Law Office of Holly A. JacksonLaw Office of Holly A. Jackson2026-06-30T09:47:18Zhttps://www.hollyjacksonlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1404361/2024/05/cropped-ID-image-1-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Law Office of Holly A. Jackson<![CDATA[How many founders are necessary to launch an LLC?]]>https://www.hollyjacksonlaw.com/?p=469732026-06-18T18:09:36Z2026-06-18T18:09:36ZSole member LLCs are common
An entrepreneur with a business idea does not need multiple other people to start an LLC. They have the option of forming a sole member LLC without sharing control with anyone else or risking conflicts with other members who have different visions for the organization.
Sole member LLCs require the same paperwork as any other LLC, but only one person has the authority to make decisions about the company and manage business operations. The entrepreneur enjoys liability protection. An LLC creates a degree of social separation from the business as well, as the person starting the company can choose a unique brand name instead of using their own name for the business.
Entrepreneurs exploring their options for protecting themselves legally and financially may want to discuss different business formation options with a lawyer. An attorney's guidance can help people manage business formation paperwork and choose the right entity type, given their plans for their company.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Holly A. Jackson<![CDATA[Reasons you should keep your will updated]]>https://www.hollyjacksonlaw.com/?p=469712026-06-10T14:23:58Z2026-06-10T14:23:58ZCreating a will is one of the most important steps in estate planning. It allows you to decide how your property should be distributed and who will handle your affairs after your death.
However, a will is not a document you should sign and forget. Changes in your family, finances and personal circumstances can affect whether your wishes are accurately reflected. Reviewing your wills regularly can help prevent unnecessary disputes and confusion.
Major family changes can affect your wishes
Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or the addition of stepchildren and grandchildren may all create reasons to revisit your estate planning documents. Updating your wills after significant family events can help ensure the people you care about are properly included and that your intentions remain clear.
Guardians and beneficiaries may need to change
The people you originally selected to care for minor children or receive certain gifts may no longer be the best choices. Relationships change and loved ones may pass away or become unable to serve in important roles. Regular updates allow you to replace beneficiaries, guardians and other trusted individuals when necessary.
Financial changes can reshape your estate
Starting or selling a business, purchasing property or receiving an inheritance can significantly change the value and makeup of your estate. Keeping your wills current helps account for new assets and prevents outdated instructions from creating complications for your family.
Your overall estate planning goals may evolve
As you grow older, your priorities may change. You may wish to adjust how assets are distributed, provide for additional family members or coordinate your wills with other estate planning tools and beneficiary designations. Regular reviews give you the opportunity to make those changes before unexpected events occur.Keeping your wills up to date is an important part of protecting your family and preserving your wishes. Life rarely stays the same, and your estate planning documents should reflect those changes. Taking time to review and update your plans can reduce uncertainty and make the administration of your estate easier for your loved ones. Seeking legal guidance may help you determine when updates are appropriate and how to keep your estate planning goals on track.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Holly A. Jackson<![CDATA[Choose the right trustee for spendthrift trusts]]>https://www.hollyjacksonlaw.com/?p=469692026-05-28T14:28:58Z2026-05-28T14:28:58ZThose doing their estate planning have several options regarding the financial vehicles that they employ. Trusts remain a popular option. Spendthrift trusts are a specific subgroup of that type.
When funding a spendthrift trust for a loved one, it's vital to ensure the trustee is up to the task. It’s also important to remember that even qualified trustees might not be the best choice if they are family members of the recipient.
Why relatives aren’t the best choice
Whenever money is involved, and another person has control of the purse strings, there is a potential for dissent. The last thing you want to cause is an argument between the beneficiary and trustee over the distribution of the trust’s funds. That can all be sidestepped by appointing a trusted professional with the right attributes and skill set, including the following:
Financial savvy to manage/maintain the trust principal
Investment experience
Excellent communication skills
These are not the sole characteristics of a competent trustee, but they are the bare minimum to expect from their services.
Cost can be a factor
For modest trusts where keeping the principal reinvested is primary, you might consider a co-trustee where someone connected to the beneficiary handles the day-to-day estate needs and works together with a professional trustee.This could be the financial compromise you need to ensure the estate remains funded and managed for the duration you intend.
Have more questions?
That’s understandable. Learning more about Michigan’s laws regarding estate planning is always a wise choice.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Holly A. Jackson<![CDATA[How some simple estate planning can benefit unmarried couples]]>https://www.hollyjacksonlaw.com/?p=469522026-05-11T02:32:25Z2026-05-11T02:32:25ZYou and your partner may have been together for so long that co-workers, acquaintances and maybe even some of your friends don’t realize you aren’t married. It likely doesn’t matter to you that you haven’t taken that step and maybe never will.
