At Axis Estate Planning, we believe your estate plan is far more than a collection of legal documents. It’s a reflection of who you are — your values, your relationships, and the cultural traditions that shape your life and your legacy.
As 2025 unfolds, more families are seeking ways to weave their heritage into their planning — combining timeless customs with today’s legal tools to protect not just wealth, but meaning. With thoughtful guidance, it’s possible to build a plan that honors your culture and carries your story forward for generations to come.
Why Cultural Beliefs Matter in Estate Planning
Every culture holds its own understanding of inheritance, family responsibility, and how wealth should flow from one generation to the next. For some families, keeping land or property within the family is sacred. For others, ensuring equal distribution among children — or providing for elders — reflects deep cultural values.
When an estate plan doesn’t align with these values, families may face confusion or even conflict. Disagreements over “what Mom or Dad would have wanted” can lead to hurt feelings or legal disputes. The more you and your attorney understand your traditions and beliefs from the start, the more meaningfully those values can be incorporated into your plan.
A well-crafted estate plan doesn’t just meet legal standards — it feels right to those it touches. It becomes a living bridge between generations.
Key Legal Changes & Considerations in 2025
As laws continue to evolve, your plan should evolve too. Here are a few updates that may impact Michigan families this year and beyond:
- The federal estate and gift tax exemption is currently $13,990,000 per individual.
- Beginning January 1, 2026, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), that exemption is scheduled to increase to $15,000,000 per person, with annual inflation adjustments thereafter.
- State-specific laws are also shifting — for instance, several states (including Florida) have recently revised trust and inheritance laws to modernize protections.
Because of these changes, it’s important to revisit your plan now. A flexible, values-driven approach helps ensure your legacy is protected, no matter how the legal landscape shifts.
Infusing Cultural Meaning Into Your Estate Plan
Here are practical ways to reflect your culture and values throughout your plan:
1. Health Care & Advance Directives
Your beliefs often guide your medical preferences. A Health Care Power of Attorney or Health Care Proxy allows someone you trust — and who understands your values — to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Pair that with a Living Will or Advance Directive, which lets you outline your wishes about life support, comfort care, or religious practices. In Michigan, choosing an agent who can honor both your medical and cultural priorities is essential.
2. Disposition of Remains
Cultural and religious traditions play a major role in how families say goodbye. A Disposition of Remains document allows you to express preferences about burial, cremation, donation, or specific ceremonies.
Including these details — from location to music to symbolic rituals — helps loved ones honor your life exactly as you intended.
3. Wills, Trusts & Bequests
Bequests are more than financial. They can carry heritage and emotion — from family heirlooms and ancestral land to specific instructions for cultural observances.
A well-designed trust can preserve property within the family, protect vulnerable relatives, and uphold cultural expectations, such as supporting elders or maintaining shared family land. Appointing a trustee who understands and respects your traditions can ensure those wishes are fulfilled with integrity.
4. Communication & Coordination
Start family conversations early. Many cultural expectations go unspoken — until it’s too late. Open dialogue helps prevent conflict and ensures your loved ones understand the “why” behind your plan.
Be explicit with your attorney as well. At Axis Estate Planning, we encourage clients to share not just financial goals, but the traditions, ceremonies, and lineage rules that define their family story.
As life evolves — with new marriages, births, or relocations — keep your plan updated to reflect both legal and personal changes.
Examples of Culture-Driven Planning
Here are a few ways cultural identity can shape an estate plan:
- A family that views farmland as sacred might establish a family trust preventing its sale outside the lineage, while still allowing current heirs to receive income from it.
- A family emphasizing respect for elders may include a “care stipend” clause to provide ongoing financial support for aging parents or grandparents.
- A will may designate funds for religious or ceremonial observances, ensuring traditions are carried out even years after one’s passing.
- In cultures with matrilineal inheritance, an estate plan can direct assets through the maternal line — preserving a tradition that might otherwise be lost under default law.
When Culture and Planning Come Together
When your estate plan reflects your culture, it does more than distribute assets — it preserves your story. It ensures your children and grandchildren understand not only what they’ve inherited, but why it matters.
