Michigan Trust

What a focused planning day can look like.

This fictional example shows one way to organize a focused planning day. You can instead choose several shorter meetings, with time between them to think and talk with family. The times shown are illustrative. Decisions, draft review and signing can continue beyond the day whenever needed.

Want to have some fun?

  1. 8:00
    Eric · Michigan TrustMessages

    Hey, good morning, Jack and Jill! This is Eric. I’ve reviewed your file, and I’m really excited to work through your estate-planning decisions with you.

    Jack, it looks like we may have had the same coach—you in college and me back in middle school. Small world! I’m looking forward to hearing more when we talk.

    Oh, no way—that’s so cool! I should be free between 9:30 and 10, but I have a hard stop at 10 for a meeting.

    We can start with a brief check-in and arrange more time whenever needed. I’d love to talk with each of you.

  2. Illustration of our morning call with Jill

    We’ll catch you when we can.

    Coffee in hand, Jill talks us through the family story. A short conversation gives us a starting point without taking over the morning.

  3. Eric’s handwritten task list on a yellow legal pad: review Jill’s notes, update family and assets, questions for Jack, confirm their choices, draft their plan, and check every detail.
  4. Illustration of our call with Jack, with a different attorney pose

    We work around your schedule to confirm facts and details.

    After his meeting, Jack joins a quick call from his office. We confirm his concerns and choices, then connect them with Jill’s conversation.

  5. Eric and the receptionist wearing AirPods while comparing the design worksheet and drafts

    Internally, we compare the design sheet with the drafts.

    We compare the design sheet with the draft internally, check that your choices carry through, and identify anything that needs a quick follow-up.

  6. Illustration of Jill answering a text at lunch with friends

    One quick question after lunch.

    Jill can answer a small question while she’s out with friends. We keep the message short and the day moving.

    1:20
    Kara · Michigan TrustMessages

    Hi Jill, it’s Kara. One quick detail: what is Shannon’s date of birth?

    January 3, 1984. Thanks for checking!

    Got it. Enjoy your afternoon!

  7. Illustration of Eric working through trust drafts at his computer with lunch nearby

    Working through the drafts.

    Lunch stays nearby while Eric works through the documents, checks the details, and incorporates the day’s confirmed instructions.

  8. 2:30
    Eric · Michigan TrustMessages

    Hey guys, your drafts are ready. I’ve sent them over with your details highlighted.

    Review them when you can, and send me any questions or changes.

    Perfect. We’ll look through them together this afternoon.

    Your drafts are ready.

    We send a link to your preliminary plan, with the important details marked for review. Read it when your day gives you a moment.

  9. Illustration of Jack and Jill reviewing their plan near volleyball practice

    Review it where you are.

    Outside a quick dinner stop on the way to their daughters’ volleyball practice, Jack and Jill read the plan together on their phone. No extra trip to a law office.

  10. 4:53
    Eric · Michigan TrustMessages

    Hey Eric, one little change. I noticed my cousin’s name was spelled incorrectly—it’s Shannon Smyth.

    Thanks for catching it. I’ll correct it and send the revised copy right back.

    One little change? Send it over.

    A name needs correcting. A quick message is all it takes to put the change back in our hands.

  11. Split-screen illustration of Eric texting his clients and their phone showing: Revised plan sent. Thanks for the update!

    Correct it. Check it. Send it back.

    We make the change, check it through the plan, and return the updated version. Jack and Jill receive the updated plan before the evening review.

  12. Illustration of Jack and Jill reviewing their plan by video from their parked car

    The draft review comes to you.

    From their parked car beside soccer practice, Jack and Jill join us on video. We walk through the revised draft together and answer their remaining questions.

    Review. Approve. Keep moving.

    We confirm the choices reflected in the draft and explain the separate signing and follow-through steps.

  13. 7:50
    Eric · Michigan TrustMessages

    Everything looks good. We approve the plan. Thank you!

    Your draft is approved. We’ll confirm signing and delivery arrangements next.

    Draft approved. Next steps agreed.

    Jack and Jill confirm their approval, and we handle the next steps.

  14. 7:57
    Kara → Eric · Michigan TrustMessages

    Jack and Jill approved their draft. Next, confirm signing arrangements and document delivery, then track the asset steps that remain.

    Thanks, Kara. Please keep those next steps on the checklist.

    The final check stays with us.

    Kara checks the approved draft and records the signing, delivery, and funding steps still to complete.

  15. Illustration of Jack and Jill relaxing at the end of their day

    The draft is approved. Life carries on.

    Jack and Jill end the day with their draft approved and a clear checklist for signing and follow-through. They know what is finished, what remains, and who will handle each step.

    “We made the decisions and reviewed our draft without an extra trip to the office.”

    Next step: Funding

Your choice of pace

Start with your story.

Choose a focused planning day or several shorter meetings. Let’s build the plan around your life.

Talk with us

What will we ask you?

Preview the questions, compare the roles, and understand your choices.

See the questions & roles ↗