How long does the probate process take in Michigan?

In the best of circumstances, when everything goes smoothly, the probate process takes at least seven months to complete. A delay due to the nature of the estate or other issues can extend that time by months or even years, depending on what causes the delay.

How long does probate take without a will in Michigan?

Most probate cases take between seven months and one year. That timing depends on how quickly the personal representative is appointed. Creditors and potential contestations also impact timing. Creditors have four months to file a claim.

How does the probate process begin?

Step 1: File a petition to begin probate. You’ll have to file a request in the county where the deceased person lived at the time of their death. If you’re approved as executor, the court will officially open the probate case and you will now be able to act on behalf of the deceased’s estate.

What is considered a small estate in Michigan?

Whether an estate is small depends on the value of the property in it. If a person dies in 2020 or 2021, an estate must be valued at $24,000 or less to be small. If a person dies in 2019 or 2018, an estate must be valued at $23,000 or less.

Is Probate needed if there is a will?

If There is a Valid Will Whether or not there’s a legally valid Will has no bearing on whether Probate is required. Probate is not required exclusively on Estates where the person died Intestate (meaning without a Will). In fact, Probate is required on a lot of Estates where there is a Will.

What has to go through probate in Michigan?

There are four main steps involved for the probate court:

• Appointing a Personal Representative;
• Assembling all the decedents assets;
• Paying the bills (funeral expenses, creditors, taxes, and general administration expenses);
• Distributing any assets that are left over.

How do I avoid probate in Michigan?

5 Ways to Avoid Probate in Michigan

1. Make sure your assets have named beneficiaries.
2. Create a Trust (revocable trust or irrevocable trust).
3. Create a Lady Bird Deed for your real estate.
4. Add joint ownership to your assets.
5. Gift assets away (speak to an accountant or lawyer first).

How much is a probate lawyer in Michigan?

Probate attorney fees in Michigan depend on the specific details of the estate and how complicated the proceedings will be. Attorney fees in the state can cost anywhere from four to eight percent of the estate value.

How does probate work in the state of Michigan?

Probate in Michigan is a court-supervised legal process that may be required after someone dies. Probate gives a surviving family member authority to gather the deceased person’s assets, pay debts and taxes, and eventually transfer assets to the people who inherit them.

How long does it take to file a claim for probate in Michigan?

After notice of the probate is given, creditors have four months to file a claim. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 700.3801) If the estate owes federal estate tax (most don’t), probate is likely to take a year or more.

Is the probate court the oldest court in Michigan?

To demonstrate integrity in words and actions. The Probate Court is part of the judicial branch of government and ultimately under the supervision of the Michigan Supreme Court. The Probate Court is created by the State of Michigan Constitution, Article VI, Section 15 and is the oldest court in Michigan.

Which is the least complicated form of Probate in Michigan?

The probate process is commenced by filing either an Application for Informal Probate or a Petition for Formal or Supervised Probate. Since Informal Probate is the least complicated, least expensive form of probate administration available in Michigan, the remainder of this guide will focus on that process.