Wills, Trusts And Estates

  After a person dies and leaves property behind, probate administration may be required to properly oversee and distribute the decedent’s assets according to Michigan law.  The probate court will have to determine if there was a last will and testament,...

  In 2016, Michigan was one of several states to pass its version of the Uniform Fiduciary Access To Digital Assets Act to update the state’s estate planning and probate administration rules to conform with the realities of the digital age.  In the past, if a...

  If the personal representative has completed all of the tasks required under the law (e.g. created an inventory, dealt with creditor claims, resolved tax issues, reached agreement on proposed property distributions, etc.), then the time has come to finalize...

  A father, who has been widowed for years, creates a last will and testament to distribute his assets to his only son and two daughters.  He is the proud owner of a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette that he keeps covered in a barn behind his home.  The fair market value...

  If a person dies and leaves property behind, then probate administration may be required to ensure that the decedent’s final affairs are wrapped up and that assets are distributed as required under the law.  The probate court will have to determine if there was...

  Without the body of the deceased person available as proof, it becomes significantly more difficult to declare someone as legally dead.  When someone is missing, it doesn’t necessary mean that they are deceased in the eyes of the law, but that person may still...

  When a personal representative finishes a decedent’s estate and either obtains either a certificate of completion or a court order from the probate judge, it is natural to assume that the entire matter is done forever.  However, circumstances may arise where it...

  Larry King was a famous television and radio show host that was well known for his interviews of the world’s prominent politicians, celebrities and social movers.  However, his death on January 23, 2021 revealed that his messy personal life has complicated his...

  Did you know that a person can create a valid trust without putting it on paper?  It seems unlikely in a modern world driven by formality and paper documents that such a thing is possible, but Michigan does recognize oral trusts as valid.  However, the...

  A personal representative is expected to complete his or her duties regarding the decedent’s estate within a reasonable period of time.  In fact, if the personal representative does not complete estate administration within one year of his or her appointment,...