Helping You Through The Probate And Estate Administration Process
If a loved one has died, his or her estate may need to go through a process called probate or estate administration. During this process, your loved one’s assets are distributed and managed according to his or her last wishes, or by the intestacy laws, if your loved one did not have an estate plan.
Although the probate and estate administration processes can sometimes be a simple process, this is not always the case. If your loved one’s estate is complex or is facing will contest lawsuits or other challenges by disgruntled heirs that feel like they are not getting the inheritances they are entitled to, it can be a considerably more difficult process to complete.
When faced with such difficulties, it is important to engage the services of an experienced attorney to ensure that the process goes smoothly and without legal complications. Contact our Battle Creek office today to get started.
We Handle Estates Of All Sizes
With over 200 years of combined legal experience, the attorneys at Vandervoort, Christ & Fisher, P.C., are well equipped to assist you with all aspects of estate administration, including:
- Will and trust administration
- Asset division
- Will and trust contests
- Estate and trust litigation
- Estate tax issues
- Probate Court
We understand that you likely do not want to spend a lot of time dealing with these and other issues. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping you through the process in the most efficient manner possible.
What Happens During Probate?
Although the probate process can vary depending on the complexity of your loved one’s estate, the basic process in Michigan includes:
- Filing a petition with the Probate Court
- Notifying the heirs under the will (or the statutory * heirs, in cases where there is no will)
- Appointing a personal representative of the estate
- Making an inventory of estate assets
- Paying valid claims of creditors
- Paying any estate taxes owing
- Distributing assets to heirs
In general, probate takes between nine to 18 months to complete. However, if litigation is involved, the process can take considerably longer.
Contact Us For Help
Even in cases of simple estates, probate and estate administration can be a complicated process. Therefore, it is always a good idea to have the advice of an experienced lawyer to guide you through the tough decisions that have long-term consequences.
For assistance with your probate and estate administration issues, call (269) 965-7000 or contact us by email to speak with a lawyer.
