Not all estates go through probate — and understanding the difference can help families make better decisions. Probate is required when someone passes away with assets in their name alone. Trust administration, on the other hand, happens when assets are held in a living trust. In Michigan, trust administration is usually faster, more private, and […]

Being named Personal Representative is an honor — and a heavy responsibility. Many PRs in Oakland and Macomb Counties tell me they had no idea what the role involved until they were already in it. Your core responsibilities include: • Securing and managing the estate’s assets • Notifying creditors • Paying debts and taxes • […]

The home is usually the biggest asset — and the biggest stress point — in a Michigan probate case. Whether the property is in Troy, Warren, Sterling Heights, or Royal Oak, the process is similar across Oakland and Macomb Counties. Once probate begins, the Personal Representative becomes responsible for the property. That includes securing it, […]

Probate isn’t quick — but it also doesn’t have to drag on for years. In Michigan, most estates in Oakland and Macomb Counties fall into a predictable timeline, and understanding that timeline can reduce a lot of stress. The average probate case here takes 6–12 months. Smaller, simpler estates may wrap up in as little […]