At Axis Estate Planning, we take pride in helping Michigan families design estate plans that blend modern legal protections with deep personal meaning. Whether you’re focused on tax efficiency, family unity, or honoring ancestral traditions, we’re here to make sure your legacy endures — both in law and in spirit.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
At Axis Estate Planning, we believe protecting your legacy starts long before a will or trust is drafted — it begins with safeguarding your assets today. While we often talk about protecting your wealth through legal and estate planning tools, one area too often overlooked is everyday financial security.
In 2025, ATM and card skimming remain real threats, even in an era of advanced banking technology. Staying informed and proactive is essential to protect both your financial accounts and your long-term security.
What Is ATM Skimming — and How It’s Evolved
ATM skimming is a type of financial fraud where criminals install hidden devices on ATMs or payment terminals to capture your card data. When you insert or swipe your card, the skimmer records your information, while a miniature camera or “shimmer” device captures your PIN or chip transaction.
Unfortunately, these schemes have grown more sophisticated:
- Internal skimmers are now placed deep inside card slots, making them nearly invisible.
- “Shim” devices exploit EMV chip technology, allowing criminals to intercept chip data.
- Some attackers are now turning to “jackpotting,” a malware-based tactic that forces ATMs to dispense cash on command.
Even with stronger card technology, these tactics persist — especially at non-bank ATMs, such as those found in convenience stores, gas stations, or retail outlets.
Why It Matters in 2025
According to the American Bankers Association, ATM-related crimes continue to rise in 2025, including both skimming and hardware-based exploits. In 2024 alone, U.S. consumers lost nearly $8.7 billion to fraud across all payment types.
Fraudsters are also evolving. The financial analytics firm FICO reports that criminals are now combining physical skimming with AI-driven social engineering or account takeover techniques, blurring the lines between digital and physical fraud.
And while EMV chips remain safer than magnetic stripes, they aren’t foolproof — shimming and hybrid attacks still pose risks. That means vigilance remains one of your best defenses.
The Legal and Regulatory Landscape
While Axis Estate Planning focuses primarily on long-term asset protection and estate design, understanding your rights as a consumer is part of protecting your financial picture.
Here’s what you should know about your legal protections and responsibilities:
- The U.S. Secret Service investigates skimming and “access device” fraud.
- Your liability for unauthorized transactions depends on how quickly you report the issue and your bank’s specific policies.
- Many financial institutions now offer zero-liability protections, but these often require prompt reporting and cooperation.
- Under FDIC rules effective May 2025, newly installed deposit-taking ATMs must display updated digital FDIC signage — an effort to make consumer information clearer and more standardized.
Because financial liability and recovery policies can vary by institution, review your bank’s disclosures and Michigan’s consumer protection laws regularly.
How to Protect Yourself in 2025
You can’t eliminate all risk, but small actions can make a big difference.
- Use bank-owned ATMs.
Most skimming occurs at third-party or retail ATMs. Bank machines are monitored more closely and serviced more often. - Inspect before you insert.
- Wiggle the card reader — it shouldn’t feel loose or bulky.
- Look for mismatched colors or attachments around the keypad or slot.
- Check for tiny cameras or reflective fixtures pointing toward the keypad.
- Wiggle the card reader — it shouldn’t feel loose or bulky.
- Shield your PIN.
Use your hand or body to block your PIN entry — this simple action still thwarts most camera-based skimming devices. - Use contactless or cardless transactions.
Many modern ATMs allow you to withdraw using a mobile app or QR code, avoiding the need to insert your card at all. - Set up transaction alerts.
Real-time text or app alerts for withdrawals and purchases let you act quickly if suspicious activity occurs. - Report immediately.
If you suspect fraud, contact your bank right away and file a report with the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network or the Michigan Attorney General’s office. - Upgrade outdated cards.
If your debit or credit card lacks chip or contactless technology, ask your bank for a replacement to stay current with security standards. - Stay informed.
Fraud tactics change constantly. Stay updated on new threats such as cash trapping (when thieves block cash from dispensing) and hybrid physical-digital attacks.
Security Is Part of Estate Planning
At Axis Estate Planning, we view financial vigilance as the first layer of asset protection. Just as you plan your estate to protect your legacy, you must protect the assets that fund it.
By pairing everyday awareness with long-term legal planning — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and asset protection strategies — you create a safety net that supports both your present and your future.
