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Close-up Of Gavel And Banknote In Courtroom - probate lawyer cost

How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost?

In the aftermath of a loved one’s death, you face another challenge: administering the deceased person’s (decedent’s) estate, otherwise known as going through probate. Probate is the court-supervised process of settling the decedent’s debts a… Read More
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Categories: Probate Litigation
Cottage with keys - gavel and house model - What is a Cottage Trust concept

What is a Cottage Trust?

A cottage trust is a legal tool designed to help families preserve their cherished cottages for generations. In Michigan, many families own cottages that hold great sentimental value and serve as gathering places for loved ones. However, passing down… Read More
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Categories: Trusts
An African-American family with a 10 year old daughter sitting in the back yard petting their dog, a mini Australian shepherd - Common Estate Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Concept

Common Estate Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy; it’s for anyone who wants to protect their loved ones and ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes. Without an estate plan, Michigan law decides who inherits your property, wh… Read More
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Categories: Estate planning
stacks of coins with little icons on top depicting family, house, savings, money, and tax - when should i start estate planning concept

When Should I Start Estate Planning?

Estate planning is a critical step toward ensuring your loved ones (and assets) are protected in the future. Many people delay it, thinking it’s something to consider later in life. However, starting early allows you to control your legacy and… Read More
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Categories: Estate planning
Selective focus of gavel and red tag written with PROBATE on white wooden background.

When Is Probate Litigation The Right Choice in Michigan?

Probate disputes typically involve private family matters: the death of a loved one, conflict over an inheritance or concern over the decline of a elder relative. The best outcome is to resolve disputes about family members privately without the inte… Read More
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Categories: Probate Litigation
Word broken over black background. Breach of fiduciary duty concept.

What is a “Breach of Fiduciary Duty?”

When someone is trusted to manage another person’s assets or make decisions on their behalf, they’re held to a high standard of care. This responsibility is called a fiduciary duty, and it’s a big deal, especially in probate law. But what happe… Read More
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What is Undue Influence?

What is Undue Influence?

What Is Undue Influence? Undue influence occurs when an often elderly or person with diminished capacity, is subjected to threats, misrepresentation, undue flattery, fraud or physical or moral coercion. This overpowers the person’s free agency… Read More
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person sitting at a computer with documents and a model of a house in background - mistakes personal representatives make concept

Common Mistakes Personal Representatives Make

Probate is the process of settling a deceased person’s estate through the probate court system. Being named the personal representative of another person’s estate is a big responsibility; you are charged with carrying out someone’s last wishes,… Read More
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photo of a young woman and her mother - guardianship for elderly parent concept

Guardianship of Elderly Parents: How to Care for Aging Relatives

Few things are more difficult than seeing your elderly parent in physical and mental decline, and having to provide care for the person to whom you have always looked to for care and guidance. Unfortunately, when a senior becomes unable to care for h… Read More
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Toy house, gavel and text PROBATE. pro and cons of probate concept

Pros and Cons of Probate

For many people, one of the primary goals of estate planning, other than providing for their family, is to avoid probate. Estate planning attorneys encourage people to keep their assets out of probate so often, in fact, that it is common for people t… Read More
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