In some matters, however, the law does distinguish between married and unmarried couples. That’s why it’s critical for long-term committed partners to explore the importance of estate planning. While each couple has their own unique concerns, let’s look at a couple of areas where you each will likely want to put some documents in place to help you care for each other.
Passing on your assets after you’re gone
It’s smart for just about every adult to have at least a will in place to designate how their assets will be distributed when they die. If they don’t, the state’s intestacy succession law takes over. That mandates that assets be distributed to spouses, children, parents, siblings and other relatives, depending on what surviving relatives the deceased has. A romantic partner, no matter how long and committed the relationship was, is not a relative and can potentially receive nothing if there’s no will. There are other ways to leave some assets to a partner – for example, by including them as a beneficiary of a retirement or investment account. However, including them in a will is important for assets without beneficiary designations or titles. It also helps show family members and others your intentions that your partner inherit the bulk or at least part of your estate.
Giving your partner authority over your medical care
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you die. For example, if you want your partner to be the one interacting with your medical team and potentially making life-or-death decisions if you’re seriously injured or ill, you need to give them medical power of attorney to be your patient advocate. It’s also smart to create an advance health care directive to designate your wishes for end-of-life care. This document is to be followed as closely as possible by your medical team and your advocate. Without these documents, you could have relatives fighting over what to do if your condition is dire, with your partner potentially being left out of the discussion.Every couple’s situation, as noted, is highly unique. That’s why it’s important to get individualized estate planning guidance to protect your wishes and each other’s future.
]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Holly A. Jackson<![CDATA[What are the witness requirements for a Michigan will?]]>https://www.hollyjacksonlaw.com/?p=469492026-04-26T03:34:54Z2026-04-26T03:34:54ZWhat specific witness requirements does Michigan impose?
Contrary to what some people assume, a notary’s seal is not a requirement for a Michigan will. Testators can have any two competent adults serve as their witnesses.
It is generally beneficial to select disinterested witnesses who are not named among the beneficiaries of the estate. Interested witnesses do not necessarily invalidate the will, but they could strengthen attempts to contest it in court later.
Witnesses do not need to be physically present when a testator signs the will. The witnesses who sign only need to affirm the identity and mental state of the testator after they present the document and validate that they previously signed it and fully understand its contents. The witnesses can help resolve disputes about fraud, undue influence or a lack of capacity if there are concerns after the testator passes.
Working with an attorney when drafting or updating a will can help people ensure that they comply with all relevant Michigan statutes. Witness requirements are among multiple statutory standards that a will must meet to be valid after a person dies.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Holly A. Jackson<![CDATA[Joint vs. separate trust: What are the advantages?]]>https://www.hollyjacksonlaw.com/?p=469422026-04-22T10:32:13Z2026-04-24T10:27:09ZPlanning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for your spouse and your children. In Michigan, courts follow a rule of fair distribution, which typically results in each spouse receiving roughly half of the marital estate during a legal separation or divorce.
Because the law aims for this balanced split, many couples use trusts to manage their finances. Deciding whether to use a joint trust or separate trusts depends on your family structure, your history together and your specific financial goals.
The advantages of a joint trust
A joint trust allows you and your spouse to manage your assets in one legal document. The benefits of this approach include:
Simplified management: Moving assets into the trust is much easier because you only have to manage and fund one entity.
Shared oversight: Both spouses have equal control and visibility over all the assets in the trust.
Seamless transition: You gain immediate control over all assets if your spouse passes away.
Lower administrative effort: Managing a joint trust often requires less paperwork and less time over the years.
Choosing a joint trust provides a unified strategy for couples who view their finances as a single, shared pot. It is often the most straightforward way to ensure both partners are taken care of as they age.
The advantages of a separate trust
Separate trusts keep each person's assets in a distinct legal space. Couples often choose this route for the following reasons:
Protection for pre-marital property: It is much easier to keep assets you owned before the marriage separate from your shared marital estate.
Clarity for blended families: If you have children from previous relationships, you can keep your funds for them separate from your finances with your current spouse.
Debt protection: You can shield the assets in your own trust from the creditors or legal liabilities of your spouse.
This arrangement offers clarity for individuals who want to maintain their own financial identity while still planning for the future of their family.
