Edward Gudeman

Gudeman & Associates, P.C. is a team of knowledgeable attorneys who assist individuals, families and businesses. For over 45 years, we have used our experience, expertise and knowledge of laws to ensure Michigan residents, their families and business are protected. Gudeman attorneys possess a comprehensive background in multiple practices including Estate Planning, Business Planning, Federal and State Taxation, Real Estate and other legal services.

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Michigan

State Bar of Michigan

President/Managing Attorney

Gudeman & Associates, P.C.

1971 - Current

Edward Gudeman graduated from the University of Michigan Law School at twenty-three years of age. He has practiced in many areas of the law and is an experienced, knowledgeable and aggressive practitioner.

University of Michigan Law School

J.D.

1971

American Bankruptcy Institute

Member

2009 - Current

Consumer Bankruptcy Association

Member

2007 - Current

United States Supreme Court Bar

Member

1978 - Current

United States Tax Court

Member

1975 - Current

6th Circuit Court of Appeals

Member

1975 - Current

Real Estate Broker

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affiars

2001

Q. My husband has just started getting his wages garnished. Do we have any options

January 8, 2025

A: In order for your husband's wages to be garnished, the creditor has already obtained a judgment against him. If you cannot negotiate a payment plan for the amount of the judgment, the alternative is to file a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Filing a bankruptcy may eliminate the entire debt or may reduce the amount to be paid, dependent upon other circumstances that are not described in your question.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Michigan typically costs between $1200-$1500 plus filing fees and costs to provide pre-filing credit counseling and post filing debtor education and a uptodate credit report.

A Chapter 13 may be started for less down but is more expensive overall, but the legal fees are paid as part of a plan which can be exgtended over 36-60 months. ... Read More

Q. My husband owns three LLC's, no end of life docs. If he dies, do those businesses transfer to me, or include his sons?

April 2, 2024

A: The LLC membership interests will be part of your husband's intestate probate estate. Consequently, state law will determine the ultimate beneficiaries.

Both of you should endeavor to get operating agreements done for the LLCs and you should both get wills and, at least, a revocable trust. The LLC interests can be assigned to the trust and the trust can provide for the distribution of the membership interests.

The circumstances that you describe call for the drafting and implementation of a succession plan for the operation of the businesses as well.

Q. As a listed beneficiary, do I have rights to request a copy of the trust in its entirety as it applies to all parties?

February 2, 2024

A: Under Michigan law, the trustees must provide you with the portions of the trust that relate to your rights to distributions, etc. There is nothing in the statutes to compel them to provide you with the entire trust document.

As a practical matter, however, many of the probate judges do not believe that providing only the dipositive sections of a trust is sufficient and will order that a complete version of the trust is distributed to the beneficiaries.