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 […]
Everything You Need to Know About Probate Litigation in Michigan
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 […]
Probate: A Working Definition for Michigan Families
After losing a loved one many face a difficult and emotional time — and it can be made even more complex and frustrating with the addition of formal legal proceedings and the potential for nasty disputes and prolonged contests. This is why it is so important in Michigan to plan ahead for probate, and all […]
