Estate Planning in Michigan | MI Legal Resources | FastCounsel

Michigan — What to do if the original will is lost or damaged in the mail

What to do if an original will is lost or damaged in the mail before being filed in Michigan probate court Detailed answer — how Michigan probate handles a lost or damaged original will Short answer: losing or damaging the original will in the mail does not automatically invalidate the will. In Michigan you can […]

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Recovering Surplus Funds After a Tax Sale in Michigan: FAQ and Process

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Michigan attorney. Overview — Who can get surplus funds after a Michigan tax sale? When a property is sold at a tax sale, the county sells the property to satisfy unpaid taxes, interest, […]

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Michigan: What Powers Does a Financial Power of Attorney Give an Agent?

How a Financial Power of Attorney Works in Michigan: What an Agent Can Do Detailed Answer This article explains how a financial power of attorney (POA) operates under Michigan law and what authority a named agent may exercise if the principal becomes unable to manage financial matters. This is an educational overview and not legal […]

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Michigan: Releasing Trust/Escrow Funds When the Deed Hasn’t Been Recorded

Can funds held in trust be released if the deed hasn’t been recorded yet? Short answer: Sometimes — but it depends on the escrow/trust instructions, the parties’ intent and delivery of the deed, and practical risk-management steps. Recording the deed provides protection against third-party claims, so most buyers, sellers, and escrow agents treat recording as […]

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Michigan — What Happens If a Will Wasn't Properly Signed (Treated as Invalid) in Probate

What happens if a will wasn’t properly signed in Michigan? Short answer: If a will is not executed according to Michigan law, the probate court may refuse to admit it as a valid will. If that happens, the estate will generally be handled under Michigan’s intestacy rules (the default inheritance rules), unless the court admits […]

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Do I Have to Attend a Minor Settlement Hearing in Michigan?

Will I need to attend the court hearing for a minor settlement — Michigan Detailed answer This explains how Michigan handles settlements for claims on behalf of minors (people under 18). It describes when court approval is required, who usually must appear, what judges typically review, and practical steps to prepare. This is educational information […]

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Guardian ad Litem for Minor Injury Settlements in Michigan: Role, Appointment, and How to Serve

Understanding the Guardian ad Litem Role in a Michigan Minor Injury Settlement Short answer In Michigan, a guardian ad litem (GAL) is a court-appointed representative whose job is to protect the legal interests of a minor (or another person under a disability) in litigation and in settlement proceedings. When a child has an injury claim, […]

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How to Get Court Approval for a Minor’s Personal Injury Settlement in Michigan

Getting Court Approval for a Minor’s Personal Injury Settlement in Michigan: FAQ Short answer: In Michigan, most personal injury settlements for minors require court approval to protect the child’s legal and financial interests. You typically must file a petition or motion, provide evidence of the claim and proposed settlement, allow the court to review attorney […]

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Michigan: How Medical Liens Affect Your Personal Injury Settlement

Detailed Answer What medical liens are and how they affect a settlement under Michigan law. What is a medical lien? A medical lien is a claim against money you receive from a legal recovery (for example, a personal-injury settlement or judgment) to secure payment of medical care you received related to the injury. Liens can […]

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Michigan: How Lump-Sum Personal Injury Settlement Negotiations Work

Detailed Answer Short overview: A lump-sum personal injury settlement in Michigan is the outcome of a negotiation between you (or your lawyer) and the defendant or the defendant’s insurer. The process moves from documenting injuries and losses, to sending a demand, to exchanging offers and counteroffers, and often to mediation or litigation if the parties […]

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