Your legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind — it’s about how well you protect it today.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
At Axis Estate Planning, we believe that planning ahead brings peace of mind — whether you’re preparing for retirement, managing inherited assets, or facing life’s unexpected challenges such as Alzheimer’s disease. As we near the end of 2025, two topics are shaping many families’ financial and legal decisions: the real-world impact of the SECURE 2.0 Act and the growing importance of proactive estate planning for those living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Secure 2.0: The Good, the Confusing, and the Lessons Learned
When Congress passed the SECURE 2.0 Act in late 2022, it aimed to make saving for retirement easier and more flexible. Now that we’ve lived with these rules for a while, we can see what’s working — and what still needs clarification.
What’s Working
- Later Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).
Retirees now have until age 73 (and eventually 75, beginning in 2033) before they must begin taking distributions from IRAs and other retirement accounts. This extra time allows for more tax-deferred growth and smarter withdrawal strategies. - Bigger Catch-Up Contributions.
Starting in 2025, individuals aged 60–63 will be able to contribute more to their retirement plans. This update gives those who may have taken time off work or had saving gaps a chance to build stronger financial security before retirement. - Employer Matching on Student Loan Payments.
Younger employees paying down student loans can now benefit from employer retirement matches — even if they aren’t contributing directly to a retirement account. This thoughtful change helps new professionals start long-term saving sooner.
What’s Not Working (Yet)
- Confusing Beneficiary Rules.
The elimination of “stretch IRAs” and the introduction of the 10-year payout rule have caused widespread confusion — especially regarding trusts and required annual withdrawals. Even with new IRS proposals, families remain uncertain about how to comply. - Roth Catch-Up Contribution Challenges.
The rule requiring high-income earners to make catch-up contributions as Roth deposits has proven difficult to implement for many employers, leading to administrative headaches and delays. - Missed Opportunities for Coordination.
Many savers haven’t adjusted their estate plans to align with the SECURE 2.0 updates. Changes to RMD timing, Roth conversions, and charitable giving can significantly impact tax efficiency and inheritance planning — especially for those considering Medicaid eligibility in Michigan.
Practical Takeaways
- Review Beneficiary Designations. Outdated stretch IRA plans may no longer apply under current rules.
- Revisit Withdrawal Strategies. The later RMD age could open doors for strategic Roth conversions or qualified charitable distributions.
- Coordinate with Your Estate Plan. Ensure your trusts and estate documents still reflect your goals and today’s tax laws.
- Ask About Employer Updates. Confirm how your workplace handles Roth contributions and student loan matching.
At Axis Estate Planning, we help clients weave together their retirement, tax, and estate planning strategies so each works in harmony — not in conflict.
Estate Planning and Alzheimer’s Disease: Protecting Dignity Through Preparation
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming. At Axis Estate Planning, we understand the emotional weight that comes with caring for a loved one — or receiving the diagnosis yourself. One of the most empowering steps you can take is putting a comprehensive estate plan in place early, while decisions can still be made with clarity and confidence.
Why Timing Matters
Legal capacity — the ability to understand and communicate one’s wishes — is essential in estate planning. Because Alzheimer’s is progressive, acting early ensures your or your loved one’s choices are protected before the disease advances.
Essential Documents for Alzheimer’s Planning
- Durable Power of Attorney for Finances – Lets trusted agents handle finances safely and responsibly.
- Health Care Power of Attorney (Health Care Proxy) – Appoints someone to make medical decisions in alignment with your wishes.
- Living Will – Clarifies preferences about life-sustaining treatment and comfort care.
- Dementia-Specific Advance Directive – Provides clear care guidance across different stages of Alzheimer’s.
- Last Will and Testament and/or Revocable Trust – Directs how assets are distributed and ensures your legacy is honored.
Without these documents, families may be forced into guardianship or conservatorship proceedings, which are time-consuming, costly, and emotionally taxing. With the right planning, you can spare your loved ones from this burden.
How Axis Estate Planning Can Help
Our attorneys specialize in helping Michigan families:
- Protect assets from long-term care costs.
- Draft or update advance directives and care plans.
- Appoint trusted decision-makers.
- Avoid guardianship when possible.
- Ensure all documents comply with Michigan law.
Planning Ahead Brings Peace of Mind
Whether you’re navigating the changes of the SECURE 2.0 Act or preparing for the challenges of Alzheimer’s, the common thread is the need for a coordinated, forward-thinking plan.
