Articles Posted in Probate

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…

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…

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…