Last Will & Testament Attorneys

A last will and testament is a foundational estate planning document that directs how your property will be distributed after your death, who will carry out your wishes (executor or personal representative), and—if you have minor children—who will care for them. It is the primary vehicle for protecting your legacy and ensuring your intent is honored.

Through a properly drafted will, you gain control over:

• The distribution of your personal and real property, financial accounts, and personal belongings
• Naming a trusted executor or personal representative to administer your estate
• Choosing a guardian for your minor children and caretaker provision in the event of your passing
• Clarifying your wishes for funeral or memorial arrangements
• Addressing digital assets, business interests, and other specialized property

Without a valid will, Michigan law dictates who inherits and how much, often leaving families with uncertainty and potential conflict. Our attorneys help you articulate your goals, anticipate future changes, and ensure your will works as intended.

While wills are common, many fail to meet the strict requirements necessary to be upheld in court. Under Michigan law, for a will to be valid, it must generally meet certain criteria including the testator being of legal age, of sound mind, and signing the document in the presence of appropriate witnesses. Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC Law Office+1

Key best practices we ensure include:

• Confirming you meet the minimum age and capacity requirements
• Drafting the will clearly, unambiguously, and tailored to your situation
• Naming an executor or personal representative who understands or is guided by the role
• Including backup provisions (alternate executors, guardians, dispute resolution)
• Regularly reviewing and updating the will as life circumstances change: births, deaths, marriages, divorces, or major asset changes

We work with you to minimize the risk of will contests, reduce ambiguity, and reduce the chance that your wishes are delayed or ignored.

Our process is designed to be clear, efficient, and personally tailored. When you work with Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC for your last will, we guide you through every step:

1. Initial Review & Planning – We meet to discuss your family, assets, goals, and concerns.
2. Drafting the Will – Based on your input, we draft a properly structured document that addresses your wishes comprehensively.
3. Executor & Guardian Selection – We help you select the right executor/personal representative and name a guardian for minor children if applicable.
4. Execution & Safe-Keeping – We ensure your will is signed, witnessed, and stored with proper instructions and copies for your personal representative.
5. Periodic Review – We recommend regular check-ins (every few years or after major life events) to make sure the will remains current and effective.

By working with attorneys experienced in Michigan probate and estate matters, you ensure the will is drafted to hold up under legal review, align with your broader estate plan (such as trusts or beneficiary designations), and reflect your intentions now and in the future.

A will is a living document in the sense that it often requires updates as your life evolves. Ignoring changes—such as additional assets, remarriage, new children, or relocation—can create unintended results. We advise on how to:

• Integrate the will with other estate tools such as trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives
• Avoid common pitfalls: unclear language, missing alternate executor or guardian, failure to coordinate beneficiary designations
• Add clauses to reduce the likelihood of will contests, such as no-contest provisions, trustee oversight, or family protocols
• Ensure estate tax and inheritance tax considerations are addressed (though Michigan does not currently have an inheritance tax)
• Provide guidance for complex scenarios: blended families, business ownership, out-of-state property, digital assets

Our goal is to help you maintain a will that is robust, flexible enough to reflect changes, and integrated with the rest of your estate plan so your legacy is protected and your family is prepared.

Your will is a cornerstone of your legacy. At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we provide thoughtful legal support to help you create or review your last will with confidence and clarity. Our team will take the time to understand your unique circumstances, explain your options, and tailor a plan that aligns with your wishes and your estate goals.

Call our office today, or fill out our secure online contact form, to schedule your consultation. Let us help you protect your legacy, support your loved ones, and leave nothing to uncertainty.