Articles Posted in Michigan

Who do you trust to carry out your wishes and make sure that your affairs are handled, when you’re no longer around to oversee these crucial decisions? While thinking about estate planning is not always the most enjoyable experience, it’s an incredibly important step forward — one that can help make things easier for your…

The probate court is not a comfortable setting for handling an estate. Not only are the emotions and stress high from losing someone dear, the process can either be long and arduous, quick and painless, or avoided altogether. With that said, many people often wonder just how long the probate process will take, from beginning…

What’s the difference between an heir and a devisee? Do you know what it means to be the beneficiary of a trust? Whether you are getting started with estate planning or facing the legal aftermath following a loved one’s passing, you’re sure to encounter many unfamiliar terms and concepts along the way. One area where…

Here in Michigan, many people use beneficiary designations as a way to transfer some of their most important assets outside of probate — including retirement accounts, life insurance policies, annuities, brokerage accounts, bank accounts, and other securities.  Indeed, for many estates, these nonprobate assets can constitute a large portion of what the decedent distributes to…

Dealing with the legal aftermath of a loved one’s passing can become complex, emotional, and time-consuming — particularly if you are named to serve as a trustee during the administration of your loved one’s estate. Put simply, a trustee is the person responsible for managing and distributing any of the assets held in a trust,…

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…