Expert Guidance for Probate & Trust Administration
Transparent Fees. Personal Guidance.
Peace of Mind.
Your Estate Administration Professionals.
We have a great team of experienced people you will enjoy working with.
How Can We Help You?
I am the Executor of a Will
To help you manage your duties as an Executor, we handle the formal court petition to ensure you are officially appointed as the Personal Representative, securing the "Letters of Authority" you need to unlock bank accounts and legally manage estate assets. Our team takes the lead on the mandatory notice to creditors, carefully vetting every claim to protect the estate from invalid debts while meticulously preparing the court-mandated inventory to ensure all filings are accurate, timely, and compliant with Michigan law.
I am the Successor Trustee
We provide the comprehensive legal guidance you need to settle a Trust privately and efficiently, helping you understand your fiduciary duties while avoiding unnecessary court intervention. Our team manages everything from interpreting the Trust’s specific distribution rules and providing mandatory legal notices to beneficiaries, to handling the complex retitling of real estate and financial accounts. By overseeing the payment of final expenses and coordinating with tax professionals, we protect you from personal liability and ensure the legacy is transferred exactly as intended.
My Loved One Passed Away Without a Plan
We can help you navigate Michigan’s "Intestacy" laws to determine exactly who is legally entitled to the estate assets. We help you petition the court to become the Administrator of the estate so you can begin the process of protecting the property. If multiple family members are vying for control, we provide neutral legal counsel to resolve disputes and move the estate forward.
I Need to Claim a Small Account or Vehicle
If the estate meets certain value thresholds, we can often bypass the lengthy probate process entirely by using simplified "Small Estate" procedures or Affidavits of Decedent. We quickly analyze the estate’s assets to determine if you qualify for these expedited options, which can save your family thousands of dollars in court costs and legal fees. Our goal is to get you the legal authority you need to transfer vehicle titles and access bank accounts in weeks rather than months, providing a faster and more cost-effective path to closure.
Transparent Fees.
Predictable costs. Professional results. We use a flat-fee retainer model for our probate and trust administration services.
Probate Proceedings
Standard retainer: $3,500
What Is It?
Probate is the court-supervised legal process used to settle a person’s affairs after they pass away with assets in their individual name (and no trust in place). In Michigan, the probate court ensures that all valid debts are paid, taxes are settled, and the remaining property is legally transferred to the rightful heirs as dictated by a Last Will and Testament or state law.
What's Included?
● Drafting all necessary probate court documents.
● Obtaining your Letters of Authority from the court.
● Managing the formal Notice to Creditors to protect you from future claims.
● Serving the Notice of Appointment and Notice Regarding Attorney Fees to all interested parties.
● Preparing the official Inventory of all estate assets.
● Assistance with obtaining the Estate Tax ID (EIN) and guidance on opening the Estate Bank Account.
● Preparation and recording of Deeds for Real Estate.
● Legal oversight and documentation for the distribution of estate assets to heirs.
● Preparation of the Annual Account (if the estate remains open for more than a year).
● Drafting the Sworn Statement to Close and Notice of Completion.
● Officially closing the court file and discharging the Personal Representative from further liability.
Who's It Designed For?
This service is designed for the Personal Representative (Executor) who has the weight of a court-supervised process on their shoulders. It is ideal for those who want to ensure the estate is settled "by the book," protecting themselves from personal liability while navigating the complexities of the County Probate Court.
Trust Administration
Standard retainer: $2,500
What Is It?
Trust Administration is the private process of carrying out the instructions left in a Living Trust. While this process avoids the public probate courtroom, it is still governed by the Michigan Trust Code, which requires strict timelines for notices, accountings, and asset distributions to protect both the beneficiaries and the person in charge.
What's Included?
● Trust Review & Strategy: We review the Trust to define your specific powers and prepare the formal "Acceptance of Trust" documents required to begin your role.
● Mandatory Notifications: Our team handles all legal notices required by the Michigan Trust Code, including "Opening Letters" to beneficiaries and the "Notice to Creditors" to shield you from personal liability.
● Asset & Tax Management: We secure the Trust’s new Federal Tax ID and guide you through identifying, valuing, and inventorying all property to ensure total accuracy.
● Debt & Claims Oversight: We manage the statutory claims period, vetting all debts and bills to ensure only valid claims are paid from Trust funds.
● Final Accounting & Distribution: We prepare the final financial reports and legal closing documents, ensuring assets are transferred correctly and you are officially released from all future liability.
Who's It Designed For?
This service is designed for the Successor Trustee who has inherited the responsibility of managing a loved one's trust. It is best for those who want to maintain family privacy and avoid court intervention, but need a professional "roadmap" to ensure they fulfill their fiduciary duties without making costly legal mistakes.
Small Estates
$1,750 flat fee
What Is It?
A simplified legal process for estates with a total value below the Michigan statutory limit (currently $51,000). This allows families to transfer assets quickly without the months of waiting, public notices, and high costs associated with a full probate administration
What's Included?
● Eligibility Assessment: A legal review of the decedent’s assets to confirm you qualify for simplified "Small Estate" or "Affidavit" procedures.
● Affidavits of Decedent: Preparation of the legally required affidavits to transfer bank accounts, final paychecks, or personal property without any court filing.
● Secretary of State Documentation: Preparation of the specific forms needed to transfer vehicle or watercraft titles immediately.
● Petition & Order for Assignment: For estates just over the affidavit limit, we handle the simplified court filing that assigns assets to the rightful heirs in a single step.
● Immediate Asset Access: Clear, step-by-step instructions on how to present these documents to institutions so you can collect funds without delay.
Who's It Designed For?
Designed for families who need to close out modest estates consisting of bank accounts, vehicles, or personal belongings. It is the best choice for those who want a 100% flat-fee solution to gain legal access to a loved one’s final assets as fast as possible.
Your Path to Peace of Mind.
No stress. Get the personal guidance you need.
Step 1:
Schedule a Consultation.
Book a free consultation to review the Will or Trust, discuss your specific role as a fiduciary, and explore our transparent flat-fee options. We’ll help you determine the most efficient legal path forward.
Step 2:
Let Us Handle the Legal Burden.
Focus on your family while we manage the court filings and creditor notices. You’ll work with a dedicated team that ensures every Michigan legal requirement is met accurately and without hourly bills.
Ask Us Anything.
For more information about our services, please call, send a message, or schedule a consultation.
Send a Message. We're Here to Help.