Debt After Death: What Happens in Michigan?
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

Debt After Death: What Happens in Michigan?

Discover how creditor claims are handled in a Michigan probate estate. This article from Thompson Legal explains the legal process, priority of payments, and the role of the personal representative in settling debts to protect the estate and its heirs.

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Understanding Exemptions and Allowances in Decedent Estates
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

Understanding Exemptions and Allowances in Decedent Estates

Several allowances and exemptions exist for decedent estates to provide support, including the homestead allowance, family allowance, and property exemptions. In this article, the probate attorneys of Thompson Legal will discuss each of these exemptions and provide an overview of these allowances applicable to decedent estates.

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Duties of a Michigan Trustee: Trustee's Duty to Account
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

Duties of a Michigan Trustee: Trustee's Duty to Account

Michigan trustees have a legal obligation to provide annual trust accountings to beneficiaries. Accurate reports necessitate meticulous record-keeping, including separate asset management and thorough documentation of all financial activities. These reports must contain detailed information about trust property, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, and trustee compensation, ultimately ensuring transparency and protecting beneficiary interests in trust administration. Contact the Michigan Trust and Probate Attorneys at Thompson Legal for guidance on fulfilling these crucial responsibilities.

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Who Gets Notice in a Probate Estate?
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

Who Gets Notice in a Probate Estate?

In a Michigan probate estate, the personal representative has specific duties to notify parties. This includes providing notice to all interested persons and creditors, both known and unknown, as well as, in some cases, the Friend of the Court. Proper notification is essential for a smooth probate process. For assistance with your probate matter, contact Thompson Legal at (734) 743-1646 to schedule a consultation.

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The Duties of a Trustee in Michigan
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

The Duties of a Trustee in Michigan

Navigating the complications of trust administration in Michigan requires a clear understanding of the trustee's role and duties. This article explores key responsibilities, including the duty of loyalty, prudence, impartiality, and account, providing valuable insights for trustees and beneficiaries alike. Contact Thompson Legal today to discuss your trust administration needs with our experienced Michigan attorneys.

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Filing a Final Tax Return for a Deceased Taxpayer in Michigan
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

Filing a Final Tax Return for a Deceased Taxpayer in Michigan

After a loved one passes, the executor in Michigan handles their final tax return (Form 1040), covering income up to the date of death. In this article, the Michigan probate attorneys of Thompson Legal provide an overview to filing a final tax return for a deceased taxpayer in Michigan, including the necessary forms, deadlines, and common issues that may arise.  Filing can be complex, especially with factors like missing information and income earned before death but received after. Seeking help from a tax professional or estate attorney is advisable. Thompson Legal can assist with this process, ensuring accurate filing. Contact us for support.

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Obtaining an EIN for Trusts and Estates
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

Obtaining an EIN for Trusts and Estates

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an EIN, including determining eligibility, choosing the right application method, and gathering the necessary information. It also highlights the responsibilities of the Personal Representative in managing the estate's tax obligations. Contact Thompson Legal today for expert guidance on EIN application and estate administration.

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What Happens to Your Mortgage in Michigan When You Pass Away?
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

What Happens to Your Mortgage in Michigan When You Pass Away?

Dealing with a mortgage after someone passes away can be a real headache. The good news is there are laws in place to help out surviving spouses and family members. The Garn-St. Germain Act and some CFPB rules stop lenders from demanding the whole mortgage be paid off right away just because the house is inherited. This article, written by the Probate attorneys of Thompson Legal, will help provide a basic understanding of what could happen to your mortgage through out the Michigan probate process.

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Surviving Spouse Protections in Probate
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

Surviving Spouse Protections in Probate

Probate, the legal process of settling an estate, can be particularly daunting, especially when it comes to protecting the surviving spouse's interests. The experienced probate attorneys of Thompson Legal understand the various protections available to spouses, and can help ensure that the surviving spouse's needs are met and their security is preserved.

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What Is Probate and Why Does It Take So Long?
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

What Is Probate and Why Does It Take So Long?

Settling an estate can often be a lengthy process due to probate, which involves distributing assets according to a deceased person's will or Michigan's intestacy laws. This article by Thompson Legal provides an overview of probate, including when it's necessary, common complications, and strategies to expedite the process. For personalized advice on navigating probate or avoiding it through estate planning, consult with a licensed attorney at Thompson Legal.

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Reopening a Probate Estate in Michigan: What You Should Know
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

Reopening a Probate Estate in Michigan: What You Should Know

Subsequent administration entails the reopening of a probate estate under certain limited circumstances, such as newly discovered assets or attempting to rectify prior errors. In this post, the probate attorneys of Thompson Legal will explain the requirements to reopen a Michigan probate estate as well as what factors parties should consider before filing.

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Administering Ancillary Probate Estates  in Michigan
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

Administering Ancillary Probate Estates in Michigan

Ancillary probate is a legal process that occurs when a deceased individual owns property, typically real estate, in a state other than their primary residence. At Thompson Legal, our specialized probate attorneys offer comprehensive ancillary estate administration services to personal representatives to ensure assets are properly transferred. 

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Contesting a Will in Michigan: Understanding the Process
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

Contesting a Will in Michigan: Understanding the Process

Contesting a will in Michigan is a legal process that allows interested parties to challenge the legitimacy of a will under certain circumstances. In this post, the probate attorneys of Thompson Legal will explain the grounds for contesting a will and discuss considerations for the legal process involved.

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How to File an Inventory in a Decedent Probate </a>Estate
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

How to File an Inventory in a Decedent Probate Estate

For Michigan personal representatives, understanding the requirements of the probate process is crucial. One of the most import filings in the probate process in the Inventory, which provides an initial list of estate asset.  In this guide, the probate attorneys at Thompson Legal will explain the basic of inventories in Decedent Estates, what they entail, and how to file them.

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Understanding Minor Guardianships in Michigan
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

Understanding Minor Guardianships in Michigan

For many different reasons, a minor may require the appointment of a legal guardian. In this article, the probate attorneys of Thompson Legal will discuss the important aspects of minor guardianships, explain basic requirements and consideration, and provide valuable legal insights for Michigan guardians.

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A Guide to Conservatorships in Michigan
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

A Guide to Conservatorships in Michigan

At Thompson Legal our expert conservatorship lawyers understand the importance of clarity and guidance in conservatorship matters. This article delves into the important aspects of adult and minor conservatorships in Michigan, shedding light on the requirements, and legal providing valuable insights for those seeking a deeper understanding.

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Understanding Guardianships for the Developmentally Disabled in Michigan
Brittany Thompson Brittany Thompson

Understanding Guardianships for the Developmentally Disabled in Michigan

Being a guardian for a developmentally disabled individual is a unique legal process governed by Chapter 6 of the Michigan Mental Health Code. The probate lawyers at Thompson Legal detail the process and requirements in this article so that the guardians of developmentally disabled individuals have a better understanding of their responsibilities. 

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