Blog

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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elderly woman in a hospital - guardianship concept

What is a Guardian?

In Michigan, the need for guardianship is growing as the numbers of aging adults with diminished capacity increase. In this blog post, I explain what a guardian does, as well as a guardian’s powers and limitations. What is a Guardian? A guardia… Read More
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revocable trust - Suzanne R. Fanning PLLC

Do I Need A Trust In Michigan?

One of the most common questions I am asked by a new client in an initial estate interview is “Do I need a trust?” The following are circumstances where a trust might be necessary or helpful to your asset planning: Tax Planning A trust ma… Read More
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man drinking whiskey - AUD in Elders Concept

Alcohol Use Disorder in Elder Adults

Alcohol Abuse in Elders By 2030, one-third of the U.S. population will be age 55 or older. There is no reason why elder adults should not be able to drink responsibly as they age. However, excessive alcohol abuse, known as Alcohol Abuse Disorder (AUD… Read More
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What Information Should The Personal Representative Give Estate Beneficiaries

What Information Should a Personal Representative Provide to Estate Beneficiaries? Frustrated heirs will often contact me, frustrated at the lack of information they have received in a probate estate. Unfortunately, estate heirs and devisees don̵… Read More
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woman signing papers - undue influence concept

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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Good Will Hunting? What to do if you can't find the will after someone dies

What to do if you can’t find the will after someone dies When a loved one dies, one of the first things you might need to do is look to see if he or she left a will. However, what do you do if you can’t find the original will? Surprisingl… Read More
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