5 Mistakes West Michigan Families Make in Estate Planning

When it comes to protecting your family, your home, and your hard-earned assets, estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take. Yet many West Michigan families put it off until it’s too late, or they make mistakes that create unnecessary stress for their loved ones. That’s why working with an experienced estate planning attorney in Grand Rapids, MI can make all the difference in protecting your legacy.

At Legacy Legal & Business Services PLC, we work with families across Grand Rapids, Holland, Allegan, and the surrounding areas who want peace of mind knowing their wishes will be honored. Over the years, we’ve seen common missteps that can lead to delays in probate, family disputes, or assets not being distributed the way someone intended.

In this article, we’ll walk through the five biggest estate planning mistakes Michigan families make and how you can avoid them.

1. Waiting Too Long to Create an Estate Plan

One of the biggest mistakes we see is families waiting until a crisis hits before taking action. Maybe a loved one has fallen ill, or a parent passes away unexpectedly without a will. Suddenly, families are left scrambling in probate court, unsure of what the deceased wanted.

The truth is, estate planning is not just for the wealthy or the elderly. If you own a home, have children, or simply want to make sure your affairs are in order, now is the time to put a plan together.

In Michigan, dying without a will (known as “intestacy”) means the state decides how your property is divided. This can result in outcomes you never intended, like estranged relatives inheriting, or your spouse not automatically receiving all assets.

Learn more about how we can help you get started with a plan today: Estate Planning Services.

2. Relying Only on a Will

Many people think writing a will is enough. While a will is a critical part of your estate plan, it’s not the whole picture. In fact, wills in Michigan often go through probate court, which can be time consuming and costly for your family.

A more complete plan often includes a revocable living trust, which allows your assets to transfer directly to your beneficiaries without probate. Trusts also give you more control, for example, setting rules about when children inherit money or how funds are used.

Other important documents include:

• Powers of Attorney – so someone you trust can handle financial matters if you’re incapacitated.
• Healthcare Directives – to make your medical wishes clear.
• Beneficiary Designations – on accounts like life insurance or retirement plans.

By relying solely on a will, families often miss these critical protections.

For guidance on choosing between a will and a trust, visit our Wills and Trusts Page.

3. Forgetting to Update Your Estate Plan

Another common mistake is creating a plan and then putting it in a drawer for decades. Life changes, and your estate plan needs to change with it.

Some of the life events that should trigger an update include:

• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
• Buying or selling a home
• Starting or selling a business
• Receiving an inheritance
• Moving to a new state

For example, imagine leaving everything to your spouse in a will from 20 years ago, but now you’re divorced. Without updating your plan, assets could end up in the wrong hands.

Regular reviews, at least every 3 to 5 years, help ensure your estate plan reflects your current wishes.

Our team makes updating easy. Schedule an Estate Plan review today by visiting our website.

4. Not Planning for Long-Term Care or Disability

Estate planning is not only about what happens after you pass away, it’s also about protecting yourself during your lifetime.

Many West Michigan families are surprised to learn how expensive long-term care can be. Without planning, the cost of nursing homes or in-home care can quickly drain savings, leaving little for your loved ones.

Creating a plan for incapacity includes:

• Durable Power of Attorney – choosing who will manage finances if you cannot.
• Patient Advocate Designation – appointing someone to make healthcare decisions.
• Long-term care planning – structuring assets to help cover medical needs while still protecting your family’s future.

Learn more about our approach to incapacity and care planning on our Blog: How to Protect Elderly Loved Ones With Guardianship or Conservatorship

5. Thinking Estate Planning Is Only About Money

The last mistake we see far too often is thinking estate planning is just about money and assets. In reality, it’s about much more than that, it’s about family, legacy, and peace of mind.

For example, who will raise your children if something happens to you? What values do you want to pass on to future generations? Have you documented personal wishes, like how you’d like holidays or traditions carried on?

A well-rounded estate plan not only protects property, it also protects the people you love most.

Discover how we help families across Grand Rapids, Holland, and Allegan preserve their legacy: About Our Firm.

Why Local Families Choose Legacy Legal

At Legacy Legal & Business Services PLC, we understand that estate planning can feel overwhelming. But with the right attorney by your side, it doesn’t have to be.

Our firm works with individuals and families across West Michigan including Grand Rapids, Holland, Allegan, Ottawa, and beyond, to create estate plans that are clear, personalized, and legally sound.

When you partner with us, you can expect:

• Local knowledge – We know how the probate courts in Allegan, Kent, Ottawa, Barry and Van Buren Counties operate.
• Personalized plans – No cookie-cutter documents. Every family is unique.
• Peace of mind – You’ll leave with confidence, knowing your family is protected.

Take the First Step Today

If you’ve been putting off estate planning, now is the time to take action. Don’t wait until it’s too late or leave your family guessing. Partner with an experienced estate planning attorney in Grand Rapids, MI. It can make all the difference in protecting your legacy.

Call our office today at (616) 681-0100 or schedule a consultation online to get started.

Visit our Estate Planning Services Page for more information.