FAQ: ‘How Long Does Probate Take In Michigan?’
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 […]
Closing and Reopening a Decedent Estate in Michigan
If you are currently facing the legal aftermath following the passing of a loved one, you are sure to have questions. Whether you are an heir, a beneficiary, or have been named as a personal representative, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of the process that the deceased’s estate succumbs to in the […]
What are the Differences Between Heirs, Beneficiaries, and Devisees?
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 […]
Can You Contest the Beneficiary Designation on a Life Insurance Policy or Retirement Account?
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 […]
Understanding the Important Responsibilities of a Trustee
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, […]
When Can You Contest a Will in Michigan?
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 […]
Probate Vs. Nonprobate Assets
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 […]
What Issues Can Come Up During Estate Administration?
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 […]
Serving as a Personal Representative: What You Need to Know
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 […]
Joint Tenancy Vs. Tenancy in Common Vs. Tenants by the Entireties
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 […]