Estate Planning in Michigan | MI Legal Resources | FastCounsel

What can I expect as a timeline for an initial insurance offer after we send a demand? — Michigan (MI)

Detailed Answer — What to expect after you send a demand After you submit a demand package to an insurer in Michigan, there is no one-size-fits-all clock that guarantees when you will get an initial offer. Timing depends on the type of claim (first-party No-Fault/PIP vs. third-party liability), the completeness of your demand, the insurer’s […]

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What Happens if a Will Is Lost or Destroyed in Michigan (MI)?

Detailed Answer Short answer: In Michigan, a will that is lost or destroyed is not necessarily invalid. A lost or destroyed will can still be admitted to probate if the person seeking to admit it proves the will’s execution and that the testator did not revoke it. If the testator intentionally destroyed the will with […]

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How can a personal representative confirm that a probate proceeding has concluded and a trust has been properly funded? (MI)

Detailed Answer As a personal representative (PR) in Michigan, you should take a few clear, document-based steps to confirm (1) the probate case is legally closed and (2) any revocable trust or other trust that should receive estate assets has actually been funded. Below is a practical, step‑by‑step checklist and an explanation of the legal […]

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Which financial powers can be granted through a power of attorney during incarceration? (MI)

Power of Attorney and Incarceration: Financial Powers You Can Grant in Michigan Detailed Answer — How a Michigan power of attorney can handle finances while you are incarcerated In Michigan, a principal (the person who grants authority) can give an agent (an attorney-in-fact) broad financial powers through a power of attorney (POA) so the agent […]

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What formal requirements ensure a power of attorney executed in prison is legally valid? (MI)

How to make a legally valid power of attorney from inside a Michigan prison Short answer: In Michigan a power of attorney (POA) signed while a person is incarcerated must meet the same statutory execution and capacity rules that apply outside prison—clear intent, mental capacity, and proper signing with either required witnesses or a notary […]

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What documentation is needed to prove ownership when filing a surplus funds claim? (MI)

Detailed Answer — Proving Ownership for a Michigan Surplus Funds Claim Short answer: To claim surplus funds from a Michigan foreclosure or sheriff sale you must show documentary proof that you owned the property interest entitled to the surplus at the time of the sale (or that you lawfully succeeded to that interest). That proof […]

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Can I become the personal representative of my sister's estate? – MI

Short answer Yes — in Michigan you can often serve as the personal representative (the term used in Michigan law for an executor or administrator) of your sister’s estate if you meet the legal qualifications and the court appoints you. Whether you are appointed depends on whether your sister left a will naming someone, whether […]

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Do wrongful death proceeds pass in accordance to the Decedent's Last Will and Testament? — MI

FAQ: How do wrongful death proceeds get distributed in Michigan? This FAQ explains, in plain language, how wrongful death money is handled under Michigan law. It covers who brings the claim, what kinds of recovery exist, and whether those proceeds pass under the decedents Last Will and Testament. This is educational information only and not […]

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How can I probate a will that was not witnessed or notarized in Michigan (MI)?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Under Michigan law, a valid will typically requires the testator’s signature and two qualifying witnesses. See MCL 700.2502. Notarization is not required for a will to be valid. If your will lacks witness signatures, you may still admit it […]

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How to Obtain and Submit an Original Will or Filed Copy During Probate Administration in Michigan

Detailed Answer When you begin probate administration in Michigan, you must locate and file the decedent’s original will or a certified copy with the probate court. Under Michigan law, the personal representative has 14 days from the date of appointment to present the original will to the Register of Probate in the county where the […]

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