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.
We handle filing court documents to have you legally appointed as personal representative (executor) of the estate. We will obtain the "letters of authority" that you need to unlock bank accounts and manage estate assets. Once you are appointed, our team takes the lead on mandatory notices and court filings to ensure that you are fully compliant with Michigan law until the case is complete.
I am the successor trustee of a trust.
We provide the comprehensive legal guidance that you need to settle a trust privately and efficiently. We can help you understand your fiduciary duties while avoiding unnecessary court intervention. Our team manages everything with you, including interpreting the trust’s specific distribution rules, providing mandatory legal notices to beneficiaries, and 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 trust assets are transferred exactly as intended.
My family member passed away without any documents.
We can help you navigate Michigan’s "intestacy" laws to determine who is legally entitled to the assets of a deceased person. We help you petition the court to become the personal representative ("executor") of the estate so you can begin the process of administering its property. If multiple family members are vying for control, we provide neutral legal counsel to resolve disputes and move the estate forward.
I only need to claim a small bank account or motor vehicle.
If the estate is less than certain value thresholds, we can often bypass the lengthy probate process entirely by using simplified "small estate" procedures. 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 obtain 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 Flat Fees.
Predictable costs. Professional results. Our flat fees cover the entire process.*
Probate Proceedings
Flat Fee: $5,000
What Is It?
Probate is a judicial process used to settle a person’s affairs after they pass away with assets in their individual name (and no trust in place). The executor of the estate is required to ensure 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 letters of authority from the court.
● Publishing notice to creditors to protect you from future claims.
● Serving all necessary notices all interested parties.
● Preparing an inventory of all estate assets.
● Obtaining the federal tax identification number for the estate, and guidance to open an bank account for the estate.
● Preparing and recording of deeds for real estate.
● Legal oversight and documentation for distributing estate assets to heirs.
● Preparing an annual account for estates open longer than one year.
● Drafting and filing closing documents with the court.
● Closing the court file and discharging the personal representative from further liability.
Who's It Designed For?
This service is designed for a personal representative (executor) who needs help with the entire probate process. 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 probate proceedings.
Trust Administration
Flat Fee: $2,500
What Is It?
Trust Administration is the private process of carrying out the instructions left in a trust. While this process avoids probate proceedings, 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?
● We review the trust to define your specific powers and prepare the formal "acceptance of trust" documents required to begin your duties as trustee.
● Our team handles all legal notices required by the Michigan Trust Code, including notices to beneficiaries and creditors to shield you from personal liability.
● We obtain a federal tax ID number for the trust and guide you through identifying, valuing, and inventorying all trust property.
● We manage the statutory claims period, vetting all debts and bills to ensure only valid claims are paid from trust funds.
● We prepare the final financial reports and closing documents to ensure that assets are transferred correctly and you are released from all future liability.
Who's It Designed For?
This service is designed for a successor trustee who has responsibility to manage a deceased person's trust. It is intended for those trustees who want a professional "roadmap" to ensure they fulfill their fiduciary duties without making costly legal mistakes.
Small Estates
Flat Fee: $1,750
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?
● We review of the decedent’s assets to confirm you qualify for simplified "Small Estate" or "Affidavit" procedures.
● We prepare and file documents with the probate court to obtain a court order that assigns assets to the rightful heirs in a single step.
● We provide guidance to present the court order to financial institutions and 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 to gain legal access to a deceased person's assets as fast as possible.
What Your Neighbors Are Saying...
We make estate administration simple and stress-free.
Highly recommend Estate Planning Law Group. Sandy is a trusted advisor, extremely knowledgeable and very thorough.
Marianne T.
Northville client
Sandra is extremely knowledgeable and helped to educate us with the process. She made us feel comfortable every step of the way.
Jorge P.
Northville client
Sandy was great to work with. The team was very efficient with the entire process and great with communication.
Dan H.
Northville client
Very professional, answered all questions, made you feel comfortable, always communicated promptly. Made this process easy.
Brian C.
Northville client
Your Path to Peace of Mind.
Reduce your 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.