Proving Paternity for Inheritance in Michigan: What to Do When Your Father’s Name Isn’t on Your Birth Certificate
How to Prove You Are Your Father's Child for Inheritance in Michigan Detailed answer — steps to establish parentage and protect inheritance rights If your father’s name does not appear on your birth certificate, you can still prove you are his child for purposes of inheritance. In Michigan, establishing that a decedent is your parent […]
Read article →How to Protect an Inheritance in Michigan When an Estate Is Contested
Protecting an Inheritance in Michigan When a Family Member Contests an Estate Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Michigan probate attorney to discuss the specifics of your situation. Brief answer — what to do first If someone contests an estate in Michigan, act quickly. Preserve documents and evidence, contact the […]
Read article →How to Be Appointed Administrator of a Sibling’s Estate in Michigan
Becoming the Personal Representative (Administrator) of a Sibling’s Estate in Michigan Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This article explains general Michigan probate concepts and steps you can expect when seeking appointment as the personal representative (administrator) of a sibling’s estate. This is educational information, not legal advice. For legal advice about your situation, contact […]
Read article →Notifying Heirs When Opening Probate in Michigan: Required Notices and Practical Steps
Notifying heirs and interested persons when opening probate in Michigan Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Michigan probate attorney for advice about your specific situation. Detailed answer — what notices you need to send in Michigan When you open a probate estate in Michigan, […]
Read article →Michigan — Finalizing Probate When a Will Is Outdated and Getting Authority to Sell Property
FAQ: Finalizing Probate When a Will Is Outdated and Getting Authority to Sell Real Property in Michigan Short answer: If a will is outdated, the probate court follows the most recent valid will and Michigan’s probate rules. To sell real property that belonged to the decedent you generally need to be appointed the personal representative […]
Read article →Michigan: Selling a Home with a Reverse Mortgage When the Lender Asks for Renunciation Letters
How to sell a home subject to a reverse mortgage when the lender keeps requesting renunciation letters Short answer: The lender is asking for written confirmation about who will (or will not) claim an interest in the property so it can process a sale or payoff. In Michigan you do not usually need to sign […]
Read article →What to Do When a Relative Refuses to Renounce Appointment — Michigan Probate Guidance
How to Proceed When a Priority Heir Won't Renounce Appointment as Personal Representative (Michigan) Short answer: If a relative (your uncle) refuses to sign a written renunciation that would let you qualify as personal representative, you can try to get a voluntary renunciation, show the court that the relative is unavailable or disqualified, or ask […]
Read article →Michigan: First Steps to Confirm Legal Ownership of a Portion of Your Grandfather’s Land
Detailed Answer If you need to confirm who legally owns a part of land that belonged to your grandfather in Michigan, start with the public records that document who holds title. The single most important first step is to locate and review the recorded deed(s) and the chain of title for the parcel at the […]
Read article →Michigan: Challenging Transfers Made Under a Power of Attorney — What You Need to Know
Short answer: Yes — transfers an agent made under a power of attorney (POA) can sometimes be challenged in Michigan if you have a good reason to believe the principal (your grandfather) lacked the required mental capacity at the time the POA was signed or when the transfers were made, or if the agent abused […]
Read article →Michigan: What Happens to Joint Bank Accounts and Property When Someone Dies Without a Will
How Michigan law treats jointly owned bank accounts and property when someone dies without a will Detailed Answer When a Michigan resident dies without a valid will (intestate), what happens to assets depends on how each asset is titled and whether a legal right of survivorship exists. Below is a plain-language explanation of the common […]
Read article →