What Happens to Your Cottage or Lake House Without an Estate Plan? (West Michigan Guide)
For many West Michigan families, a lake house or cottage is more than just a piece of property, it’s where memories are made. Whether it’s summer weekends on Gun Lake, family reunions at a Grand Haven cottage, peaceful mornings at Sandy Pines, or your cabin in northern Michigan these properties are part of your family legacy.
But what happens to your cottage if you pass away without an estate plan? Unfortunately, the answer might not reflect your wishes.
The Risk of No Estate Plan in Michigan
When you die without a will or trust in Michigan, your assets, including your cottage, go through probate court. That means the state, not you, decides how your property is distributed.
This often leads to:
- Unintended heirs inheriting part of the property
- Family disputes over ownership or costs
- Forced sale of the property to divide the estate
- Loss of family access to the vacation home
These outcomes are especially painful when siblings or relatives disagree about how to maintain, use, or share the property.
Want to avoid Michigan probate court? Learn more about Estate Planning Services in West Michigan.
Why a Will or Trust Matters
Creating a will or revocable living trust allows you to choose exactly who inherits your cottage or lake house. With the right legal documents, you can:
- Name one or multiple beneficiaries
- Create a usage or maintenance schedule
- Set aside funds for upkeep and taxes
- Avoid family conflict and court costs
Many West Michigan families also create a cottage trust or LLC to manage shared property among children or grandchildren.
Unique Considerations for West Michigan Properties
Local vacation properties have additional issues you’ll want to address:
- Seasonal access and upkeep (snow removal, dock storage, etc.)
- Shared ownership with out-of-state family
- Rental income vs. private use
- DNR or township regulations on use or transfer
You don’t have to navigate these decisions alone. An experienced estate planning attorney in Allegan, Barry, Ottawa, Kent, or Van Buren County can help you protect your lake home and ensure your legacy continues.
Don’t Leave Your Legacy to Chance
Your lake house is more than real estate, it’s part of your family’s story. With proper planning, you can ensure it stays that way for generations.
If you’re ready to safeguard your West Michigan cottage or lake house, we’re here to help.
Call Legacy Legal & Business Services PLC today at (616) 681-0100, or visit our website www.legacylegalbusiness.com to schedule your free confidential consultation.
For additional information visit our Blog:
What Documents Do I Need for a Complete Estate Plan In Michigan