A question many potential Michigan probate clients have is "how is a Last Will and Testament probated?"
The Michigan probate process is typically a 5-12 month process that begins with filing the appropriate forms with the local probate court. The Michigan probate court you need to file the appropriate forms and Last Will and Testament at depends on where the deceased resided. For example, if the decedent lived in Oakland county, then the Last Will and Testament would be probated at the Oakland County Probate court, located in Pontiac.
Depending on your goals the appropriate forms to open up a probate estate with a Last Will and Testament included the Application or Petition for Probate, Testimony of Interested Parties, Supplemental Testimony, Acceptance of Appointment, Register of Deeds and the Death Certificate of the Deceased. This is just a general starting point. In addition to this paper work, the filing fees and fees for the Letters of Authority must be paid to the court.
Now this only opens up the Michigan probate and starts the process. You now must navigate the Michigan probate process through the local county court, such as the Wayne County Probate Court, the Oakland County Probate Court, or the Macomb County Probate Court.
Christopher J. Berry, Esq., A Bloomfield Hills Probate Litigation Attorney, is a Partner with The Law Offices of Witzke Berry PLLC, which practices in the areas of Michigan Living Trusts, Living Wills, and Michigan Probate Litigation. We can be reached at 248-971-1700.
