Michigan Probate Lawyers

When a family member dies, the last thing your family wants is to get bogged down in estate details. At Mall Malisow & Cooney, our experienced Michigan probate lawyers and staff understand that this is a difficult time. We are here to handle the details so you don’t have to walk this road alone.

After the death of a loved one, all of his or her possessions not jointly owned or without a beneficiary, become a part of his or her estate. Estate administration is the process of collecting and managing the estate, paying any debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property to the heirs of the estate.

The heirs of your loved one’s estate are established within your loved one’s will. If a will was not made prior to death, the estate will be distributed to heirs according to the laws of Michigan, or the deceased loved one’s state of residence at the time of death.

Without question, working with probate attorneys, like those at Mall Malisow & Cooney, or having such a professional as the executor, can avoid potential costly and problematic issues when it comes to estate administration.

Duties of a Michigan Estate Administrator

The duties of a Michigan estate administrator, also called an executor, vary, depending on the will’s complexity and the amount of property to be managed and distributed. It is a legal and fiduciary obligation, and not to be taken lightly. Both the wishes of the deceased, as stipulated in the will, and applicable state laws must be scrupulously followed. Some of the major duties include:

• Locating & Cataloguing Estate Assets
• Determining the State of the Will / If Probating is Necessary
• Locating & Contacting Heirs
• Filing the Will with the Probate Court
• Concluding the Deceased’s Affairs
• Establishing a Bank Account for the Estate
• Distributing Necessary Payments
• Eliminate Estate Debts
• Pay Final Estate Taxes
• Distribute Property to Heirs
• Close the Estate

Common Estate Administration Mistakes

A person who is unfamiliar with the complexities of administering an estate will need the guidance of an experienced Michigan probate attorney. Mall Malisow & Cooney has many years of experience helping estate administrators with various duties and legal details.

Without professional guidance, serious mistakes can be made. Some of them can cost the estate and heirs to lose assets, which could be considered a breach of the administrator’s fiduciary duty. Common mistakes include:

• Neglecting the “Portability Election” – This is an important estate tax exemption with critical requirements and filing dates.
• Distributing Assets Too Early – If the estate administrator makes asset distributions to heirs too early, and taxes or other debts are outstanding, the Administrator is personally responsible.
• Failure to Manage Estate Assets – If some of those assets include a stock portfolio, the administrator is responsible for managing those assets to ensure the best return and prevent loss.
• Failing to Advertise the Estate – Possible creditors must be given sufficient notice in order to make a claim against the estate. Failure to advertise can be considered a breach of an administrator’s fiduciary duty.
• Failing to Close the Estate – After debts and taxes are paid and asset distributions are completed, the estate must be closed with the courts and all accounts closed.

Michigan Probate Litigation

There are times when disputes will arise over the validity of a loved one’s will, and this could affect beneficiaries or some other aspect of a loved one’s estate plan. Disputes can be over the validity of the will, about the loved one’s mental capacity when formulating the will, or even the actions of the estate administrator could be in question. This is when our Michigan probate attorneys can leverage their extensive experience in these matters on behalf of your family.

Our legal team is fierce advocates for your interests, and we work with family members and the courts to resolve Probate issues efficiently, and with tact and integrity. Our attorneys can investigate allegations of fraud or the validity of legal documents to ensure your family member’s wishes are carried out in the manner in which they were intended.

Michigan Probate Mediation

It is often in the best interests of the family to resolve matters outside of Probate Court. This can save time and costs, as well as preserve the family’s privacy. Before taking matters before the Probate Courts, our Attorneys will always recommend mediation to resolve any disputes or disagreements concerning Probate matters. It is always best for families to work together, and our Michigan Probate Lawyers are eager to facilitate agreements that benefit everyone while honoring your loved one’s wishes.

A court setting can add unnecessary tension that only complicates matters when family members disagree. A relaxed setting with a professional, experienced Probate Mediator can often provide the atmosphere where real communication and compromise can take place. The mediator can explain matters, answer questions, and offer solutions in order to settle estate matters amicably without lasting rancor within family ranks.

Respected Michigan Probate Attorneys in Farmington Hills

The Michigan probate law firm of Mall Malisow & Cooney maintains a significant presence in reputable listings such as Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. Moreover, our law firm is comprised of two attorneys who are nationally Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA), certified by the National Elder Law Foundation.

Our Michigan probate lawyers use their extensive training and expertise to provide the highest level of legal and mediation services to you and your family. Our goal is to always serve the best interests of our clients, helping them through the process of estate administration and settling any disputes quickly and amicably.