When someone you love passes away, the last thing you want to deal with is a long, expensive legal process. And when you’re thinking about your own future, you want to know that the people you care about will be taken care of — without confusion, conflict, or court delays. That’s what estate planning is for, and it’s what the attorneys at Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC help Sterling Heights families do every day.
Whether you need a will, a trust, a power of attorney, or help settling a loved one’s estate through Macomb County Probate Court in Mount Clemens, our team brings experience, patience, and clear communication to every case.
Why Sterling Heights Families Need an Estate Plan
Sterling Heights is one of the most populous cities in Michigan, with a large and growing population of middle-class and retirement-age families. Many residents own their homes outright and have significant assets to protect for the next generation.
Without a plan in place, Michigan’s intestate succession laws determine how your assets are distributed — and those rules may not reflect your wishes. A properly drafted estate plan puts you in control. It names the people you trust to handle your affairs, protects your assets from unnecessary taxes and court costs, and makes a difficult time easier for the people you leave behind.
Many people put off estate planning because they assume it’s only for the wealthy or the elderly. That’s a common misconception. If you own a home, have a bank account, or have children, you have something worth planning for — and someone who deserves to be protected.
Estate Planning Services We Offer in Sterling Heights
Our attorneys handle all aspects of estate planning and probate administration for Sterling Heights residents and their families:
Last Will and Testament: A will is the foundation of any estate plan. It names your beneficiaries, designates a personal representative (executor) to manage your estate, and — critically — names a guardian for your minor children if something happens to you. Visit mkplc.com/probate/last-will-and-testament/ to learn more.
Revocable Living Trusts: A revocable trust allows your assets to pass to your beneficiaries without going through probate. This saves time, reduces costs, and keeps your affairs private. It also allows you to manage your own assets during your lifetime and name a successor trustee to step in if you become incapacitated. Learn more at mkplc.com/probate/revocable-living-trusts/.
Power of Attorney: A durable power of attorney designates someone to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so yourself. Without one, your family may need to pursue a costly conservatorship through the probate court. See mkplc.com/probate/power-of-attorney/.
Estate Administration: When a loved one passes away, their estate must often go through the probate process. Our attorneys guide personal representatives through every step — from filing with ${ctx.court} to distributing assets and closing the estate. Details at mkplc.com/probate/estate-administration/.
Guardianship and Conservatorship: When a family member can no longer care for themselves or manage their finances, a court-appointed guardian or conservator may be necessary. We handle these sensitive matters with care. Visit mkplc.com/probate/conservatorship-guardianship/.
Irrevocable Trusts and Special Needs Trusts: For families with a loved one who has a disability, a special needs trust protects their eligibility for government benefits while still providing financial support. For advanced asset protection and tax planning, irrevocable trusts offer additional tools. Learn more at mkplc.com/probate/special-needs-trust/ and mkplc.com/probate/irrevocable-trusts/.
Understanding Probate in Macomb County
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is settled. In Michigan, most estates with assets above $25,000 or that include real property must go through probate — unless those assets are held in a trust, jointly owned with right of survivorship, or have a named beneficiary.
The probate process in Michigan is administered by the Macomb County Probate Court in Mount Clemens. It involves filing a petition, notifying creditors and heirs, inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining estate to beneficiaries. The process typically takes six months to a year, though complex estates can take longer.
One of the most valuable things you can do for your family is to plan ahead so that probate is avoided entirely — or at least simplified. A revocable living trust, combined with properly titled assets and named beneficiaries, can allow your estate to transfer to your loved ones quickly and privately, without court involvement.
When to Update Your Estate Plan
An estate plan is not a one-time document. It should be reviewed after major life changes, including:
Marriage or divorce: Your beneficiary designations and trustee appointments need to reflect your current family structure.
Birth or adoption of a child: You’ll want to name a guardian and update your plan to provide for the new child.
Death of a beneficiary or trustee: Successor designations need to be updated promptly.
Significant change in assets: Buying a home, inheriting money, or starting a business all warrant a review.
Moving to a new state: Estate planning documents must comply with Michigan law to be valid and enforceable here.
If you have an existing will or trust that was drafted more than five years ago, it’s worth having an attorney review it. Michigan law has changed, and your circumstances almost certainly have too.
A Firm That Sterling Heights Families Trust
Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC has served Macomb County families for generations. We’re not a large, impersonal firm — we’re a local practice that takes the time to understand your family, your goals, and your concerns. When you work with us, you get direct access to your attorney, plain-language explanations of your options, and a plan that reflects your actual wishes.
Located along M-59 and close to I-696, Sterling Heights residents can reach our St. Clair Shores office quickly.
We offer consultations for Sterling Heights residents looking to start an estate plan, update an existing plan, or navigate the probate process after a loved one has passed. The sooner you have a plan in place, the better protected your family will be.
Contact Our Sterling Heights Probate & Estate Planning Attorneys
Ready to get started? Call (586) 496-7525 or visit mkplc.com/contact/ to schedule a consultation with our probate and estate planning team. We serve Sterling Heights and all of Macomb County from our offices in St. Clair Shores and Shelby Township.
