Decedent’s Estates

Probate for a decedent’s estate is the legal process by which a person’s will is validated by the Probate Court. The provisions of the will dictate how the individual’s debts are paid and assets are distributed upon death. If a person passes away without a will, then assets are distributed in accordance with Michigan law. Estate administration includes the probate process as well as non-probate transfers of the deceased’s assets, such as life insurance, annuities, qualified plans, and trust assets and compliance with applicable estate tax requirements.

We will assist the personal representative of the estate in the gathering, valuation, accounting, and distribution of the decedent’s assets. We will work with the personal representative’s other professionals (i.e. CPAs and financial advisors) to facilitate the preparation of tax returns and the distribution of decedent’s assets. We will also prepare the appropriate documents to facilitate the transfer of a decedent’s real estate. It is my responsibility to assure that all steps are properly taken in order to carry out the decedent’s intent in accordance with the law. We will also provide ancillary probate services for out-of-state clients with property in Michigan.