At Axis Estate Planning, our mission is to help you protect your family, your assets, and your peace of mind.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
October brings a chill in the air and plenty of lighthearted reminders of mortality — from skeletons on porches to haunted houses and ghost stories. But for families who’ve lost someone dear, there’s nothing playful about the confusion that can arise when no one knows what their loved one truly wanted for their final arrangements.
At Axis Estate Planning, we understand that conversations about end-of-life wishes aren’t easy. Yet, planning ahead — even for something as delicate as the disposition of your remains — is one of the greatest acts of love and consideration you can give your family. It replaces uncertainty with clarity, and anxiety with peace.
Why Planning Your Final Arrangements Matters
When someone passes without written instructions, family members are often left asking, “What would they have wanted?” This uncertainty can lead to painful disagreements and unnecessary delays in funeral or cremation arrangements.
In Michigan, as in many states, the law determines a hierarchy of who has the authority to make those decisions — usually a spouse, followed by adult children, then parents, and so on. If family members don’t see eye-to-eye, conflict can quickly follow during what is already a time of grief.
By clearly documenting your wishes in advance, you give your loved ones a gift: the assurance that they’re honoring your intentions — and the freedom to focus on supporting one another.
How to Document Your Wishes
1. Disposition of Remains Document
This is the most direct and legally recognized way to outline what you want to happen after your passing. It can include preferences such as:
- Burial, cremation, or donation of your body.
- Type of service you’d like — whether religious, secular, or a celebration of life.
- Music, readings, or memorial donations that reflect your personality and values.
This document ensures your instructions are clear and enforceable, leaving no doubt for those you leave behind.
2. Health Care Directive or Living Will
While primarily used to outline end-of-life medical decisions, some health care directives include related guidance on organ donation or body donation to science. These can complement, but shouldn’t replace, your disposition document — it’s best to keep post-death preferences in a separate declaration whenever possible.
3. Will or Trust
Including funeral or memorial wishes in your Will is common but not ideal. Wills are often reviewed after services have taken place. A stand-alone declaration of remains ensures your family has the information they need right away.
4. Letter of Instruction
Although not legally binding, this informal letter can capture the personal details that bring comfort to loved ones — favorite songs, meaningful readings, or even a lighthearted request like “play my favorite Beatles record at the reception.” These personal touches help families celebrate a life lived fully.
When to Start the Conversation
Halloween might seem like an odd time to discuss these topics — but it can actually be the perfect opportunity. The season naturally brings up themes of remembrance and reflection. A lighthearted comment about the “spooky season” could be the gentle opening for a meaningful conversation about what matters most to you.
You don’t have to decide everything all at once. Begin with the basics — burial or cremation, preferred service type, and any religious or cultural considerations — and put them in writing. You can always refine the details later.
The Kindest Gift You Can Give
Making clear plans for the disposition of your remains isn’t morbid — it’s an expression of care. It relieves your family of the burden of guesswork during a painful moment and ensures your life is remembered in the way you intended.
At Axis Estate Planning, we help Michigan families create complete, legally sound estate plans — from wills and trusts to advance directives and disposition of remains documents. We’re here to guide you through every detail with compassion and clarity.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
At Axis Estate Planning, we understand how life changes when Alzheimer’s disease enters the picture. Whether you’ve received a diagnosis yourself or are caring for a loved one, the emotional and practical challenges are immense. Among the most critical steps you can take is putting a solid estate plan in place.
Estate planning isn’t just recommended in this situation — it becomes essential to safeguard autonomy, assets, and dignity.
Why Timing Matters
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and hasn’t yet created vital estate planning documents — such as a will, durable powers of attorney, or advance directives — the time to act is now.
Legal capacity — the ability to understand what you’re signing, the consequences of those decisions, and to express your wishes freely — is central to this process. While most individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s retain capacity, the disease is progressive. Waiting too long can mean losing the ability to make legally binding choices.
