Bloomfield Hills
Probate Lawyer
At Monaghan P.C., our experienced Michigan probate and
trust
attorneys handle all matters related to probate and
probate
litigation throughout the Metro Detroit area, including
Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Genesee,
Monroe, and Lapeer counties.
A trust is a charitable or estate planning tool that allows
an individual to make specific directions regarding the use
of assets and gifts. Assets placed in a trust pass according
to the terms of the trust and are not subject to probate. A
trust allows an individual to retain some control over the
use and disposition of assets without the tax burdens and
other impediments.
Probate is the process by which a decedent’s property, known
as the "estate," is passed to his or her heirs and others
named in the will or in accordance with the law if the
decedent did not have a will. The entire process, under
jurisdiction of the probate court can take from five
months to two years depending on the complexity of the estate.
A well-constructed estate plan will minimize estate and
federal and state estate taxes while helping avoid conflict
in the distribution of the estate.
The first essential steps in the probate process include:
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Petitioning the court for appointment of a Personal
Representative
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Identifying and inventorying the decedent’s property
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Having the property valued
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Paying debts and taxes
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Distributing the remaining property as the will directs
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Filing appropriate tax returns
Unfortunately, even the most meticulously crafted estate
plan may be contested. Disputes may arise regarding the
validity of a will or trust, regarding the interpretation of
the will or trust. When you find yourself involved in a will
contest or a trust dispute, the experienced trust and
probate lawyers at Monaghan P.C. can help. Our experienced
trust and probate lawyers represent beneficiaries and
fiduciaries, including executors, trustees, conservators,
and guardians, in the following probate and trust litigation
matters:
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Accounting actions
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Claims against fiduciaries
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Trust contests and reformation
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Will contests
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Will and trust construction and litigation
-
Joint Bank Account ownership
Our experience enables us to counsel clients during all
aspects of the estate planning and administration process.
Contact one of our qualified Michigan probate and trust
attorneys for help and guidance with all of your probate
needs.
Our probate attorneys include:
Ronald J. Zadora
John M. Kirk
Michigan Trust and Probate
Administration
Monaghan, P.C.
Attorneys and Counselors
33 Bloomfield Hills Pkwy, Suite 260
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304-2946
Telephone: (248) 642-5770 Fax: (248) 642-9460
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