Probate and Estates
Probate, Wills and Trusts for Detroit Families
Whether a loved one passed without a will and the house is still in their name, or you want a plan in place so your family never has to sort it out, Kyle Dupuy handles the legal work from start to finish.
What We Handle
Probate and Estate Work We Take On
A large share of our probate work starts with real estate: a parent passes, the house was never deeded to anyone, and the family cannot sell, refinance or even insure it until the estate is opened. Because real estate is the center of this practice, we know how to get title cleaned up so the property can move.
On the planning side, we prepare wills and trusts that say exactly who receives what, so your family can avoid a long probate process later.
- Opening and administering probate estates
- Transferring a loved one’s house into the right names
- Wills
- Trust preparation
- Living wills and health care directions
- Guardianships
- Conservatorships
- Trust accounting and trust disputes
Common Situations
Where Clients Usually Are When They Call
“Mom’s house is still in her name.”
She passed without a trust and the deed was never changed. The family needs authority to sell or keep it.
“We can’t find the will.”
Or there never was one. Michigan law then decides who inherits, and someone needs to be appointed to handle the estate.
“The house was left to me, but…”
Back taxes, a missing deed or other heirs on title are keeping you from moving forward with the property.
“Dad can’t manage things anymore.”
A guardianship or conservatorship may be needed so someone can make decisions and handle money on his behalf.
“I want this settled now.”
You own a home, accounts or a business and want a will or trust so your family is not left guessing.
“The trustee won’t tell us anything.”
Beneficiaries have a right to information about a trust, and trustees have duties they must follow.
How We Work
Clear Steps at a Difficult Time
Gather the Facts
Who passed, what they owned, how it was titled and who the heirs or beneficiaries are.
Choose the Path
Not every estate needs full probate. We explain which process fits and what it will take.
File and Administer
We prepare the probate court filings, notices and inventories, and handle the property transfer.
Close It Out
Assets are distributed, the deed is recorded in the right names and the estate is closed properly.
Plain English
Probate and Estate Planning in Michigan
What Probate Does
Probate is the court process for gathering a person’s assets, paying valid debts and passing what remains to the right people. A personal representative is appointed to do that work and is given legal authority to act for the estate, including signing a deed.
When There Is No Will
If someone dies without a will, Michigan’s intestacy laws decide who inherits, usually a spouse, children or other close relatives in a set order. The estate still needs someone appointed to handle it.
Smaller Estates
Michigan offers simplified procedures for some smaller estates. Whether one applies depends on the value and type of assets, so it is worth asking before assuming a full probate is needed.
Wills and Trusts
A will says who receives your property, but it generally still passes through probate. A funded living trust can let assets pass to your family without probate and with more privacy. The right plan depends on what you own and who you want to protect.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
When an adult can no longer make decisions or manage money safely, the probate court can appoint a guardian for personal decisions or a conservator for finances. Advance planning documents can sometimes avoid the need for court.
Client Words
What Clients Say
“Kyle has a great communication skills with Wayne county to clarify the proper steps in transferring property that was given to me! His timing was perfect and very responsive to guiding me in the proper direction!”
Keith Kelly, Google review (excerpt)
“Kyle was super patient and thorough with my estate case. Truly appreciate all his hard work!”
Alex Shepherd, Google review
Reviews are shown word for word from Google. Every matter is different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Questions
Probate and Estates FAQ
Do we have to go through probate to sell Mom’s house?
If the house was still in her name alone and not in a trust or held jointly, someone usually needs legal authority from the probate court before it can be sold or transferred.
What if there is no will?
Michigan law sets who inherits. The court can still appoint a personal representative to handle the estate and transfer the property.
How long does probate take?
Michigan requires a period for creditors to come forward, so most estates take several months at minimum. Disputes or complicated assets take longer.
Is a will or a trust better?
It depends on what you own and your goals. A properly funded trust can avoid probate; a will is simpler but usually goes through it. We help you choose.
Who can be a guardian or conservator?
Often a family member, but the court decides based on the person’s needs and best interests, and the appointee has ongoing duties to report to the court.
Can heirs who disagree be handled?
Yes. Disputes over an estate or trust can be resolved through negotiation or, when needed, by the probate court.
Related
Other Ways We Help
Talk to Kyle
Get the Property Moving Again
Tell us what’s going on. You’ll hear back from Kyle within one business day.