Essential Legal Tools for Alzheimer’s Planning
An effective estate plan should include:
- Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
Allows trusted agents to manage financial matters when it’s no longer safe or practical to do so independently. - Health Care Power of Attorney (Health Care Proxy)
Authorizes someone you trust to make medical decisions that align with your values and preferences. - Living Will
Outlines your wishes for life-sustaining treatment, feeding interventions, resuscitation, and comfort care. - Dementia-Specific Advance Directive
Provides guidance for your care preferences across different stages of Alzheimer’s, ensuring your voice is honored even as the disease progresses. - Last Will and Testament and/or Revocable Trust
Directs how your assets will be distributed, while appointing executors or trustees to carry out your intentions.
What Happens Without a Plan
If these documents aren’t in place — or if there’s confusion about what was intended — families may need to pursue guardianship or conservatorship. This requires going to court for someone to be appointed to make decisions on your behalf. While sometimes necessary, it often comes with higher costs, court oversight, and a loss of personal control.
How Axis Estate Planning Can Help
Our team guides families through every step of this process:
- Protecting assets from the high costs of long-term care.
- Drafting or updating advance directives that reflect your wishes.
- Helping you choose and empower trusted agents.
- Considering guardianship only when absolutely necessary.
- Ensuring your plan meets all Michigan legal requirements.
The Real Goal: Dignity and Peace of Mind
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings uncertainty — but it doesn’t have to bring chaos. With the right estate plan, you and your family can protect what matters most: your choices, your independence, and your peace of mind.
Axis Estate Planning is here to support 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
Bringing up money with your parents can feel awkward—but at Axis Estate Planning, we know that these conversations are one of the most caring steps you can take for your family.
Clear, open communication today can prevent misunderstandings, reduce emotional stress, and ensure your parents’ wishes are carried out with confidence.
Why These Conversations Matter
The financial choices your parents make today affect not only their well-being but also the stability of future generations. Without planning:
- A sudden nursing home stay could quickly deplete savings.
- Unclear inheritance instructions might cause disputes among siblings.
- Outdated beneficiary designations could leave loved ones unintentionally excluded.
Estate planning provides the framework to prevent these issues and protect both independence and legacy.
Balance Enjoyment and Protection
Your parents worked hard for what they have, and they should use it to live fully—whether that means traveling, pursuing hobbies, or enjoying peace of mind.
Thoughtful estate planning ensures that enjoying life today doesn’t unintentionally jeopardize tomorrow. With the right tools, such as trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives, parents can protect against long-term care costs and unexpected medical expenses while still embracing the lifestyle they’ve earned.
What Families Should Clarify
You don’t need to know every account balance—but you do need clarity on the essentials:
- Who has legal authority to make financial or medical decisions if a parent cannot.
- How long-term care would be financed, and whether Medicaid planning might be part of the strategy.
- Whether wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations are current.
- How parents want their legacy to be carried forward across generations.
The Best Time to Talk is Now
The best time to have these discussions is before a crisis. When illness or incapacity arises suddenly, emotions run high and options become limited. Having documents in place ensures decisions are made with intention, not under pressure.
The Real Goal: Peace of Mind
Conversations about money may never feel easy, but they are ultimately an act of love and care. By encouraging parents to create or update their estate plan, families can find the right balance: allowing parents to enjoy the life they’ve built while protecting their legacy for generations to come.
Plan for the future and protect your family’s peace of mind.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
At Axis Estate Planning, we know that your health is one of your most valuable assets. Privacy of your medical information matters now more than ever — especially in emergencies, serious illness, or incapacity. HIPAA provides strong protections, but without the proper legal tools, even close family members may be blocked from the information they need to help or advocate for you.
What HIPAA Protects
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets national standards for protecting your personal health information (PHI). PHI covers diagnoses, treatment histories, test results, billing records, and more. The HIPAA Privacy Rule limits how this information can be used or shared without your written authorization.
Under HIPAA, you have rights to:
- Access your medical records (paper or electronic) and request they be shared where you choose.
- Ask for corrections or amendments if you find errors.
- Receive an accounting of who has viewed your information and why.
Recent Updates (2024–2025) You Should Know
- Reproductive healthcare privacy: An April 2024 final rule added new protections, though parts of it are still being challenged in court.
- Security enhancements: Proposed updates to the HIPAA Security Rule aim to better protect electronic records, requiring stronger safeguards and more accountability from providers.
- Substance use disorder records: Confidentiality rules for Part 2 records are being brought into closer alignment with HIPAA standards, clarifying consent and disclosure.
