Probate Lawyer Serving Howell
Howell Probate Lawyer
Grief takes many forms, and dealing with your emotions after the loss of a loved one can be challenging. The last thing you want to worry about at this time is resolving your loved one’s estate and dealing with the Michigan legal system. How property and assets get divided and who gets what may be complicated matters. When you have the help of an experienced probate attorney, the burden doesn’t have to rest solely on your shoulders.
At Bingham Legal Group, our knowledgeable probate attorneys can guide you through the probate process to resolve any legal issues and settle your loved one’s estate with as little stress and tension on you and your family as possible. We understand there is a delicate balance between the emotional and legal aspects of losing a cherished family member. Our compassionate team can be here for you at every step of the process, providing legal advice and moral support.
With over 30 years of legal experience, our probate team has the tools and resources to help you and your family. We proudly represent residents in the Howell community and encourage residents to contact our office at (248) 594-1919 to set up a confidential appointment to discuss their situation with a probate attorney.
Understanding Michigan Probate
Many people wonder what probate is and how it works. Probate courts in Michigan have jurisdiction over the division of a deceased person’s assets. “Probate” is the legal process of settling debts and distributing assets following a person’s death.
Probate with a Will
The probate process may differ depending on whether or not the deceased left behind a will. Suppose the deceased passed with a valid will in place. A will typically names a person the deceased wished to be the executor of their estate. The executor has the responsibility and authority to divide and distribute assets according to the details outlined in the will.
The executor must first file the will with the appropriate probate court. The court can authenticate the document and officially appoint the named executor to act legally on behalf of the deceased. The executor is responsible for paying any debts or taxes the deceased owes on behalf of the estate. After the debts have been settled, the executor can proceed to distribute the assets according to the instructions left in the will. The court will oversee the executor’s activities to ensure that all legal requirements are met. Once the asset distribution is complete, the probate court may close the estate.
Probate Without a Will or Estate Plan
When an individual passes away without a will, the state decides what happens to that person’s assets and property through the laws of intestate succession. These laws outline who gets what when a person passes away with no will.
In Michigan, intestate succession laws dictate how the assets should be divided among surviving family members.
- If there is a surviving spouse and no children or parents of the deceased – The spouse inherits all assets.
- If there are surviving children and no spouse – The children can inherit all assets.
- If there is a surviving spouse and surviving children – The spouse inherits the first $150,000, plus half of any balance of the intestate estate; descendants inherit everything else.
- If there is a surviving spouse and descendants from a previous relationship – The spouse inherits the first $100,000 plus half of any balance of the intestate estate, and descendants inherit everything else.
- If there is a surviving spouse and surviving parents – The spouse inherits the first $150,000, plus 3/4 of any balance of the intestate estate, and descendants inherit everything else.
- If there are surviving parents and no spouse or descendants – Parents inherit everything
- If there are surviving siblings and no spouse, descendants, or parents – Siblings inherit everything.
Property division under intestate succession laws can get complicated. The dollar amounts listed above can also vary due to cost of living adjustments depending on the year your loved one died.
Do You Need a Howell Probate Lawyer?
Yes. You must retain legal representation to help you and your family deal with the many potential challenges of the Michigan probate process. A skilled probate attorney can guide you as you manage your loved one’s estate and see that the probate process moves as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
It is even more vital to entrust your loved one’s estate to a probate attorney when your family member dies without a will or estate plan. Family disputes, fighting, and legal complexities can make it challenging to have assets and property distributed to beneficiaries properly. An experienced and compassionate probate attorney can resolve disputes, guide the executor who oversees the estate, and have all assets appropriately valued and distributed to beneficiaries according to intestate succession laws.
Another benefit to securing legal representation is that an attorney can help you manage potentially complex tasks such as negotiating with creditors, paying off debts, and settling tax issues. If disputes and legal issues arise between creditors or family members looking for a piece of your loved one’s estate, a probate attorney can help you resolve these disputes through aggressive negotiations, mediation, or litigation.
What Does a Howell Probate Lawyer Do to Help You?
A probate attorney can provide comprehensive legal advice, moral support, and a step-by-step explanation of the probate process.
At Bingham Legal Group, PC, our legal team protects and guides your family through the Michigan legal system by:
- Skillfully preparing and filing probate documents
- Adhering to strict legal deadlines
- Representing you in probate court
- Negotiating with creditors
- Paying the estate’s debts and taxes
- Resolving beneficiary disputes
- Providing compassionate support
After losing a loved one, you may feel more alone now than ever before. We want you to know you don’t have to go through this challenging time on your own. Let our probate attorneys help you resolve your legal issues and find peace.
Resources for Howell Residents
We want to provide a list of resources for Howell residents to help community members manage the passing of a family member.
- Livingstone County Probate Court
- Grief Support Services in Howell, MI
- Trinity Health Livingston Hospital
- Ascension Medical Center
Contact a Michigan Probate Attorney Now
At Bingham Legal Group, we proudly represent the interests of the Howell, Michigan community. If you’ve recently lost a cherished loved one and need help managing the probate process, contact our office today for a confidential consultation.
Directions to Our Office:
Our office is easy to locate from any corner of the Howell, Michigan, area. Follow these directions or contact our office for further assistance.
From the North:
- Take I-75 S toward Detroit
- Take the exit for W 14 Mile Rd
- Turn right onto W 14 Mile Rd
- Turn left onto US-24 S
- Destination will be on your left
From the South:
- Take I-75 N toward Flint
- Take the exit for W 14 Mile Rd
- Turn left onto W 14 Mile Rd
- Turn left onto Telegraph Rd
- Destination will be on the left
From the East:
- Take I-696 W toward Lansing
- Take Telegraph Rd
- Turn left onto Telegraph Rd
- Destination will be on the right
From the West:
- Take I-696 E toward Port Huron
- Take the exit for Telegraph Rd
- Turn right onto Telegraph Rd
- Destination will be on the right