Make the right choice for your family
The decision you make today will shape how your family handles your estate for years to come. Staying informed about the differences between these trust types can ensure your plan actually works when your family needs it most. ]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Holly A. Jackson<![CDATA[Do franchisees need to start their own companies?]]>https://www.hollyjacksonlaw.com/?p=469382026-03-21T01:29:03Z2026-03-21T01:29:03ZSeparate business entities are necessary
Technically, a franchisee’s operations are a separate business, not a part of the franchisor’s organization. It is therefore generally advisable to create a formal structure for the company, such as a limited liability company (LLC).
Doing so creates a degree of separation between the franchisee’s personal resources and the organization they run. Should the company fail or face a lawsuit, the business entity the franchisee forms helps protect them from personal risk. Frequently, the agreement signed with a franchisor requires the creation of a separate business entity. Even if the contract does not impose that requirement, forming a standalone business is a beneficial step for those opening a franchise business.
Working with a business formation attorney from the earliest stages of franchise negotiations can protect those investing in franchise opportunities. Separate legal entities are among the many important protections that limit the legal exposure that arises when starting a company.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Holly A. Jackson<![CDATA[Avoiding an appraisal gap when bidding on a home]]>https://www.hollyjacksonlaw.com/?p=469362026-03-13T12:42:57Z2026-03-13T12:42:57ZWhat causes an appraisal gap?
Mortgage lenders generally require appraisals to ensure that they do not become overextended when financing a purchase. The appraised value usually needs to be roughly the same as or higher than the offered price for the property.
When the appraisal comes in lower than the proposed purchase price, that is an appraisal gap. Lenders may limit financing based on the appraisal or may refuse to finance the transaction when there is a significant gap. Buyers can avoid appraisal gaps by tracking market conditions in the neighborhoods where they intend to make offers.
They can also protect themselves from a loss of financing by coming to the table with a certain percentage of capital. The ability to tap into cash reserves to cover an appraisal gap can prevent it from causing a canceled closing. Otherwise, making offers that realistically reflect the fair market value of a property may be the only way to prevent an appraisal gap.
Buyers may need help crafting offers that limit appraisal gap risk and adding contingencies that protect them from financial consequences if an appraisal gap arises. The guidance of a real estate attorney can help buyers navigate pre-closing complications and minimize the risk of losing their earnest money.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Holly A. Jackson<![CDATA[Using a trust to protect an adult child struggling with addiction]]>https://www.hollyjacksonlaw.com/?p=469112026-02-26T12:18:49Z2026-02-26T12:18:49ZHow can trusts help?
A lump-sum inheritance can be very problematic for an individual with a substance abuse disorder. People who struggle to control their consumption of alcohol or who abuse illicit or prescription drugs may spend any windfall they receive on their preferred intoxicating substance.
Additionally, a lump-sum inheritance can theoretically cut an individual off from critical state benefits that may help them as they rebuild their life after achieving sobriety. A well-structured trust can prevent an individual from abusing their inheritance.
A concerned trustor could even impose restrictions, such as an obligation to pass a drug test before receiving distributions from the trust. They can limit distributions to ensure a beneficiary’s continued eligibility for certain benefits.
The trustee can also serve as a source of social and emotional support for a person going through a difficult time. Grief can trigger a relapse even in cases where individuals have previously achieved sobriety. As a final note, leaving an inheritance in the form of a trust can reduce the likelihood of an adult child feeling rejected because their parent chose to disinherit them.
Establishing a trust for a family member with a substance abuse disorder can be a consequential estate planning strategy. Those concerned about the potential negative impact of an inheritance may need to discuss their unique needs with a legal professional accordingly.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Holly A. Jackson<![CDATA[What happens during a title claim against a home?]]>https://www.hollyjacksonlaw.com/?p=469092026-02-08T21:59:19Z2026-02-08T21:59:19ZThe courts must review the situation
When there is a credible outside claim of interest in a specific piece of real estate, court intervention is typically necessary. If the owner facing the claim purchased the property with a mortgage, they are likely to have a title insurance policy that can support them as they respond to the claim.
The courts look at the ownership history of the property and the basis of the claim of the outside party. Title claims might stem from the mismanagement of real property during estate administration or could be the result of fraud.
If the courts review the case and determine that the outside claim is not valid, the current owners retain their interest in and possession of the property. However, if the courts side with the party bringing the claim, then the current owners may need to vacate the property. They lose their accumulated equity as well, unless they have title insurance to reimburse them for those losses.
Anyone learning about a potential outside title claim may need to act immediately to protect their home. Reviewing the basis of the title claim with a skilled legal team can help concerned homeowners protect their homes and their equity.]]>