Estate Planning
What does an executor of the estate do in Michigan?
Writing a will involves careful thinking and planning. Besides choosing what beneficiaries receive particular assets, a will could provide other directives related to the estate. Another point worth noting is there could be unfinished business with the estate that...
Court procedures before appointing a disability guardian
Appointing a guardian to care for the inabilities of another human being in Michigan is a delicate matter. The challenges that arise often occur if the court hasn't fully prepared. For this reason, you can expect a thorough investigation to be made before any...
Dealing with debts of a deceased relative in Michigan
When someone passes away in Michigan, their debts don't die with them. If they had any outstanding balances, the responsibility of paying those bills falls on the shoulders of their estate. However, there are times when their family members might be held responsible....
What could delay a probate case?
If your Michigan home, a bank account or other assets remain in your estate when you pass away, they may need to be probated. In many cases, probate is a relatively easy and timely process. However, there are many reasons why a probate proceeding may be delayed. Are...
Avoiding common estate planning issues in Michigan
Estate planning is a great way to ensure that your assets reach your heirs and are passed down according to your wishes. However, it can get messy if you don't take the right steps or make errors along the way. To avoid any estate planning mess, do the following:...
What do you need to know about closing an estate in Michigan?
Closing an estate in Michigan is the last stage of your role as executor. When you close the estate, you are informing the court that you fulfilled your duties. You can expect the process to take at least five months because there are many tasks you need to complete...
How to choose the executor of your will in Michigan
When you are making estate plans, the executor of your estate is one of the most important decisions you will make. The executor is in charge of carrying out your wishes regarding the distribution of assets after death. Choosing an executor can be a difficult decision...
The truth about revocable trusts
When planning your estate in Michigan, you might want to consider protecting your current assets through a revocable trust. Irrevocable trusts aren't changeable in most cases although they still provide the basic services of a trust. With a revocable trust instead,...
What are advance directives?
In Michigan, there are two different kinds of advance directives that are recognized as legal and binding: the do not resuscitate declaration and the durable power of attorney for healthcare. These are important aspects of letting a person declare their health...
Middle-aged people are slacking on their estate plans
Middle-aged people in Michigan and around the country may be procrastinating on estate planning more than Generation Z, according to a 2021 survey. It found that, for the first time ever, people in the 35- to 54-year-old age group are less likely to have a will than...

