The Three Estate Planning Documents Every Woman and Family in Michigan Needs
When most people hear the term estate planning, they assume it is only relevant later in life or only for wealthy families. In reality, estate planning in Michigan is about protection while you are alive. It is about who can step in, make decisions, and keep things moving if you cannot.
This matters for women at every stage of life. Single women, married women, parents, caregivers, and adult daughters supporting aging parents all face moments where clarity and legal authority make an enormous difference. Having the right documents in place reduces confusion, prevents conflict, and protects the people you love.
Because we are launching Mitzi in Michigan first (January 2025!), we sat down to walk through the core estate planning documents that provide immediate protection for Michigan families.
Make sure to join our Michigan waitlist here to reserve your Founding Member pricing: $39 for the foundational estate planning documents outlined in this video:
If watching this conversation raised questions for you, you are not alone. We are building Mitzi to help women and families understand these documents and put the right protections in place in a clear, accessible way. You can join the Mitzi waitlist to receive updates and early access as we launch in Michigan.
Below are the three estate planning documents that provide immediate protection for many women and families in Michigan.
Health Care Power of Attorney in Michigan
A health care power of attorney allows you to name a trusted person to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to communicate.
This document is active during your life, not after death. As long as you can speak for yourself, you remain in control of your health care decisions. The health care power of attorney becomes relevant if you are unable to communicate due to illness, injury, anesthesia, or incapacity.
Many people assume a spouse or parent will automatically be able to step in. In Michigan, that is not always guaranteed. Hospitals often require clear legal authority before allowing someone to act on your behalf, especially in urgent or high stress situations.
This document is especially important for single women, engaged or unmarried partners, and anyone who wants to be very clear about who should speak for them and who should serve as a backup decision maker.
Financial Power of Attorney in Michigan
A financial power of attorney allows someone you trust to handle financial and administrative matters for you if you are unable or unavailable to do so yourself.
This can include paying bills, managing bank accounts, dealing with insurance companies, or handling everyday financial tasks. This document does not give someone ownership of your money. It gives them permission to act on your behalf.
In Michigan, being married or named as a beneficiary does not automatically allow someone to manage accounts while you are alive. Without a financial power of attorney, families often face delays and frustration when trying to access information or take action during already difficult moments.
This document is particularly important for parents, caregivers, business owners, and anyone managing a household or supporting others.
Many people only realize they need this document when something goes wrong. If you live in Michigan and want a simpler way to get organized before that happens, you can join the Mitzi waitlist to be notified when we launch.
Guardianship Designation for Minor Children in Michigan
If you have minor children, a guardianship designation is one of the most important estate planning steps you can take.
This document allows you to clearly state who you want to care for your children if both parents are unable to do so. Without a written designation, a Michigan court would need to decide who is appointed, even if family members believe the answer is obvious.
Having loving relatives is not enough. Courts rely on legal documents, not verbal conversations or assumptions. A guardianship designation provides clear guidance and helps prevent conflict among family members during an already emotional time.
This document should be reviewed as your family changes. Guardians named when children are infants may not be the right choice years later. Estate planning is not a one time task. It evolves as your life evolves.
Why These Documents Matter for Women in Michigan
Women are often the ones who step in when plans fail. They coordinate care, manage finances, and hold families together during moments of uncertainty. Having these documents in place is not about fear or worst case thinking. It is about preparation and control.
Starting with these three documents creates immediate protection and gives you a foundation you can build on over time. You do not need to do everything at once. You just need to start.
Getting Started with Estate Planning in Michigan
Estate planning laws are state specific, and documents must be valid under Michigan law to work properly. Using tools and resources designed for Michigan residents is an important first step.
If you live in Michigan and want to be notified when Mitzi launches, join the waitlist to receive updates and Founding Member pricing.
We are building Mitzi to make this process clearer, more approachable, and easier to complete. Know someone who needs Mitzi? Share this article and encourage them to join the list!
This article is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney client relationship. Estate planning laws vary by state. You should consult a licensed attorney in Michigan about your specific situation.
