The probate process can sometimes become challenging. Most small or simple estates can move through the process fairly easily without a lot of hassle. However, you never can know when a simple estate may become complex because of someone who has issues with your will...
Probate
Should an executor also be a beneficiary?
While deciding how to distribute your assets to your loved ones after your death, you also have to choose someone to be the executor of your estate. Your executor will make sure that your heirs receive their inheritance, so you want someone you can trust. In your...
What should you know about undue influence?
When dealing with the probate process, it is also possible to deal with manipulators who have something they want to gain out of it. These manipulators may try to use numerous tactics against an individual in order to gain one or several things from an estate plan, so...
A look at probate and non-probate assets in Michigan
The probate procedure in Michigan can seem confusing to many people, especially those who have little experience in the process. Some assets in certain circumstances must go through probate court, while other assets in certain circumstances do not. A better...
When is probate required in Michigan?
Depending on circumstances, when someone dies in Michigan, his or her estate may have to go through probate, which is the process involved in authenticating a will and transferring assets to certain people. Whether an estate must go through probate depends on certain...
How can you reduce inheritance conflict?
Though you ideally wish for your children to come together and support each other after your death, this is not necessarily always the case. In fact, in many families, brutal inheritance disputes can rip people apart, ruining relationships for years or even a lifetime...
What are non-probate assets?
When a person dies, something has to happen with his or her assets and outstanding debts. Probate is a legal process that deals with administering the deceased person's estate, including collecting and distributing assets, paying debts and taking care of final...
How could an attorney assist with settling my estate’s finances?
When a probate attorney acts as your personal representative, your heirs may benefit from his or her experience in settling complex financial affairs. Your outstanding debts and your estate's taxes generally need resolving before the court transfers property to those...
Valid reasons for contesting a will
Most wills go through the probate process with no issues. However, there may be a time when someone wants to contest the will. A person cannot take legal action just because he or she does not like what the decedent put in the will. There are very specific reasons why...
What is the role of a jury in probate court?
Probate court generally moves smoothly with little trouble finalizing the estate. Sometimes, though, there can be issues that come up, which would require a trial to make a determination. The Michigan Court Rules explain during the probate process, it is possible to...
