estate planning and probate

When your parent or spouse is too sick to handle their own affairs, a nurse may hand you the discharge papers as if signing them were simply part of looking after a loved one. Recognizing what your signature does and does not cover under Michigan law can help you...

Losing a loved one is already painful. The last thing anyone wants is a complicated legal process on top of grief. So, handling probate without legal help can seem like a smart way to save money and time. However, probate in Michigan follows strict legal rules. One...

After you sign your will, you expect its terms to guide the settlement of your estate. However, if a court finds the document invalid, the distribution process can change. Establishing the controlling document When the court rejects your most recent will, it must...

Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family's future in Michigan. While many people postpone estate planning, understanding how a will supports your loved ones might encourage you to prioritize this essential document....

When someone you love can no longer manage their own medical or financial decisions, you face a practical question: do you rely on a power of attorney, or do you ask a court to appoint a guardian? Both options let someone step in, but they work very differently....

Joint ownership can shape what happens to your property after death. In Michigan, the way you hold title often decides whether assets pass through probate or move directly to someone else. Understanding these rules helps you plan with fewer surprises. Common types of...

Most parents want their children to share in their estate, but that isn’t the case every time. Some relationships break down, or parents feel one child has already received enough support. If you’re thinking about leaving a child out of your will, Michigan law sets...

Guardianship allows a competent adult to provide support for someone who cannot manage their own affairs. Frequently, concerned family members and professionals in Michigan can gather evidence about challenging circumstances to pursue guardianship. People dealing with...

Families have disagreements. It's a fact of life. But when a loved one dies, old wounds can reopen and new conflicts can arise. If you don't plan for these possibilities, you could leave your family with more heartache. Creating an estate plan that addresses potential...

A will is often the foundation for an estate plan. In some cases, it might be the only estate planning document a testator drafts. Regardless of how complex an estate plan is, ensuring that a will is valid and accurate is of the utmost importance. People who try to...