Is the first consultation really free?

Yes. There is no fee for your initial attorney consultation and no obligation to move forward. You only pay if you decide to have Shea Law build your estate plan, and you will know the cost before any work begins.

Do I need a will or a trust?

It depends mainly on what you own and whether avoiding probate matters to you. A will directs who inherits and who becomes guardian of minor children, but it still goes through the Washtenaw County Probate Court. A revocable living trust generally avoids probate and stays private, which often favors homeowners in Ann Arbor.

Do I have to come into the Ann Arbor office?

No. You are welcome at 2400 Green Road in Ann Arbor, but Shea Law also handles consultations by Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Document signing requires specific formalities that your attorney will walk you through.

How long does an estate plan take?

Most estate plans are complete within 30 days of the attorney meeting. Timing depends mostly on how quickly you gather asset information and settle decisions such as guardians and successor trustees.

What should I bring to my first estate planning meeting?

Nothing is required for the first conversation. It helps to have a rough list of what you own, including real estate, retirement accounts, life insurance and business interests, plus any existing will or trust and your thoughts on who you would want as guardian, executor or trustee.

I already have a will from years ago. Is it still valid?

Possibly, but it is worth reviewing. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, moving to Michigan from another state, buying a new home, or changes to the federal estate tax exemption can all undercut an older plan.

Shea Law · Estate Planning

Michigan Power of Attorney, done right.

A power of attorney lets someone you trust make decisions for you if you ever can’t. We help Michigan families put the right protections in place — with warmth, clarity, and genuine care.

Schedule a Free Consultation Common Questions

The Basics

What is a power of attorney in Michigan?

A Michigan power of attorney is a legal document that lets you name a trusted person to act on your behalf. That person is called your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact.” They can step in if you ever become unable to make decisions yourself. It’s one of the most important documents in any estate plan. Why? Because it keeps your affairs in the hands of someone you choose — not a court-appointed stranger.

A power of attorney can cover your finances or your healthcare. On the financial side, your agent can pay bills, manage accounts, and handle property. On the healthcare side, they can make medical decisions when you cannot. Without a power of attorney, your family may have to petition a Michigan probate court for guardianship. That process is slow, public, and costly.

In short: A power of attorney puts someone you trust in charge if you can’t be — avoiding court, protecting your wishes, and giving your family peace of mind.

Know Your Options

Types of Power of Attorney

Most complete Michigan estate plans include more than one. Here are the ones that matter most.

Durable Financial POA

Names someone to manage your money, property, and financial affairs if you become incapacitated. “Durable” means it stays in effect even after you can no longer make decisions — which is exactly when it’s needed most.

Healthcare POA (Patient Advocate)

In Michigan, a healthcare power of attorney names a “patient advocate” to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to — from treatment choices to end-of-life care — so your wishes are followed and your family isn’t left guessing.

Springing POA

A power of attorney that only “springs” into effect when a specific event occurs — usually your incapacity, confirmed by a physician. It gives some people added peace of mind that their agent’s authority begins only when truly needed.

Limited (Special) POA

Grants authority for a specific task or a set period — such as closing on a property or handling one transaction — then ends. Useful when you need someone to act for you in a narrow, defined situation.

Why It Matters

What happens without a power of attorney?

If you can’t make decisions and no one has legal authority to act, your family’s only option is often the courts.

Court Guardianship

Your loved ones may have to petition a probate court to be appointed guardian or conservator — a public, time-consuming process you could have avoided.

Cost & Delay

Guardianship proceedings mean legal fees, court costs, and weeks or months of delay — right when your family needs to act quickly on your behalf.

Loss of Control

A judge decides who acts for you — which may not be the person you would have chosen. A power of attorney keeps that decision in your hands.

How Shea Law Helps

Power of attorney, made simple.

We’ve helped Michigan families put the right protections in place for over two decades. We take your matter personally — listening first, explaining clearly, and making sure your documents actually do what you need them to.

Get Started

Drafted to Michigan law, tailored to your family
Financial and healthcare authority, done right
Coordinated with your full estate plan
In person at 18 Michigan offices, or by Zoom

Common Questions

Michigan Power of Attorney FAQ

You are not legally required to use a lawyer, but a power of attorney that isn’t drafted and executed correctly can be rejected by banks, hospitals, or courts exactly when you need it. An attorney makes sure your document meets Michigan’s requirements, grants the right authority, and works together with the rest of your estate plan.

A durable power of attorney takes effect when you sign it and stays in effect even if you become incapacitated. A springing power of attorney only “springs” into effect when a specific event happens — usually your incapacity, confirmed by a physician. Durable POAs are more common because they let your agent act without delay.

Choose someone you trust completely to act in your best interest — often a spouse, adult child, or close family member. You can also name a backup agent in case your first choice is unavailable. The most important qualities are trustworthiness, good judgment, and a willingness to serve.

Yes. As long as you are mentally competent, you can revoke or change your power of attorney at any time. It’s a good idea to review your documents after major life events — marriage, divorce, a death in the family, or a move — to make sure they still reflect your wishes.

In Michigan, a “patient advocate” is the person you name in a healthcare power of attorney (also called a designation of patient advocate) to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to make them yourself. This can include decisions about treatment, care, and end-of-life wishes.

Yes. A power of attorney only operates while you are alive. When you pass away, your agent’s authority ends, and your estate is then handled according to your will or trust by your personal representative or successor trustee. That’s why a power of attorney and a will or trust work together in a complete estate plan.

Get In Touch

Let’s put the right protections in place.

Reach out for a free, no-pressure consultation. We’ll answer your questions about powers of attorney and help you build a plan around your family — no obligation.

Free consultation, no obligation
In person at 18 Michigan offices, or by Zoom
We respond within one business day

Contact

"*" indicates required fields

Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

First Name*

Last Name*

Phone*

Email*

Are you a past client of Shea Law?*

Yes

If you are a current client with questions about your appointment, please contact your attorney or their assistant directly by email or phone.

How can we help you?

Opt In

I consent to receive SMS communication.

By opting in, you consent to receive text messages (including automated messages) about your services, appointments, and other communications. Message and data rates may apply.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Protect yourself and your family before you need to.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Free consultation · 18 Michigan offices · Most plans complete in two sessions