PACK RAT DAY Who knew? There is a Pack Rat Day....honoring all the special Pack Rats in your life. You know what is not fun? Being the Probate Administer for a Pack Rat. Here are a couple of tips of doing so: First, make sure that you understand the nature of the Pack Rat in their lifetime, and assist them when the greatest … [Read more...]
What to do when an Estate has only a few Assets?
“Help! My mom died without a will or trust, and she does not have many assets. What can we do?” This is a call we receive regularly at my office. When someone dies without a will, they are intestate. Accordingly, to transfer any assets held in the deceased person’s name, probate court must be utilized. Please keep in mind that in Michigan certain … [Read more...]
Undue Influence Or Not?
Recently, a new unpublished case was decided by the Appellate Courts on the issue of Undue Influence, Rowan v Billington, et al. As I was reading the Court’s decision, it reinforced for me how so many people misunderstand the legal concept that is Undue Influence, especially when it deals with probate matters. I take many calls where a … [Read more...]