Articles Posted in Michigan

Estate planning is one of the most useful and important steps you can take to prepare for the future — but it is also one of the most commonly misunderstood.  There are plenty of myths and misconceptions out there about estate planning and probate, which hold people back from taking action when they have the…

If you spend any time researching matters relating to guardianships, conservatorships, wills, trusts, and estate administration in Michigan, you’re bound to come across the phrase “EPIC.” Short for “Estates and Protected Individuals Code,” this refers to the act that governs matters relating to the administration of estates of deceased persons and protected individuals in our…

Losing a loved one can be an incredibly difficult time. On top of the understandable grief and devastation at losing someone dear — whether a parent, sibling, spouse, or grandparent — this moment can also bring confusion and uncertainty. There are many logistical steps and important decisions that must be taken after someone dies in…

Over the course of a lifetime, we all acquire assets and possessions — and most of us also take on debt, in some form or another. What happens to those debts when you pass on? That’s where probate comes in.   One of the most important aspects of the Michigan probate process is receiving creditors’ claims;…

If someone passes away without a will in Michigan, many of their assets will become subject to our state’s rules of intestate succession. Broadly speaking, this means that the courts will step in and make determinations about how the decedent’s property will be distributed among their surviving family members. Anyone who stands to inherit under…

In estate planning, mechanisms such as wills and trusts can help guide and direct your assets after you pass away. What happens if you become incapacitated due to an accident or illness, and are unable to make or communicate about important decisions while you’re still alive? That’s where incapacity planning comes in.  It is never…

The passing of a loved one can be incredibly difficult — particularly when you are put in the position of helping guide their estate through Michigan’s complex and intimidating probate court system.  In Michigan, the probate court has jurisdiction over matters that relate to the settlement of a deceased individual’s estate, including:  The legal aftermath…

Whether you are hoping to encourage a loved one to begin the estate planning process, or looking for the best ways to discuss your personal plans and expectations with your family, there is never a wrong time to get started. With that being said, many people in Michigan avoid talking about estate planning matters —…

A will is an important estate planning document for anyone who is looking to prepare for the future care of their family and assets. Wills are one of the most cost-effective ways to plan for the distribution of your estate. If you do not choose, the State makes those crucial decisions for you — and…

For many families, the responsibility for managing an elderly parent’s finances often falls to members of the “Sandwich Generation” — that is, their adult children, many of whom juggle senior care while raising kids of their own at the same time.  If you are considering stepping in and helping an elderly loved one to take…