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woman with her pet cat - Pet Trust and Estate Planning for Pet Owners Concept

Don't Forget Your Pets in Your Estate Plan!

Legally, pets are considered property. But anyone who actually has a pet understands that they are much more than that—pets are members of the family. You create an estate plan to protect the human members of your family. But have you considered es… Read More
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elderly woman in a hospital - guardianship concept

A Simple Guide To Filing For An Adult Guardianship In Michigan

What is Adult Guardianship? Filing for an adult Guardianship can appear daunting at first. However, with some simple guideline, the process can be straightforward. A Guardianship allows a person to make medical and placement decisions for another per… Read More
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Do I need a will?

Do I Need A Will?

More than half of American adults don’t have a last will and testament or any type of estate plan. Many of them have been meaning to get around to estate planning, but have put it off for one reason or another. But many others simply don’t see th… Read More
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Senior Woman - Emergency guardianship concept

When is Getting Emergency Guardianship Appropriate?

As adults, we are accustomed to making our own decisions and managing our own affairs, both personal and financial. Unfortunately, sometimes adults become unable to take care of their own needs, and someone else needs to step in to assist them, for t… Read More
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Categories: Guardianships
Inheriting a house with a mortgage

What Happens When You Inherit a House with a Mortgage?

Inheriting property can be complicated, both emotionally and financially. This is especially true when your inheritance is a house. You are likely still dealing with the loss of your loved one, and now must make decisions about what happens to their… Read More
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House Model With Gavel In Front Of A Businessperson

When Should the Personal Representative of an Estate Be Removed?

A personal representative (PR) of an estate is in a position of trust. The PR is the person appointed by the probate court to manage and distribute a deceased person’s (decedent’s) estate. The PR may be an executor named in a will, or someone sel… Read More
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Categories: Probate Litigation
How 2021 Estate Tax Legis…

How 2021 Estate Tax Legislation in Congress May Impact Your Estate Plan

Since the moment President Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 election, attorneys, tax planners, and financial professionals have speculated about how the new administration might change the tax landscape, particularly with regard to estate ta… Read More
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elder abuse michigan

Michigan to Assist Probate Attorneys in Fighting Elder Abuse

In Michigan, when an adult becomes incapable of making good decisions for him- or herself, someone needs to step in and help. Often that person is a guardian or conservator. A guardian makes personal decisions for a legally incapacitated person (ward… Read More
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Proposed Guardianship Ref…

Proposed Guardianship Reforms in Michigan

Legal guardianship is not an issue most people think about unless it is splashed across websites and tabloid television, as in the Britney Spears guardianship saga. But the reality is that guardianship abuse is widespread, even though it rarely gets… Read More
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no contest clause

Should I Include a No-Contest Clause in My Will?

Your last will and testament is supposed to give effect to your wishes for what happens to your property after your death. Having a will typically promotes family harmony by making your wishes clear and preventing your family from fighting over what… Read More
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Categories: Probate Law