Michigan Estate Planning Checklist

10 Essential Questions to Answer Before Meeting with an Attorney

Why You Need This Checklist

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This checklist will help you gather your thoughts and prepare for a productive conversation with an estate planning attorney.

By answering these 10 questions before your consultation, you'll:

• Save time during your appointment
• Ensure no important details are overlooked
• Get clearer recommendations tailored to your situation
• Feel more confident about the process

Question 1: Who Do You Want to Inherit Your Assets?

Think about:

• Your spouse or partner
• Your children (and at what age they should inherit)
• Grandchildren
• Other family members
• Friends
• Charitable organizations

Write down names and your intentions for each:

Question 2: Who Should Care for Your Minor Children?

If you have children under 18, who would you want to:

• Raise them (guardian)?
• Manage money on their behalf until they're old enough?

These can be the same person or different people.

Guardian choice:  

Alternate guardian:  

Financial manager (if different):  

Question 3: What Assets Do You Own?

Make a rough inventory:

Real Estate

Financial Accounts

Insurance

Business Interests

Do you own a business? Yes No

Type of business:  

Ownership percentage:  

Other Valuable Assets

Vehicles, jewelry, art, collections, etc.:

Question 4: Do You Have Any Existing Estate Planning Documents?

Check all that apply:

If yes, when were they last updated?  

Where are these documents stored?  

Question 5: Who Should Make Decisions If You're Incapacitated?

Financial Decisions

(paying bills, managing investments, handling banking)

Primary choice:  

Alternate:  

Healthcare Decisions

(medical treatment, end-of-life care, facility placement)

Primary choice:  

Alternate:  

Question 6: Do You Have Concerns About Any Beneficiaries?

Consider whether any intended beneficiary:

Notes about specific concerns:

Question 7: Are There Family Dynamics to Consider?

Answer yes or no and provide details if applicable:

Blended family? (children from previous marriages)

Yes No

Details:  

Family members who don't get along?

Yes No

Details:  

Considering unequal distribution among children?

Yes No

Reason:  

Anyone you specifically want to exclude?

Yes No

Who and why:  

Estranged family members?

Yes No

Details:  

Question 8: Do You Have Long-Term Care Concerns?

Notes about long-term care concerns:

Question 9: Do You Own a Business?

If you answered yes to owning a business in Question 3:

Business type:

Do you have partners or co-owners? Yes No

Is there a buy-sell agreement in place? Yes No

Who currently runs day-to-day operations besides you?

If something happened to you, who would you want to:

Run the business?  

Own the business?  

Do you want to pass the business to family, sell it, or close it?

Question 10: What Are Your Main Goals and Concerns?

In your own words, what matters most to you? Check any that apply and add your own:

In one or two sentences, what's your biggest concern?

You're Ready for Your Consultation!

Great work completing this checklist. Here's what to bring to your meeting:

Documents to Gather:

Questions to Ask Your Attorney:

• What type of estate plan do you recommend for my situation?
• Do I need a trust, or is a will sufficient?
• How can I avoid or minimize probate in Michigan?
• What happens if I become incapacitated?
• How much will this cost, and what's included?
• How often should I update my estate plan?

About McCall Green, PLLC

With over 85 years of combined experience practicing estate planning law in Michigan, McCall Green has helped hundreds of Southeast Michigan families protect their assets and provide for their loved ones. Our approach is personal, thorough, and free of intimidating legalese. We take the time to understand your unique situation and create estate plans that give you peace of mind.