A Michigan Trust Agreement — Irrevocable is a legally binding document that establishes a trust in the state of Michigan. It is used to transfer assets from the granter (the person creating the trust) to a trustee, for the benefit of the trust's beneficiaries. This type of trust is considered "irrevocable" because once it is established, it cannot be revoked, amended, or changed without the consent of all parties involved. One of the key purposes of an Irrevocable Trust Agreement in Michigan is to protect assets and ensure their proper management and distribution according to the granter's wishes. By placing the assets within the trust, the granter can safeguard them from potential creditors, estate taxes, and other financial challenges. This can be particularly beneficial in estate planning, asset protection, and Medicaid planning. There are different types of Irrevocable Trust Agreements that can be established in Michigan, depending on the specific needs and goals of the granter. Some common types include: 1. Medicaid Irrevocable Trust: This trust is designed to protect assets from being counted as available resources when determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits. By transferring assets into the trust, the granter can secure long-term care coverage while still preserving some wealth for their loved ones. 2. Charitable Remainder Trust: This type of trust allows the granter to donate assets to a charitable organization while still receiving income from those assets during their lifetime. After the granter's death, the remaining assets in the trust are distributed to the chosen charity. 3. Special Needs Trust: This trust is established to provide financial support for individuals with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for government benefits. It allows the granter to ensure that the beneficiary's needs are met while maintaining their eligibility for programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 4. Life Insurance Trust: This trust is created to hold and manage life insurance policies for estate planning purposes. By placing the policies within the trust, the death benefit proceeds can be excluded from the granter's taxable estate, potentially reducing estate taxes. Michigan Trust Agreements — Irrevocable provide a range of benefits and protections for granters and beneficiaries alike. Whether used for Medicaid planning, asset protection, charitable giving, or other purposes, these trust agreements offer a solid framework to ensure that assets are managed and distributed in accordance with the granter's intentions. Consulting with an attorney or estate planner experienced in Michigan trust law is advisable to create a tailored trust agreement that suits individual needs.