FAQ: What Is the Estates and Protected Individuals Code, or EPIC?
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 […]
“My Loved One Just Passed Away in Michigan. What Are My Next Steps?”
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 […]
Managing Creditors’ Claims and Resolving Debts During Michigan Probate
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; […]
Understanding Intestate Succession: What Happens if Someone Dies Without a Will in Michigan?
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 […]
Formal, Informal, and Supervised Estate Proceedings In Michigan
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 internal affairs […]
6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Personal Representative
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 […]
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 […]
