from being lost or locked
- Specify which accounts should be deleted, transferred, or memorialized
Without proper planning, your family may be left navigating a complex maze of digital accounts, some of which could hold financial or sentimental value.
What Digital Assets Should Be Included?
Your digital Will should account for a variety of assets, including:
- Financial Accounts & Cryptocurrencies: Online banking, Bitcoin, PayPal, Venmo, digital wallets
- Social & Personal Accounts: Social media profiles, dating apps, YouTube, email accounts
- Rewards & Memberships: Frequent flier miles, credit card points, subscription services
- Business & Legal Accounts: Website ownership, crowdfunding accounts, digital tax records
- Digital Collectibles: NFTs, online investment platforms
Some of these assets have direct monetary value, while others are deeply personal. Without a plan, your family may struggle to locate and manage them—or worse, lose access entirely.
How to Secure Your Digital Legacy
To ensure your digital assets are properly managed, take the following steps:
- Create an Inventory – List all your online accounts, securely store login details, and document instructions for each.
- Appoint a Digital Executor – Designate a trusted individual to manage your digital assets in accordance with your wishes.
- Check Platform Policies – Some platforms, like Facebook and Google, allow you to assign a legacy contact or beneficiary.
- Store Securely – Keep account details in a secure location, such as a password manager or legal document.
- Integrate with Your Estate Plan – Work with an estate planning professional to ensure your digital Will aligns with your overall legal strategy.
Protect Your Online Legacy with Axis Estate Planning
As estate planning evolves, Axis Estate Planning is committed to helping you protect all of your assets—both tangible and digital. We guide clients in crafting digital Wills that ensure their online presence is handled exactly as they wish.
Don’t leave your digital assets to chance. Contact us today to secure your online legacy and integrate it into a comprehensive estate plan.
Axis Estate Planning
900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
(248) 251-1001
www.axisattorneys.com
