Probate Litigation

Contesting a Will in Michigan

Many pop culture references made it seem that will contests are aggravated in nature and have effects on the family of those involved. In reality, it’s a legal interest, not personal. If you suspect the will your loved one left is not what they intended it to be, you may

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What happens if estate assets are missing?

During the probate process, the personal representative (which is sometimes referred to as the executor) will inventory the estate of the deceased. Occasionally, documents or assets that the personal representative knows about may be difficult to find. A missing asset may have been misplaced over time, but problems can arise

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Michigan probate litigation can become complicated

After the loss of a loved one, few surviving family members have the energy to focus on legal issues or potential estate complications. However, lack of action or a misunderstanding of the probate process can result in probate litigation and other legal complications for grieving families. Michigan families can minimize conflict

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A will challenge can occur for a number of reasons

A valid will is an essential part of any estate plan since it outlines how an individual’s assets are to be distributed upon death. Even if it is executed in accordance with all applicable Michigan laws, that does not mean that it will not be challenged when the time comes.

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Probate litigation and other services can help families

When the death of a loved one has occurred, a complex legal process may be just beginning. During this emotional transition, families should know the benefits of legal support so as to be prepared for any probate litigation situation or any other legal services that may be needed. Michigan families can

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Reasons a Michigan family may pose a will challenge

Even when there is a legal will in place and a family member has taken adequate estate planning steps, the family left behind may not fully agree with that will or have specific reasons to dispute the estate plan. When a Michigan family believes there is reason to dispute the

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Reasons Michigan families may face a will challenge

Despite the best intentions of a family member, there are many circumstances that can lead to family strife or legal disputes after a loved one has died. While every Michigan family may be vastly different, there are common reasons or mistakes that may lead a family to deal with a

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Will challenge unfolds after politician’s mom passes

While the importance of drafting a will can’t be overstated, there are incidents where the presence of a will does nothing to stop family disputes from unfolding after a death. This can be true especially between children after the death of a parent in Michigan. A recent will challenge is

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Paper supplier delays probate for some in Michigan

Following the death of a loved one, families are often eager to make all the final arrangements and settle that person’s estate. This can be a long process that includes finding all the estate planning documents including the will, identifying all the heirs to the estate, dealing with life insurance

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Probate litigation is seldom simple

Many people prepare wills and trusts during their lifetime to help ensure their wishes are adhered to following their death. Michigan courts generally try to uphold the wishes of a decedent outlined in valid trust documents and last wills and testaments. Competency is one of the requirements for any legal

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Michigan probate litigation ends with $23 million settlement

A years-long probate litigation case was settled in Kalamazoo recently, resulting in a $23 million award for the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. In his will, the founder of The Upjohn Co. requested that 2,000 shares of stock from the company be placed in a fund. Five years after his death, the funds were

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Surrogate family contests validity of woman’s second will

Family members need support after the death of a loved one, and estate distribution in Michigan often poses a particularly complex set of problems for grieving families. In the worst scenarios, matters such as undue influence have to be addressed in probate court. Detroit-area residents may be interested in a

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Judge tosses case against singer’s parents, conservators

While families sometimes have to turn to a conservatorship in situations where a family member might be incapable of making decisions in their own best interests, these probate litigation issues can become more complicated in matters relating to a person with high level of fame – and assets. A recent

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Kevorkian estate reaches deal over disputed artwork

The estate of former Michigan resident Jack Kevorkian recently settled with a museum over the ownership of artwork painted by notorious doctor. Having a trustworthy executor who can solve legal disputes such as these during estate administration is important. The dispute arose when the estate sued the Armenian Library and

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Thomas Kinkade estate at center of probate dispute

The death of a loved one can be a difficult matter to handle. Emotions are riding high and level heads are few and far between. If the deceased is without a will to specifically advise survivors on how to distribute the estate’s assets and survivors disagree on what should happen

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What happens to your debt when you die? (Part 1)

Being named as the sole beneficiary of a relative’s estate may not be what it once was with so many properties upside down and the nation’s credit card debt at record levels. What do you do if you are willed a house in which the mortgage owed is more than

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