Coonen Law, PLLC

08/28/2026

What is a Ladybird Deed?

A Ladybird Deed is a wonderful tool that is like putting a beneficiary on your home. But, we do not suggest it for everyone.

Let's say you want to leave the home to your three children. Upon your passing, your home is immediately put into all three names jointly. This means they have to agree on everything - If child A wants to sell, child B wants to rent it to generate income, and child C wants to move in... now we are stuck.

Relying solely on a Ladybird Deed often leaves families with a false sense of security, thinking because their home is taken care of, everything is. They forget that bank accounts, investments, and all of the personal property will still not protected, and could end up in probate court.

08/27/2026

It’s one of the hardest parts of adulthood: watching our parents age and step into new care needs. 💙

The biggest mistake families make is waiting until a parent is already experiencing heavy memory loss before setting up their paperwork.

To sign a Power of Attorney or Trust, a person must have legal capacity (understanding what they are signing). If you wait too long, doctors and courts will declare them unable to sign - leaving you forced to file for court-supervised Guardianship just to manage their care or pay their bills.

Getting these documents done while your parents are healthy and sharp is the ultimate act of love and respect.

08/25/2026

Our pets are family - period! 🐕❤️ These are some of our team’s pets, and we know exactly how much your pets mean to you.

But under standard law, pets are considered personal property. If you get hospitalized or pass away without a clear plan, your fur babies could end up in limbo or sent to a shelter while family members figure things out.

With a modern estate plan, you can:

✅ Formally name a designated pet guardian.

✅ Set aside dedicated funds for food, vet care, and grooming.

✅ Leave specific care instructions for their daily routine.

Protect your whole family - four-legged members included! Drop a pic of your pet in the comment section to learn how you can protect them!

08/24/2026

We are finalists for West Michigan Woman's Readers' Choice Awards!

Serving families, business owners, and our incredible West Michigan community is hands-down the best part of what we do every single day. Being recognized alongside so many wonderful local businesses means the world to our team.

Please vote for our team in the categories of Best Law Firm and Best Estate Planning Attorney!

https://westmichiganwoman.com/readers-choice/

08/21/2026

If you're packing up storage bins for college drop-off at GVSU, Michigan, or anywhere across the country this month, don't miss this critical legal blind spot!

The second your child turns 18, they are legally an adult. That means if they end up in a campus clinic or emergency room, doctors cannot legally share medical updates or let you make care decisions without their written consent.

Schedule a 15 minute phone call here to get more information on our Young Adult Plans: https://app.lawmatics.com/booking/share/c1203a88-8ca5-453f-98fa-4ef6356ea934

08/19/2026

Think leaving a sticky note with your bank passwords is a complete digital plan? Think again! 🔑

In 2026, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) means typing in the right password is only half the battle. If that verification code goes to a locked smartphone or a dead email account, your family hits a legal brick wall.

Quick action step: Go into your Apple or Google phone settings today and set up a "Legacy Contact." This grants trusted loved ones legal permission to access photos and account backups if something happens to you.

08/17/2026

Thinking about adding your adult son or daughter to your bank account so they can help you manage bills? It seems like a simple, convenient solution - but it carries massive legal and financial risks most parents never see coming.

08/14/2026

You've brought it up before. Maybe it came up after watching a friend go through something hard, a probate process that dragged on for years, or a family left scrambling without the right documents in place. Maybe a health scare prompted the conversation, or a birthday that snuck up faster than expected. Whatever brought it to mind, you've tried to talk to your spouse about getting a plan in place.

And it went nowhere. Here's what you need to know, and where you can start even when you're not fully aligned.

Your spouse keeps saying "not now." Here's what you can do today, what requires both of you, and why one professional conversation can change everything.

08/12/2026

Malcolm Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theodore Huxtable in The Cosby Show, passed away in 2025. He created a Trust in 1996, and never updated it when he got married or had children. He accidentally disinherited his wife and daughter. Now, they are fighting it out in court.

Malcolm Jamal Warner's widow is suing his mother over a family trust. Why lawyers say the type of trust may allow the widow to collect.

08/10/2026

Wieners and Wills - TWO dates next week! Pick the day that works for you, and join us!

Join Rose A. Coonen from Coonen Law, PLLC at The Corner Bar for Wieners and Wills! A complimentary buffet featuring The Corner Bar’s World Famous Hot Dogs and other delicious options will be served.