» Estate Administration

A blue ballpoint pen rests on top of trust documents - difference between testate and intestate concept

What Is the Difference Between Testate and Intestate?

These words don’t usually come up in conversation, but if you have recently been involved in dealing with a loved one’s estate, you may have heard the words “testate” and “intestate” and wondered what they mean. They sound very similar, b… Read More
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woman going over documents - personal representative of estate concept

What is a Personal Representative of an Estate?

If someone close to you has recently died, you may have received communication from the “personal representative of the estate.” In this blog post, we’ll discuss what a personal representative is, what they do, and what your rights are if a per… Read More
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Last Will and testament document with pen - Find a will concept

What to Do If You Can’t Find the Will After Someone Dies

The days and weeks after a loved one’s death are difficult, as you deal with your grief and begin adjusting to life without your family member. Unfortunately, the mourning period often involves the need to probate your loved one’s estate. Probate… Read More
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Dollar or cash in burlap sacks and a white paper cut out of family on wood balance scale - Funding a trust concept

What Does It Mean to Fund a Trust?

Trusts have become increasingly popular as an estate planning tool in recent years. Trusts aren’t just for the wealthy. They are useful for anyone who does not want their assets to have to go through probate at their death. A trust is a legal relat… Read More
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Close up of death certificate - do I need a death certificate to open an estate in Michigan?

Do I Need a Death Certificate to Open an Estate in Michigan?

In the moments after a family member’s death, the need to open an estate for them is probably not the first thing on your mind. But in the days and weeks that follow, you will come to realize that you need to take steps to settle their estate—pay… Read More
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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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Home in the forefront - personal planning concept

How a Ladybird Deed Can Protect Your Home From Probate

Avoiding probate is a priority for many people, and understandably so; they don’t want their family, already grieving their loss, to be confronted with administrative difficulties in settling their estate. Estate planning tools, such as living trus… Read More
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Conceptual hand written text showing probate

When to Hire a Probate Lawyer

If someone close to you has died and their will puts you in charge of administering their estate, you have probably been told that the first thing you should do is hire a probate lawyer. Similarly, if a loved one has died without a will in Michigan,… Read More
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Close up of death certificate - do I need a death certificate to open an estate in Michigan?

Do I Need a Death Certificate to Open an Estate in Michigan?

A guide to alternative documents you can use to open an estate in Michigan when there is no death certificate. Read More
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Who Can Be Appointed a Pe…

Who Can Be Appointed a Personal Representative in a Probate Case?

A personal representative is the person in charge of overseeing and distributing the property owned solely by a deceased person, or decedent, at their death through the probate process. (Property owned jointly with others, or held in a trust, does no… Read More
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