Legally Speaking
The Family Farm
by Amanda Roggenbuck

Michigan Department of Agriculture recently released a Michigan Food and Agriculture Profile, and the Thumb area ranked highly in many areas. In fact, in many areas the Thumb had top 10 rankings; several first and second rankings have been awarded to the Thumb area. The Thumb boasts a strong heritage of agriculture and supporting industries.

The point of mentioning this study is to reiterate the value and need to prepare for the future. If you fail to plan appropriately, the State of Michigan will determine who inherits your property and in what shares. Failing to plan for the future puts your family farm in jeopardy.

Key questions to consider are the following:

1. How do I know if my wishes will be followed?
2. How is my property distributed if I do not have a will or trust?
3. Is it necessary to have a medical power of attorney?
4. What happens to me and my family if I don’t have a medical power of attorney?
5. Is it important to have a durable power of attorney?
6. What happens to me and my family if I don’t have a durable power of attorney?

If after you ask yourself these questions and you don’t have everything set into an estate plan that meets your wishes, it is important to meet with an attorney and review your options.

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