February 15, 2024
MICHIGAN EXECUTIVE ORDER No.2020-41 Allows Remote Signing of Legal Documents
Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order No. 2020-41 that allows remote signing and notarization of legal documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney and deeds in Michigan as of April 9th, 2020.
One of the purposes is “Encouraging the use of electronic signatures and remote polarization, witnessing and visitation during the COVID19- pandemic“
With this new executive order in Michigan, Castle Wealth Group Legal (formerly The Elder Care Firm) can now assist clients throughout all of Michigan in helping that put together their living trusts, wills, financial powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, lady bird deeds, personal care plans, Castle Trusts (asset protection trusts) and more.
If you are living anywhere in Michigan and want to take the first step to having Certified Elder Law Attorney, Christopher J. Berry, Esq., CELA assist you in getting your affairs in order, then with this executive order that allows remote witnessing and notarization it is easier than ever.
Step 1 in Estate Planning in Michigan
To get started, contact our office to schedule a virtual strategy session or phone call. We are currently using the Zoom web conferencing platform to set up video conferences. Typically, this is a 45 minute consultation. If using video conferencing is daunting, then just call our office at 844-885-4200 and we can schedule a phone call consultation.
Once the meeting is scheduled with your Michigan elder law attorney, our office will send you a short, four page personal information questionnaire that you return prior to your estate planning meeting.
Step 2 in Estate Planning in Michigan
When the virtual strategy session takes place, your wills and trust lawyer will ask questions of you, you can ask questions of him. Together you will figure out where you are at and where you want to go. If there is a gap, your Michigan estate planning attorney will guide you in options on how to close the gap.
In the meeting, your attorney will answer your questions, such as:
- “Do I need a will or a living trust?”
- “How do I avoid probate in Michigan?”
- “Should I have a revocable living trust or an asset protection trust like a Castle Trust?”
- “How can I protect assets from nursing home or Medicaid spend-down?”
- “What should I do with my IRA’s?”
- “How can I protect my house in Michigan”
- “What is a lady bird deed and do I need one?”
Once a plan is picked, then, with your estate and elder law attorney, you will design the plan. Designing the plan consisists of picking trustees and personal representatives, picking powers of attorney, creating a plan for distribution of assets.
Step 3 in Estate Planning in Michigan
Now that the plan is designed, our estate planning and elder law firm will begin drafting the documents. We may send you some homework in the meantime.
At this time we will draft your revocable living trust or Castle Trust, your pour-over will, your financial power of attorney, your medical power of attorney, your deed or lady bird deed and we will assist with funding your trust as well. All of the for a fixed fee versus hourly, so you know the investment up front.
Step 4 in Estate Planning in Michigan
Now that your documents are drafted, we’ll schedule a time to remotely review and then sign/execute the documents in front of remote witnesses and a notary.
Whether you are in the Upper Peninsula, Grand Rapids, or Metro-Detroit, you can have one of 18 Michigan Certified Elder Law Attorneys help you draft your customized estate plan.
Have one of 18 Michigan Certified Elder Law Attorneys Help you Create Your Customized Estate Plan
Contact our office now as we are offering discounted rates for our virtual estate planning process during this Covid-19 pandemic. Call now and one of our Client Service Coordinator’s will get your Virtual Strategy Session scheduled and she will send you a personal information questionnaire to fill out prior to our meeting. Take the first step to peace of mind by calling us at 844-885-4200