Probate & Estate Planning Blog

The passing of a loved one is incredibly difficult, and can be made even more so when this tragic loss leads to disagreements and arguments among family and friends. Some matters, such as a will contest, can put family members in opposition to each other — which may add to the level of stress involved…

When an individual passes away, their property must be gathered and distributed in line with their wishes and all applicable state laws — a process that is commonly referred to as probate.  If you want to simplify or avoid the Michigan probate process for your estate, one important aspect to understand is the distinction between…

Whether you are an heir or beneficiary to an estate or the personal representative responsible for guiding the decedent’s assets through the probate courts, it’s important to understand the legal aftermath that follows when someone passes away, commonly referred to as probate or estate administration. Broadly speaking, the term “probate” is often used as a…

What would you do if you found yourself in a position in which you needed to act on behalf of an incapacitated spouse, parent, or sibling — or required someone trustworthy to carry out your wishes and manage your affairs? To navigate these tricky situations with confidence and peace of mind, it’s crucial to understand…

Losing a loved one can be an incredibly difficult and stressful time. On top of dealing with the grief of your loss, it’s also important to consider the legal aftermath your family must face as your loved one’s estate moves through the Michigan probate courts. Estate administration and probate can become even more complex when…

Broadly speaking, a guardian is a person who has legal responsibility for another person, and is put in charge of his or her well-being. Under Michigan’s Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), a guardian may be needed when an individual cannot make informed general care and control decisions for themselves, whether due to their age…

In Michigan, it’s incredibly important to understand the concepts of guardianship and conservatorship — two legal ways to help maintain the well-being of an individual who is not able to care for themselves. In order to grasp the reality of guardianship and conservatorship issues, it’s also crucial to know what it means to be incapacitated,…

Preparing a comprehensive estate plan can help ensure that your most important assets will be managed in accordance with your wishes both during your lifetime, and after you pass away. Just as crucially, your estate plan can help ensure that your loved ones will be supported during a difficult and emotional time. Here in Michigan,…

Whether you’re a married couple buying a home together; family members planning to share a vacation home or cottage; or business partners ready to purchase and develop an investment property, it’s important to understand the different ways in which real property may be co-owned here in Michigan. There are multiple forms of co-ownership for real…

In Metro Detroit and the State of Michigan, the probate courts oversee special types of cases involving estates and trusts, as well as the protection of minors and incapacitated adults through guardianships and conservatorships. Any lawsuits, claims, contests, or disputes relating to those issues may broadly be said to fall under the umbrella of “probate…