Michigan: Accessing a Minor’s Settlement for College or Medical Expenses
FAQ — Accessing a Minor’s Settlement Money Before Age 18 in Michigan Short answer: Sometimes. In Michigan, parents or caregivers cannot automatically spend a minor’s settlement funds as they please. To access settlement money before the child turns 18 for college or medical bills, you normally must get approval from the probate court or use […]
Read article →Michigan: What Happens If Mediation Fails in a Partition or Probate Dispute
When Mediation Fails in a Michigan Partition or Probate Dispute: What Comes Next Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. Consult a licensed Michigan attorney for advice about your specific situation. Short answer If mediation does not produce a settlement, you usually still need to go back to court unless the parties […]
Read article →How to Open Probate in Michigan When You Live Out of State
Detailed Answer: Opening a Michigan Probate When You Live Out of State If your sibling died and their estate must be probated in Michigan while you live in another state, you can still start and complete the Michigan probate process. This article explains the steps, practical considerations, and Michigan statutes that commonly apply. It is […]
Read article →How to Settle a Parent's Estate in Michigan and Handle Property in Another State
Settling a Michigan Estate and Handling Property in Another State: A Step-by-Step FAQ Disclaimer This is general information and not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For legal advice about your situation, consult a licensed Michigan attorney who practices estate and probate law. Short answer If your parent was domiciled in Michigan, you will […]
Read article →How to File and Record a New Deed in Michigan After a Spouse Dies
Detailed Answer When a spouse dies, transferring title to real property so a child becomes the owner depends on how the decedent held title and whether the property must pass through probate under Michigan law. Below are the common paths and the step‑by‑step actions for each. This is an educational summary, not legal advice. Step […]
Read article →Michigan — Ensuring a Wrongful Death Settlement Is Filed and Distributed Correctly
How to make sure a Michigan wrongful-death settlement is properly filed and distributed This plain-language FAQ-style article explains the practical steps to ensure a wrongful-death settlement in Michigan is filed correctly with the court and distributed exactly as the parties agreed. It assumes no prior legal knowledge. Detailed answer — practical, step-by-step guidance Under Michigan […]
Read article →Michigan — Do I Still Need a Transfer-on-Death Deed or Payable-on-Death Designation?
Detailed Answer — How a Will, TOD Deeds, and POD Designations Work in Michigan Short answer: Yes — if you want property to pass automatically outside probate to your daughter, you generally still need proper transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds or payable-on-death (POD) beneficiary designations for those specific accounts or pieces of property. A will controls how […]
Read article →Michigan: Can I Require a Co‑Heir to Reimburse an Appraisal Before an Estate Buyout?
FAQ — Requiring a Co‑Heir to Reimburse an Appraisal Before an Estate Buyout (Michigan) Short answer: Sometimes — but only if there is an agreement (written or implied), if the appraisal is a proper estate administration expense paid from estate funds, or if a court orders reimbursement. If the appraisal was paid solely by you […]
Read article →Michigan: How to Put a Deceased Parent’s House in You and Your Siblings’ Names (Intestate Transfer)
What to do when a parent dies without a will and owned the home in Michigan Quick answer: In Michigan, if your parent died without a will (intestate), the house usually transfers according to the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (intestate succession). To get title into you and your siblings’ names you will usually need […]
Read article →How to Take Over a Deceased Parent’s Mortgage in Michigan
Steps to Keep a Deceased Owner’s Michigan Home and the Mortgage — FAQ-style Guide Detailed Answer When a homeowner dies, ownership of the house and responsibility for any mortgage are separate legal questions. In Michigan you must (1) determine how title passes, (2) notify and work with the lender, and (3) choose a path to […]
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