» Probate & Trust Administration

How does a trust avoid probate? It’s in the details. In my experience, the primary reason most people set up trusts is to avoid probate. So, how does that work? Does the mere fact of having signed a trust cut out the probate court? Not quite. I… Read More

A recent Michigan Court of Appeals decision has served as a reminder that when it comes to interpreting a trust, clear language regarding your intentions can go a long way in resolving potential disputes and making sure your wishes are fulfilled. In… Read More

I heard yesterday from a client who discovered that uncashed checks made payable to her deceased father were turned over to the state of Michigan as having been abandoned. In order to claim the funds, she must reopen dad’s probate estate and get ne… Read More

In early spring of 2019, a home was damaged by fire, nearly a year after the homeowner’s death. The heirs submitted a claim under the homeowner’s policy, which had been issued in the name of the deceased. The insurance carrier denied the claim, c… Read More

The Michigan Secretary of State (“SOS”) has thrown us a curve. For as long as I can remember, it was possible to title a motor vehicle in the name of a trust. This was routinely done when a vehicle owner’s estate was being probated after death.… Read More

While developing your estate plan, a best first step is to identify your online accounts. And that’s a perfect time to consider the security and storage of your passwords as well. Most people don’t have hard copies of account statements anymore b… Read More

…Handles Probate Administration? “You mean you could handle that for us? We wouldn’t have to do anything?” I was at the deceased’s home, sitting with my clients at a table surrounded by piles of papers. My clients looked weary and were… Read More

We understand that preparing an estate plan is not always the most urgent priority for young families. Buying your first home, sleepless nights with a newborn, coordinating everyone’s packed schedules while trying to maintain your family’s sanity… Read More