“Mall Malisow & Cooney, PC: Fair and accurate billing; Reasonable professional rates. I have a MLS in legal research and have worked in private practice setting, so this assessment is based on personal knowledge and experience.”
Royal Oak, MI
Michigan Probate and Estate Administration
Working with professional Probate Attorneys can avoid potential costly and problematic issues when it comes to Estate Administration
Let’s talk
Michigan Probate and Estate Administration
Let’s talk
When a family member dies, the last thing your family wants is to get bogged down in estate details. At Mall Malisow & Cooney, our experienced Michigan probate lawyers and staff understand that this is a difficult time. We are here to handle the details so you don’t have to walk this road alone.
After the death of a loved one, all of his or her possessions not jointly owned or without a beneficiary, become a part of his or her estate. Estate administration is the process of collecting and managing the estate, paying any debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property to the heirs of the estate.
The heirs of your loved one’s estate are established within your loved one’s will. If a will was not made prior to death, the estate will be distributed to heirs according to the laws of Michigan, or the deceased loved one’s state of residence at the time of death.
Without question, working with probate attorneys, like those at Mall Malisow & Cooney, or having such a professional as the executor, can avoid potential costly and problematic issues when it comes to estate administration.
The duties of a Michigan estate administrator, also called an executor, vary, depending on the will’s complexity and the amount of property to be managed and distributed. It is a legal and fiduciary obligation, and not to be taken lightly. Both the wishes of the deceased, as stipulated in the will, and applicable state laws must be scrupulously followed. Some of the major duties include:
A person who is unfamiliar with the complexities of administering an estate will need the guidance of an experienced Michigan probate attorney. Mall Malisow & Cooney has many years of experience helping estate administrators with various duties and legal details.
Without professional guidance, serious mistakes can be made. Some of them can cost the estate and heirs to lose assets, which could be considered a breach of the administrator’s fiduciary duty. Common mistakes include:
There are times when disputes will arise over the validity of a loved one’s will, and this could affect beneficiaries or some other aspect of a loved one’s estate plan. Disputes can be over the validity of the will, about the loved one’s mental capacity when formulating the will, or even the actions of the estate administrator could be in question. This is when our Michigan probate attorneys can leverage their extensive experience in these matters on behalf of your family.
Our legal team is fierce advocates for your interests, and we work with family members and the courts to resolve Probate issues efficiently, and with tact and integrity. Our attorneys can investigate allegations of fraud or the validity of legal documents to ensure your family member’s wishes are carried out in the manner in which they were intended.
It is often in the best interests of the family to resolve matters outside of Probate Court. This can save time and costs, as well as preserve the family’s privacy. Before taking matters before the Probate Courts, our Attorneys will always recommend mediation to resolve any disputes or disagreements concerning Probate matters. It is always best for families to work together, and our Michigan Probate Lawyers are eager to facilitate agreements that benefit everyone while honoring your loved one’s wishes.
A court setting can add unnecessary tension that only complicates matters when family members disagree. A relaxed setting with a professional, experienced Probate Mediator can often provide the atmosphere where real communication and compromise can take place. The mediator can explain matters, answer questions, and offer solutions in order to settle estate matters amicably without lasting rancor within family ranks.
The Michigan probate law firm of Mall Malisow & Cooney maintains a significant presence in reputable listings such as Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. Moreover, our law firm is comprised of two attorneys who are nationally Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA), certified by the National Elder Law Foundation.
Our Michigan probate attorneys use their extensive training and expertise to provide the highest level of legal and mediation services to you and your family. Our goal is to always serve the best interests of our clients, helping them through the process of estate administration and settling any disputes quickly and amicably.
“Mall Malisow & Cooney, PC: Fair and accurate billing; Reasonable professional rates. I have a MLS in legal research and have worked in private practice setting, so this assessment is based on personal knowledge and experience.”
Royal Oak, MI
“Elder Law Specialization: Legal knowledge in elder law is comprehensive. Communication skills are superior, will take time to explain everything thoroughly and, if required, repeatedly with patience. Client Trust documents prepared are arranged in organized manner which is easy to manage in a practical way by client. Emphasis is on attention to detail and high-quality control. Tremendously helpful with referrals for assisted living residences in Metro Detroit area, programs for specialized hospital treatment and their medical directors for Dementia patients in crisis.”
Detroit, MI
“Over many years, all of those working in the Mall, Malisow & Cooney firm have interacted with my family with caring, personal attention. Even in highly stressful, time-sensitive, unimaginably convoluted situations, Sandy Mall and his associates have been respectful, patient, understanding, and supportive to all members of my family, regardless of their failing abilities and function.”
Royal Oak, MI
“Sanford (Sandy) Mall – Excellent referrals when another/different attorney is required, for example: temporary legal guardian or Civil Court representation.”
Oakland County
“Sanford J. Mall (Sandy) – Five Stars. My family has been a client of Sandy Mall for ten years. I recommend him and his firm most highly because: (1) Firm has experts in all and various aspects of elder law. Depth of coverage allows for 24/7 emergency availability. Will travel to client if required; (2) Superb working relationship with Probate Courts, Friend of the Court, and Adult Protective Services in both Wayne and Oakland Counties in Michigan; and (3) Timely, researched, accurate, good follow-up. Family is priority one, provides compassionate and fair mediation when necessary.”
Royal Oak, MI
“Harley, I want to thank you again for all your hard work. We are confident that you are doing all that is possible.”
Cincinnati, OH
“Thank you Harley for your generous time and compassion.”
Wayne County, MI
“Thank you so much for all you did to help me with matters regarding our dad.”
Oakland County, MI
“Sandy, just a lil note to say you were a great help on giving me suggestions and advise on Estate planning and home – You eased my mind on a lot of questions. So much appreciated – You and your staff were wonderful. Thanks again.”
Oakland County, MI
“Thank you very much, Harley. We really appreciate both your and Tracey’s excellent representation during the past year. I would recommend your firm to friends and family without hesitation.”
Rockville, Maryland