What is a Simple Will?

A simple will is basically instructions to the probate judge as to who gets what and who’s in charge. Without a will, your property would pass according to the laws of the state where you reside and must go through the probate process. This takes time, money and requires notice to family members.

Avoiding probate court after one dies saves money and time and keeps ones’ assets confidential.

Learn more here!

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you’re interested in learning more about estate planning, please contact estate planning attorneys in Ann Arbor at 734-665-4441.

Three Plays in Estate Planning

Some people come to an attorney’s office wanting a living trust just because their neighbor has one. Many attorneys believe that everyone needs a trust and they don’t always discuss the other plays in the estate planning playbook.

We believe in explaining the three plays in estate planning to help clients to earn a first down prior to scoring a touchdown with a living trust.

These three plays are: 1) a simple will, 2) a beneficiary designation and a “Ladybird” deed, and or 3) a living trust. 

Learn more here!

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you’re interested in learning more about estate planning, please contact estate planning attorneys in Ann Arbor at 734-665-4441.

The State of Michigan Provides Rental Assistance Program

For over a year, the federal and state government, put in place moratoriums on evictions to help blunt the impact of the Covid pandemic. These moratoriums, along with aid to renters and other Covid assistance, helped prevent a repeat of the mass of foreclosures and evictions that marked the Great Recession. Even though millions of people were laid off en masse during the pandemic, these steps held off the feared explosion in evictions. Now that the moratoriums have ended and aid programs have run their course, bills are coming due. 

Need federal assistance? Learn more here!

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you’re facing eviction after moratoriums ending, there’s financial assistance available to you. Contact our real estate attorneys in Ann Arbor to answer your questions. 734-665-4441 

Facing Eviction? Get Federal Assistance!

In March of 2021, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), using Covid relief funds from the federal government, created the Covid Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) Program. This program is run through local non-profit organizations, and provides rental assistance for up to 15 months.

The basic requirements for the CERA program are straightforward: 

1. A tenant must make less than 80% of the area median income
2. Must have suffered a financial hardship as a result of Covid,
3. Must be at risk of homelessness or housing instability. 

If a tenant is approved, they can receive rental assistance for up to 15 months, with the amount per month being their monthly rent, capped at 150% of the fair market rent for the area, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

Learn more here!

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you’re facing eviction after moratoriums ending, there’s financial assistance available to you. Contact our real estate attorneys in Ann Arbor to answer your questions. 734-665-4441 

I was appointed as Personal Representative for my loved one, what’s next?

After sending proper notices regarding attorney fees and your duties as Personal Representative, the next steps are identifying the assets owned by the individual and valuing them for the Inventory. Searching through mail and old papers for deeds and financials, locating passwords for online accounts or digital assets and valuing them can all be part of the process.  Some assets, such as a firearm or pharmaceuticals, will need to be secured and disposed of. The home should be secured, winterized if necessary, and insured as a vacant home if appropriate. Vehicles need to be secured and insured. Jewelry and other values should be appraised. Direct deposits and withdrawals need to be canceled.  A Notice to Creditors must also be published.  

There’s a lot more to it! Learn more here!

Sound Confusing? Schedule Your Consultation!

Have questions about being a personal representative after a loved one passes away, please contact estate planning attorneys in Ann Arbor at 734-665-4441.

When Your Loved Ones Passes Away Without a Will, What Happens?

The State of Michigan, via the Estate and Protected Individual Code, directs how one’s probate estate will ultimately be distributed.  Assets owned by the decedent require an “intestate” probate estate, which is a probate estate opened for an individual who didn’t have anything in writing regarding their assets. Whether it be real estate, a boat or car, a bank account, bitcoin, Great-Grandmother’s sapphire ring, or financial investments, you’ll need the Court to appoint a Personal Representative to transfer assets to the proper beneficiaries of the estate.

There’s a lot more to it! Learn more here!

Sound Confusing? Schedule Your Consultation!

Call PSED Law to hire a professional personal representative, or seek representation if a loved one passes away with a will directing how their estate shall be distributed. 

PSED Law also provide estate planning services to ensure that your estate is administered according to your wishes. 

New Law Means New Probationary Terms. Do You Qualify?

Effective March 24, 2021 there’s a new presumption in Michigan law against jail or probationary sentences for persons convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses.     

Senate Bill 1048 (2020) is part of criminal justice reform efforts across the country providing uniform standards for the probation system and ultimately reducing the number of citizens subject to unnecessary jail and probationary terms.  

For years, District Court dockets have been clogged with probation review and violation hearings involving individuals who have been convicted of minor crimes.  

Find out what this could mean for you or a loved one. Learn more here!

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you have been charged with a crime and need advice, reach out to our expert criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor, Steven Tramontin. Call us at 734-665-4441 or email Steven at stramontin@psedlaw.com.