Why You Still Need a HIPAA Release
Even with HIPAA protections, healthcare providers cannot share your PHI with others—unless that person is legally authorized. That means in a crisis, your spouse, children, or trusted friend may not be able to get critical updates about your condition, treatment, or prognosis.
A HIPAA Release solves this problem. By signing one, you decide who has access, what records they can see, and under what conditions. It removes unnecessary roadblocks at the very moments your loved ones may need answers most.
Tips for a Strong HIPAA Authorization in 2025
- Be specific: List exactly who should have access, what information they may receive, and under what circumstances.
- Think digital: If you use apps or digital records, include authorization for electronic sharing.
- Don’t overlook sensitive records: Mental health or substance use information often requires extra clarity.
- Review regularly: Laws, technology, and even your trusted circle may change. Keep the release up to date.
Understanding the Limitations
- Even with a release, certain highly sensitive data may still require extra steps.
- New HIPAA regulations may change how providers process or safeguard records.
- State laws sometimes offer more protections than federal law — your release should not conflict with them.
The Real Goal: Peace of Mind
At Axis Estate Planning, we believe your family deserves clarity, not confusion, in times of crisis. A HIPAA Release is a simple yet powerful document that ensures your chosen people can help when it matters most. It’s about protecting your privacy while giving your loved ones the access they need to support you.
Plan for the future. Protect your family’s peace of mind.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
When most people think about who will manage their estate or step in if they can’t make decisions, the answer feels obvious: a spouse, an adult child, or a trusted relative. But sometimes family isn’t the best option. That’s where professional fiduciaries come in.
Clear planning around who will take on these roles helps avoid conflict, ensures continuity, and gives you peace of mind knowing your affairs will be handled properly.
What Is a Fiduciary?
A fiduciary is someone with the legal responsibility to act in another person’s best interests. In elder law, this role may include serving as a:
- Trustee
- Executor
- Guardian
- Agent under a power of attorney
A professional fiduciary is a neutral third party—often an attorney, accountant, trust company, or licensed professional—who assumes this role for a fee.
Why Families Choose Professional Fiduciaries
There are several benefits to naming a professional fiduciary:
- Neutrality: They can reduce family conflict by making decisions without favoritism.
- Expertise: Professionals are familiar with complex rules around retirement accounts, trusts, Medicaid, and tax reporting.
- Consistency: They provide long-term stability, even if family members move away or pass on.
- Accountability: Fiduciaries are held to high standards and can be legally liable if they misuse funds.
Things to Consider
Professional fiduciaries aren’t right for everyone. Some potential drawbacks include:
- Cost: They charge fees, often hourly or as a percentage of assets.
- Less personal connection: Unlike a family member, they may not know your values, quirks, or family history.
- Availability: In some communities, licensed or qualified professionals may be limited.
When Might You Need One?
Families consider professional fiduciaries for many reasons, such as:
- Not having close family or friends to trust with financial or medical decisions.
- Anticipating high family conflict, like siblings who disagree.
- Wanting to relieve children or loved ones of the burden of administering an estate.
- Managing a particularly complex estate that involves businesses, rental properties, or ongoing trusts.
How to Find a Professional Fiduciary
- Ask for referrals from your estate planning attorney, CPA, or financial advisor.
- Search state professional fiduciary associations or licensing boards.
- Explore services from trust companies and banks that specialize in ongoing trust administration.
The Real Goal: Protecting Your Wishes
Appointing a professional fiduciary isn’t the right fit for every family—but for those without clear decision-makers, or those who want to reduce conflict, it can be a wise solution. A neutral, skilled fiduciary ensures your wishes are carried out with care, professionalism, and impartiality.
Plan ahead and choose the right path for your family’s future.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
Bringing up how your belongings, property, and finances will be divided after you’re gone can feel uncomfortable—but at Axis Estate Planning, we know that having that conversation early is one of the most caring steps you can take for your family.
Clear, open communication today can prevent misunderstandings, reduce emotional stress, and ensure your loved ones understand the “why” behind your decisions.
Why It’s More Important Than Ever
In 2025, more families are creating or updating estate plans than ever before. Major life changes, evolving tax laws, and the ongoing Great Wealth Transfer from one generation to the next make it essential to revisit your plan regularly.
