Probate & Estate Administration
Experienced, steady legal counsel guiding executors, successor trustees, and beneficiaries through estate settlement in Michigan.
Navigating Probate & Trust Settlement With Confidence
Losing a family member is emotionally taxing, and being named as a personal representative, executor, or successor trustee brings significant legal responsibilities. At Bassett Murray Law Group, PLLC, we provide calm, structured legal counsel to relieve administrative burdens and protect fiduciaries from personal liability.
From opening probate court files in Washtenaw, Emmet, or surrounding Michigan counties to managing statutory creditor notices, preparing accountings, and transferring real property, our attorneys guide you efficiently through every step.
Key Administration Priorities
- Court Filings & Authority: Securing legal Letters of Authority to access accounts and manage assets.
- Fiduciary Protection: Ensuring personal representatives fulfill statutory duties without personal risk.
- Creditor Claim Resolution: Publishing required legal notices and reviewing valid claims.
- Trust Settlement: Assisting successor trustees with mandatory disclosures and asset division.
Comprehensive Estate & Trust Settlement Solutions
Decedent's Estate Settlement
Guiding personal representatives through inventory, debt notifications, statutory notice to creditors, and lawful distribution.
Trust Administration
Assisting successor trustees with accounting, fiduciary compliance, tax obligations, and beneficiary distributions.
Probate With or Without a Will
Managing formal and informal court administration whether decedent left a valid will or died intestate under Michigan law.
Probate & Trust Litigation Support
Representing fiduciaries and beneficiaries in breach of fiduciary duty claims, accounting disputes, and will contests.
Steps in Michigan Estate Administration
Initial Probate Assessment
We review the decedent's estate assets, existing wills or trusts, and identify the required Michigan probate court filing path.
Court Petition & Appointment
Prepare and file petitions to appoint the personal representative or executor and secure Letters of Authority.
Asset Inventory & Creditor Notice
Inventory estate assets, notify known and unknown creditors, publish statutory notices, and resolve valid claims.
Accounting & Tax Obligations
Prepare required court accountings, resolve final income taxes or estate tax filings, and satisfy legal obligations.
Distribution & Estate Discharge
Distribute remaining estate assets to named beneficiaries or heirs-at-law and formally discharge the fiduciary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate
Related Practice Areas
Learn how probate integrates with estate planning and elder care counsel.
Get Guidance on Estate Administration & Probate
Contact our legal team to tell us how we can help with probate filings, estate settlement, or trust administration.