Q: M y friend and I have lived together over 34 years, never got married to each other but hold all assets jointly.
We each have adult children and grandchildren, we are 68 and 67 years. All assets are joint, however, we would like to create a trust to protect each other and set things up the way we wish. Is this something you or your office can assist us with? Thanks so much, we live in Munith Michigan.
A: Good morning. The situation you describe is not all that uncommon in the world of estate planning. Estate plans can be made for single people, married people, or unmarried people who are in long-term relationships or who are life partners. My suggestion would be to directly contact (i.e. by phone) an estate planning attorney in your area, and set up a consult to find out what recommendations that attorney has for your specific situation, along with the costs, timelines, and other details related to drafting your estate planning documents for you.
A:
Yes, we can help. The situation you describe is actually not uncommon. The fact that you are not husband and wife presents a few technical issues, but is not a bar to allowing you to arrange your affairs the way you describe.
We provide no obligation consultations, in person, over the phone or via Zoom.
So, your location is not an issue.
Let us know if we can be of assistance.
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