With the death of a loved one, emotions can run high, and the process of sorting out the estate can seem overwhelming. In many cases, family members may not agree on how to divide the estate, or they may even feel that maleficence is at play. Uncovering the most...
Did you know that individuals who get divorced are more likely to remarry? In fact, 57-63% of divorcees remarry, forming blended families where one or both parties may have children. Unfortunately, many of these individuals fail to update their estate plans after they...
When someone dies without a will, the estate belonging to the deceased becomes subject to probate. During this process, a court makes decisions on the distribution of assets. Many complications can arise during probate proceedings. If they surface, the expense rises....
Writing a will empowers you to decide how your assets and possessions will pass on to your loved ones when the time comes. If someone in your family passes away without a will, however, there might be uncertainty in the air regarding what will happen with their...
If your parent dies with a poorly executed estate plan, you might have to figure it out amongst your siblings. Unfortunately, inheritance often brings out the worst in people. However, there are some things you can do to mitigate contention. Sometimes a disorganized...
You do not have to put your estate through probate court. To avoid the process, you need to place your assets in a trust. However, establishing a trust usually is more expensive than writing a simple will. You might question the benefit of avoiding probate court,...
If you are considering estate planning in Detroit and the surrounding areas, you may be wondering whether you need a will or a trust. The terms "will" and "trust" are sometimes used interchangeably in error. It helps to identify exactly what each document is to...
Planning for an estate requires choosing a good executor. According to the Michigan legislature, the person nominated in a will receives precedent over an estate’s proceedings. If you do not appoint a person for estate administration, the state follows a specific...
While no one wants to think about the end of their life, specific steps should be taken to ensure that loved ones are provided for long into the future. Estate planning represents proactive steps that make lives easier for survivors suffering a devastating loss....
Losing a loved one is always a painful process. A drawn-out and acrimonious probate process can compound the anguish you’re already experiencing. It’s not uncommon for family members to disagree about how their loved one’s assets are distributed. However, many such...
