What Is “Probate in Common Form” in MI (Michigan)?
Detailed Answer Short answer: Michigan does not use the phrase “probate in common form.” What many other states call that is most similar in Michigan to the state’s informal probate process under the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC). Informal probate lets a court admit a will and appoint a personal representative without a formal […]
Read article →Is Probate Administration Required When There Is No Will in MI?
What happens to a person’s property when they die without a will in Michigan? Short answer: Not always. Whether you must open a probate case depends on how the decedent’s assets are titled, whether beneficiaries or joint owners exist, and the estate’s size. Michigan law (the Estates and Protected Individuals Code) governs intestate succession and […]
Read article →How can one close an estate bank account and obtain the required closing statement? — MI
Detailed Answer This answer explains how a personal representative (executor) in Michigan closes an estate bank account and obtains the required closing statement. It uses a simple hypothetical to show typical steps and points you should know. This is educational information only and not legal advice. For statute-level rules, see the Michigan Estates and Protected […]
Read article →How to properly document and file receipts for payments to heirs or service providers in an estate? — MI
Detailed Answer — How to document and file receipts for estate payments in Michigan This FAQ explains, in plain language, how a personal representative (executor/administrator) should document and preserve receipts and proof of payments to heirs or to service providers when administering an estate in Michigan. The goal is to create a clear, auditable record […]
Read article →How to ensure third‑party claims and payments are accurately recorded in Michigan probate filings (MI)
Detailed Answer When someone dies and a probate estate is opened in Michigan, any payment made by a third party (for example, an insurer, a government program, a family member or a vendor) that affects estate assets or creditor obligations must be clearly recorded in the probate filings. Accurate recording protects the personal representative (executor/administrator), […]
Read article →How can next of kin qualify to be appointed as the estate administrator (MI)
FAQ: How can next of kin qualify to be appointed as the estate administrator under Michigan law? Quick answer: In Michigan, a next of kin can be appointed as the estate administrator (often called a personal representative) by filing the appropriate probate petition in the probate court for the county where the decedent lived, showing […]
Read article →What documents are required to apply for probate appointment and oath in MI?
Note: This article explains common Michigan probate filing requirements for applying for appointment as a personal representative (executor/administrator) and taking the required oath. It is educational only and is not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, contact a Michigan probate attorney or the probate court in the county where the decedent lived. Detailed answer — What […]
Read article →Which statements and financial documents are required for annual and final probate accountings in MI?
Detailed Answer This FAQ explains the statements and financial documents commonly required for annual and final probate accountings in Michigan. It is written for a reader with no legal background and uses plain language. This is educational only and not legal advice; if you need help preparing or filing an accounting, contact a Michigan probate […]
Read article →What steps can heirs take to resolve an elective share dispute through mediation in MI?
Detailed answer — How heirs can use mediation to resolve an elective-share dispute under Michigan law When a surviving spouse or other heirs contend that the will or estate plan does not give the surviving spouse the statutory elective share, parties can often avoid expensive and adversarial litigation by using mediation. Mediation is a voluntary, […]
Read article →What is the process for negotiating a creditor’s payoff amount in estate administration in Michigan (MI)?
Negotiating a Creditor’s Payoff Amount During Michigan Estate Administration: FAQ Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. Do not rely on this article as a substitute for advice from a licensed Michigan attorney who has reviewed your estate facts. Detailed Answer — How the negotiation process generally works under Michigan law When […]
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