HELPING FAMILIES NAVIGATE THE MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT
Life doesn’t always unfold according to plan. A loved one passes away, an aging parent begins to struggle with dementia, a child with special needs reaches adulthood, or a family member experiences a mental health crisis. During these important life transitions, many Michigan families find themselves in Probate Court, often for the first time and often without understanding what the court actually does.
The Michigan Probate Court is about much more than administering estates after someone dies. Probate Courts oversee a wide variety of matters involving the protection of vulnerable individuals, the management of property, and the orderly transfer of assets. While every county operates independently, Michigan Probate Courts follow the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), the Michigan Trust Code, and other state laws designed to protect individuals and families.
At Great Lakes Family Probate & Estates, PLLC, we help individuals, families, trustees, personal representatives, guardians, conservators, and fiduciaries navigate the Probate Court process throughout Michigan. Whether you are planning ahead or responding to an unexpected family event, we provide practical guidance, compassionate counsel, and experienced courtroom representation when needed.
WHAT DOES THE MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT HANDLE?
Many people are surprised to learn how many legal matters fall within the Probate Court’s jurisdiction. Our firm assists clients in a wide variety of probate proceedings, including:
Estate Administration
When someone dies owning assets in their individual name without a beneficiary designation or trust, the Probate Court may appoint a Personal Representative to administer the estate. We assist families from the initial petition through final distribution.
Guardianships
Sometimes a child or vulnerable adult needs someone legally authorized to make personal, educational, or medical decisions on their behalf.
We represent families seeking:
Minor Guardianships
Guardianships for Developmentally Disabled Individuals
Guardianships for Incapacitated Adults
Emergency Guardianships
Guardian Modifications and Terminations
Conservatorships
A conservator may be appointed when someone cannot properly manage their finances or property.
Our firm assists with:
Minor Conservatorships
Adult Conservatorships
Annual Accountings
Sale of Real Estate
Fiduciary Compliance
Protective Proceedings
Michigan Probate Courts also issue Protective Orders designed to safeguard individuals and their property when immediate action is necessary.
Protective proceedings often involve:
Financial exploitation
Asset preservation
Appointment of special fiduciaries
Emergency protection of vulnerable adults
Trust Matters
Many trusts avoid probate administration after death, but they often still require Probate Court involvement.
Our firm represents:
Trustees
Trust beneficiaries
Interested Persons
Petitioners seeking trust interpretation or modification
Mental Health Proceedings
Michigan Probate Courts hear a variety of mental health matters involving individuals experiencing serious mental illness.
These sensitive proceedings may include petitions involving involuntary treatment, hospitalization, and related hearings under the Michigan Mental Health Code.
Special Needs Matters
Families caring for a loved one with disabilities often require continuing Probate Court assistance.
We assist with:
Adult Guardianships
Conservatorships
Special Needs Trusts
Settlement Protection
Court Approval Proceedings
Experienced Probate Representation
Every probate matter is unique.
Some families simply need help completing paperwork correctly.
Others require courtroom advocacy during difficult family disputes.
Whatever your situation, our attorneys provide practical legal advice designed to protect your loved ones while reducing unnecessary stress, delay, and expense.
MICHIGAN PROBATE ATTORNEYS SERVING FAMILIES ACROSS MICHIGAN
Whether you need assistance opening an estate, establishing a guardianship, administering a trust, protecting an elderly parent, or navigating a complex Probate Court matter, Great Lakes Family Probate & Estates is here to help.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you have questions or would like to discuss your legal rights and options, contact Great Lakes Family Probate & Estates to schedule a confidential consultation at (888) 554-5373, or fill out the form below. Our attorneys are here to provide experienced guidance and trusted legal representation.