Wills, trusts, and estates refer to different legal concepts relating to the ownership of property. A will is a legal document by which a person names another to manage his or her estate and provide for the distribution of property at death. A trust is a legal relationship whereby property is held by one party for the benefit of another. Finally, an estate refers to the entirety of a person’s property at a given point. Michigan Estate Planning Law An … Read More →

The decision to draw up a will before tragedy strikes is one of the smartest and most protective decisions you can make for your family. Wills often avoid tedious and long lasting drawbacks after passing and allow for an easier transition for your family during this difficult time. At Goldman & Associates, we understand the importance of providing security and safety for your family, and our experienced team of Michigan lawyers are here to aid you through the will process … Read More →

If you have recently lost a loved one, probating an estate is probably the last thing on your mind. However, at some point, this is an issue that will have to be addressed, and it is usually on the decedent’s family members to handle these affairs somewhere down the road. If the deceased passed on with a small estate, you are probably wondering whether it makes sense to hire an attorney to help you out when the value of the … Read More →

When probating an estate, most estates will be unsupervised. Only in limited circumstances will supervised administration be appropriate (such as if the will directs it or the court orders it to protect interested persons). Opening an estate can seem complex for those who have little experience in probate court. Therefore, it is often helpful to hire an attorney for help. What follows is a brief description of unsupervised administration of an estate in Michigan Opening an estate in Michigan requires … Read More →

There are a number of matters that may be initiated in probate courts across Michigan. The particular jurisdiction will dictate what matters come before its probate court. Most of these matters will require an experienced attorney should any interested party object. In addition to drafting wills, our attorneys are experienced and can help with some of the following matters Initiating Estate Proceedings You will need an attorney should an interested party contest a will, or where an objection may be … Read More →

Probate refers to the first step in the process of administering an estate of a deceased person. This process includes the resolution of all claims to the deceased person’s property under a will, as well as a legal determination of the will and the appointment of an executor with the power to dispose of the assets as set forth in that will. In Michigan, probate is a legal process undertaken after a person’s death to settle their last will and … Read More →

In order to have a successful consultation, it is very important that you have the necessary information at your fingertips that the attorney and court will need to evaluate your case. You should be prepared to address in general terms your assets and liabilities. We have to address debts as well such as credit card bills & student loans. In addition to that, we must identify your goals when it comes to the children and issues relating to custody, support … Read More →

If you are wondering about if your spouse receives half of the marital assets, then the answer is usually leaning towards yes. All of the assets that were accumulated during the marriage are subject to division. If the assets were accumulated before the marriage, then that is a different story. There are certain circumstances that the court might see fit to make modifications, but this is the general format that the court will use. Goldman and Associates Law Firm is … Read More →

The probate court was established in order to assist individuals in guardianships, conservatorships, and in a lot of cases the probate court is used to establish and resolve estates. The process begins when you file to initiate the case, and then the court will appoint a personal representative. This representative will be the main contact that the court will use instead of dealing with multiple people. In some situations, a will can often name the personal representative. Probate cases can … Read More →