Michigan probate courts oversee a variety of matters, including the estates of deceased persons, litigation regarding those estates, guardianships and conservatorships. The attorneys at Henneke, Fraim & Dawes, P.C. are experienced in all areas of probate practice and offer skillful, compassionate guidance to our clients who require assistance with a probate matter.

Decedents’ Estates

In Michigan, the process of confirming the validity of a deceased person’s will and distributing their assets falls under the jurisdiction of the probate court. Though the state has simplified the probate process for smaller estates in recent years, it can still be very complex and detail-oriented, with many documents and reports that must be correctly prepared and timely filed with the court. The assistance of a knowledgeable attorney can expedite the probate process and reduce stress on the decedent’s heirs.

Probate Litigation

In circumstances where a will or trust is contested, the probate process becomes much more complicated. Common reasons for will and trust contests include claims that the decedent was unduly influenced by someone benefiting under the will being probated, that the decedent was not competent to execute the will at the time it was made, or that there was some other defect in the will or trust. Our attorneys advise both executors, heirs, trustees, or others with standing to challenge a will or trust.

Guardianships

When an adult is no longer competent to make personal decisions for him or herself, or a child no longer has a parent available to care for him or her, a guardian may be necessary. A guardianship is simply a legal relationship, created through the probate court, between a dependent person (“ward”) and the person who assumes responsibility for their care decisions (“guardian”). Henneke, Fraim & Dawes, P.C. represents parties who seek guardianship over another, the prospective wards, and interested individuals who oppose a guardianship or the appointment of a particular guardian.

Conservatorships

Similar to guardianships, conservatorships are legal relationships created by the court to protect assets of individuals who are no longer capable of managing their financial affairs. Often, a ward will require both a guardian and a conservator, who may be the same person. Conservatorships require regular accountings and reports to be filed with the probate court. Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling these matters.

Henneke, Fraim & Dawes, P.C. takes pride in offering clients the support and knowledgeable legal guidance they require during difficult times. We invite you to contact us with your questions regarding our probate services.