Question 1

Are you a law firm?

Accepted Answer

This is an intake funnel and does not provide legal advice or legal representation. THIS FUNNEL IS NOT A LAW FIRM. Using this funnel or submitting a request does not create an attorney-client relationship. All requests submitted through this funnel are referred to Attorney Badri Yono Jr. (P88777) of Foster Swift Collins & Smith, P.C., who will conduct a conflict check before communicating directly with you and will provide legal services after an engagement agreement is executed, subject to its terms.

Question 2

Who will handle my estate plan?

Accepted Answer

Requests submitted through this site are referred to Attorney Badri Yono Jr. (P88777) of Foster Swift Collins & Smith, P.C. His practice focuses on estate planning, trusts and estate administration for Michigan individuals, families, professionals and business owners. Every consultation requested through this funnel goes to his team.

Question 3

What does it cost to request a consultation?

Accepted Answer

Requesting a consultation through this funnel is free. The guides, planning tools and your initial consultation request cost you nothing. Legal fees are quoted directly by the attorney, in writing, before any work starts.

Question 4

What happens after I submit the form?

Accepted Answer

Your request is sent to the attorney's office. Someone from our team will contact you - usually within one business day - to schedule a consultation and to collect information for a conflicts check. Nothing is binding until you sign an engagement agreement directly with the firm.

Question 5

Do I really need a trust?

Accepted Answer

Not everyone does; but many Michigan individuals and families benefit from one. A revocable living trust is usually worth it if you own real estate, have minor children, own a business, hold assets in more than one state, or want your individuals and family to avoid probate court entirely. On your consultation, the attorney will tell you honestly if a well-drafted will and beneficiary plan would serve you just as well.

Question 6

What's the difference between a will and a trust?

Accepted Answer

A will is a set of instructions that only takes effect after death, and it must pass through Michigan probate court to be carried out; a public, months-long process. A trust holds your assets during life and transfers them privately at death, with no court involvement. A trust also plans for incapacity, so someone you choose can manage your affairs if you become unable to.

Question 7

How can I avoid probate in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Probate is avoided by making sure every asset has a destination outside the court: a funded living trust, correct beneficiary designations, joint titling where appropriate, and Michigan tools like the Lady Bird deed and transfer-on-death registrations. The plan only works if it is funded; which is why trust funding is part of every plan the attorney prepares.

Question 8

What happens if I die without a will in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Michigan's intestacy statutes decide everything: who inherits, in what shares, and who raises your minor children. That result frequently surprises people; especially in blended individuals and families, unmarried couples, and households where a spouse assumes they'll simply receive everything. A probate judge, not you, makes the final calls.

Question 9

How often should I update my estate plan?

Accepted Answer

Review your plan every three to five years, and right away after a marriage, divorce, birth, death, business sale, significant change in assets, or a move to or from Michigan. Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance deserve a look each time as well.

Question 10

How long does estate planning take?

Accepted Answer

Most individuals and families are contacted within one business day, and plans are complete within two to four weeks: a consultation, a design meeting, drafting, and a signing appointment. If you're facing surgery, travel or a health event, expedited timelines are available.

Question 11

Can we meet virtually?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Consultations and design meetings can be held by secure video anywhere in Michigan, and documents can be reviewed online. Signing requires witnesses and a notary, which the firm coordinates in person or through a mobile notary.

Question 12

How much does an estate plan cost?

Accepted Answer

Plans are quoted as a flat fee in writing before any work begins; no hourly billing and no surprise invoices. Trust-based and will-based plans each carry a fixed price covering drafting, the signing appointment and funding guidance. Contact us and we'll get you a competitive quote.

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Talk with Attorney Badri Yono Jr.