When someone dies, the next step is opening probate so that their will can be authenticated, their debts paid and their assets distributed as their estate is settled. Most executors will enlist an attorney’s help to get them through the process. What do you need to...
Probate
Understand financial responsibility for an estate
When a loved one dies, they might leave behind debts. These can include things like medical bills, credit card accounts, tax liabilities and similar items. It is up to the executor of the estate to get these paid out of the estate in accordance with state laws....
Items with no monetary value may be hardest to divide
When dividing a parent’s estate, if not given a complete plan on how to do so, dividing the financial assets may be the easy part. It’s the items that are worth nothing that can often bring up the most problems. For example, maybe your parents left you and your...
The right attorney fills an important role in the probate process
When you are entering probate, you will benefit from as much support as you can find. This is particularly important if it is your first foray into the Michigan probate process. In nearly all cases, your support team should include an attorney with experience handling...
Who is responsible for paying a decedent’s debts?
When a person passes away, creditors usually aren’t going to stop trying to collect what they are due. Instead, they might try to use some harsh tactics to collect. Some might ask for a copy of the death certificate and others will push hard to get someone to pay the...
Newly named an executor? Don’t get overwhelmed
Your loved one passed away unexpectedly, and it has left you reeling. You have to handle their estate, but you don’t even know where to start. You’d never spoken to them about being the executor, and it’s not a job you’re prepared to handle. In this case, this may be...
Probate: Get help when you need it most
Having to deal with probate when you just lost a loved one is difficult. The problems you may be facing are complex, and the case could be long, drawn out and emotional. It’s important to make sure that you have the right support if your loved one’s estate goes...
Will contests impact the entire family
When a loved one passes away, their estate plan might have an executor named. This individual guides the estate through the probate process, and they have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. One thing that some might have to deal with is an unhappy heir or...