After a loved one passes, the executor in Michigan handles their final tax return (Form 1040), covering income up to the date of death. In this article, the Michigan probate attorneys of Thompson Legal provide an overview to filing a final tax return for a deceased taxpayer in Michigan, including the necessary forms, deadlines, and common issues that may arise.  Filing can be complex, especially with factors like missing information and income earned before death but received after. Seeking help from a tax professional or estate attorney is advisable. Thompson Legal can assist with this process, ensuring accurate filing. Contact us for support.

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an EIN, including determining eligibility, choosing the right application method, and gathering the necessary information. It also highlights the responsibilities of the Personal Representative in managing the estate's tax obligations. Contact Thompson Legal today for expert guidance on EIN application and estate administration.

Dealing with a mortgage after someone passes away can be a real headache. The good news is there are laws in place to help out surviving spouses and family members. The Garn-St. Germain Act and some CFPB rules stop lenders from demanding the whole mortgage be paid off right away just because the house is inherited. This article, written by the Probate attorneys of Thompson Legal, will help provide a basic understanding of what could happen to your mortgage through out the Michigan probate process.

Probate, the legal process of settling an estate, can be particularly daunting, especially when it comes to protecting the surviving spouse's interests. The experienced probate attorneys of Thompson Legal understand the various protections available to spouses, and can help ensure that the surviving spouse's needs are met and their security is preserved.

Settling an estate can often be a lengthy process due to probate, which involves distributing assets according to a deceased person's will or Michigan's intestacy laws. This article by Thompson Legal provides an overview of probate, including when it's necessary, common complications, and strategies to expedite the process. For personalized advice on navigating probate or avoiding it through estate planning, consult with a licensed attorney at Thompson Legal.

Subsequent administration entails the reopening of a probate estate under certain limited circumstances, such as newly discovered assets or attempting to rectify prior errors. In this post, the probate attorneys of Thompson Legal will explain the requirements to reopen a Michigan probate estate as well as what factors parties should consider before filing.

Ancillary probate is a legal process that occurs when a deceased individual owns property, typically real estate, in a state other than their primary residence. At Thompson Legal, our specialized probate attorneys offer comprehensive ancillary estate administration services to personal representatives to ensure assets are properly transferred. 

Contesting a will in Michigan is a legal process that allows interested parties to challenge the legitimacy of a will under certain circumstances. In this post, the probate attorneys of Thompson Legal will explain the grounds for contesting a will and discuss considerations for the legal process involved.

For Michigan personal representatives, understanding the requirements of the probate process is crucial. One of the most import filings in the probate process in the Inventory, which provides an initial list of estate asset.  In this guide, the probate attorneys at Thompson Legal will explain the basic of inventories in Decedent Estates, what they entail, and how to file them.

For many different reasons, a minor may require the appointment of a legal guardian. In this article, the probate attorneys of Thompson Legal will discuss the important aspects of minor guardianships, explain basic requirements and consideration, and provide valuable legal insights for Michigan guardians.

At Thompson Legal our expert conservatorship lawyers understand the importance of clarity and guidance in conservatorship matters. This article delves into the important aspects of adult and minor conservatorships in Michigan, shedding light on the requirements, and legal providing valuable insights for those seeking a deeper understanding.

Being a guardian for a developmentally disabled individual is a unique legal process governed by Chapter 6 of the Michigan Mental Health Code. The probate lawyers at Thompson Legal detail the process and requirements in this article so that the guardians of developmentally disabled individuals have a better understanding of their responsibilities. 

   Today, we embark on a sobering exploration of the difficulties awaiting those who pass without first creating the roadmap of an estate plan.  Dying without a clear plan in place triggers Michigan's intestate succession laws, a default mechanism that determines the fate of your assets. Let's delve into the intricacies of intestate succession, the role of the probate court, and the consequences of failing to dictate your own plan.

In the case where someone who received Medicaid benefits passes away with probate assets, the state may file a creditor claim for benefits paid. The probate lawyers at Thompson Legal understand how serious these claims can be and are dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the legal landscape surrounding Medicaid benefits and probate estate recovery claims.

Michigan has specific legal provision under MCL 700.3982 that allows for a more straightforward process to distribute assets from a small estate. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of the Petition for Assignment, including its relevance under MCL 700.3982, and provide insights into the form required for this purpose.

The appointment of a guardian involves a detailed legal process, and guardians are vested with specific powers and duties to protect the best interests of the person under their care. This blog post explores the powers and duties of guardians in Michigan and outlines the process of appointing a guardian, who can be considered, and a guardian’s right and duties.

Michigan courts have updated court rules and filing requirements in order to remove protection of personal information (PII) from the public Michigan probate system. In this blog post, we'll discuss the recent updates in Michigan Courts that aim to safeguard personal information and introduce the newly required probate filing forms, MC97 and MC97a.

When it comes to guardianship over a protected persons in Michigan, it's crucial to understand the legal framework governing the powers and responsibilities of guardians for protected individuals. In this blog post, we'll delve into the details of this statute and explore the powers and duties of a guardian for a protected person.