Probate Estate Litigation

In Michigan, when someone in dies, there are two ways that their property can be distributed. If the person died leaving a will, then property will be distributed under the rules for testate estates. If someone dies without a will, then the laws for intestate estates apply.

In either situation, a case must be opened with the county probate court. Either type of estate may proceed under informal or formal proceedings. In addition, the proceedings may be supervised by the court, or unsupervised.

Michigan has special laws regarding the settlement of small estates, and some types of property can be transferred without waiting for the filing of a case in probate court. While an estate may be settled without hiring an attorney, many families can benefit by hiring counsel because of the complexity of this area of law.

Often, the wishes of a deceased relative aren't clear to the surviving family, and disputes and disagreements about how to distribute the property can occur, causing hardship among the remaining family members. At Nesi and Associates, we can help families deal with this sad and often confusing time by helping them navigate their way through the probate process.