We recommend reviewing documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations every 3–5 years—or immediately following major life events—to ensure your wishes remain clear and enforceable.
Begin with the “Why”
Instead of starting with a list of “who gets what,” begin by sharing the values and intentions that guided your choices.
For example:
- Passing a family heirloom to the person most connected to its history
- Setting aside funds to help a grandchild through college
- Keeping property in the family for future generations
When loved ones understand your reasoning, they’re more likely to honor your wishes without dispute.
Don’t Forget Digital Assets
Your life exists both in the physical world and online. In many states, laws now allow you to formally grant someone access to your digital accounts through your estate plan.
Consider:
- Online banking and investment accounts
- Social media profiles
- Photo and video storage
- Cryptocurrency wallets
Without clear instructions, these assets may be difficult—or even impossible—for loved ones to access.
Identify Key Roles Early
If someone you trust will serve as executor, trustee, or power of attorney, let them know ahead of time.
Make sure they:
- Understand their responsibilities
- Know where to find important documents
- Feel comfortable asking questions now—before decisions are urgent
Make It an Ongoing Conversation
This isn’t a one-time talk. Births, marriages, new homes, business sales, or changes in the law can all impact your plan.
By revisiting your estate plan periodically and updating your loved ones when changes occur, you help ensure everyone is informed and avoid confusion down the road.
The Real Goal: Peace of Mind
These conversations aren’t just about dividing belongings—they’re about protecting your vision, your values, and your hopes for your family’s future.
Approaching the topic with honesty and care today can help your loved ones avoid uncertainty, legal conflict, and stress tomorrow.
Plan for the future and protect your legacy.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
Why asset protection trusts matter now
Most people don’t think about protecting their assets until something bad happens—a lawsuit, a sudden health crisis, or a nursing home bill that drains savings. Unfortunately, by the time those events occur, it may be too late.
The truth is, the best time to protect your assets is before you’re at risk—and that’s where an asset protection trust comes in. These powerful legal tools can help shield your home, savings, and other valuable assets from future threats, but they only work when you plan ahead.
Signs you may need an asset protection trust
1. You’re concerned about long-term care costs
Nursing home care can cost $100,000 or more per year, and Medicare doesn’t cover it. While Medicaid can help, it comes with strict income and asset rules. Waiting too long could mean losing hundreds of thousands in savings.
A properly structured asset protection trust can help preserve your assets and still allow you to qualify for Medicaid—if it’s set up early enough.
2. You own property you want to keep in the family
Whether it’s a family home, vacation cabin, or rental property, you may want it to remain in the family rather than be sold to pay off care costs or creditors. Placing property in an asset protection trust can help make that happen while still allowing you to use it during your lifetime.
3. You work in a profession with legal risk
Doctors, business owners, contractors, and real estate investors often face a higher risk of lawsuits. Even with liability insurance, claims can be financially devastating.
An asset protection trust can create a legal “firewall” between your assets and potential claims, keeping what you’ve worked for out of reach.
4. You’re helping adult children—but want to be cautious
Supporting children or grandchildren is admirable—but what happens if they face a divorce, bankruptcy, or lawsuit? Assets given outright may be vulnerable.
An asset protection trust can leave assets in a way that shields them from future problems while still allowing access and benefits.
5. You want to preserve your legacy—no matter what
At its core, an asset protection trust is about control, dignity, and peace of mind. It ensures that your hard work benefits your family—not the government, creditors, or outside forces.
Don’t wait for a crisis
Asset protection trusts are powerful, but they can’t be created retroactively. Once a lawsuit is filed or a health crisis hits, it may be too late to put one in place.
If any of these reasons sound familiar—or even if you’re just exploring your options—having the conversation now can make all the difference.
How Axis Estate Planning can help
We can help you:
- Assess your current risks and protection needs
- Structure trusts to align with Medicaid qualification rules
- Preserve real estate and other important assets for your heirs
- Build a plan that shields wealth from creditors and lawsuits
- Create a lasting legacy with clear instructions for your loved ones
The real goal: peace of mind
This planning is about more than protecting money—it’s about protecting the people and future you care about most. With the right plan in place, you can face the future with confidence, knowing you’ve taken the steps to safeguard your legacy.
Ready to protect your assets and your legacy?
Plan for the future and protect your legacy.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
