Michigan Estate Planning and Probate Attorneys

At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, our attorneys have experience assisting families throughout Michigan with estate planning and probate. These matters are deeply personal, often involving sensitive family dynamics. The aim is to provide compassionate, knowledgeable legal support every step of the way.

If you have questions on creating a will, establishing a trust, or managing probate, we offer clear answers and effective solutions.

A well-crafted estate plan ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for. Our attorneys provide personalized estate planning services that go beyond filling out forms. We help you draft wills and trusts that safeguard your property, minimize complications, and provide peace of mind for your family.

Our team also prepares powers of attorney and healthcare directives, so trusted individuals can make financial or medical decisions on your behalf if needed. For parents and caregivers, we guide you through naming guardians for minor children or dependents to ensure long-term stability and security.

Losing a loved one is never easy, and settling their affairs can be overwhelming. Our firm supports families through every phase of probate, helping executors and personal representatives meet their legal obligations with confidence.

We assist with filing petitions, validating wills, managing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property according to Michigan law. Whether the estate is straightforward or complex, our attorneys strive to reduce stress, avoid unnecessary delays, and resolve disputes before they escalate.

Trusts are powerful tools for controlling how your assets are managed and distributed. Our attorneys help you establish living trusts to simplify estate administration and minimize the need for court involvement. We also review and update existing trusts to ensure they still align with your goals and reflect any life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or new property ownership.

By creating a trust-based plan, you can protect your assets, maintain privacy, and ensure your loved ones receive their inheritance quickly and efficiently.

With proper planning, many families can reduce or eliminate the need for probate entirely. We advise clients on practical strategies such as establishing revocable living trusts, setting up joint ownership of property, and keeping beneficiary designations current. These proactive steps can help your estate transfer smoothly, maintain privacy, and save time and expense for your heirs.

Regularly reviewing and updating your documents after major life events ensures your plan remains valid and effective for years to come.

What assets go through probate?
Probate is generally required when someone passes away owning property solely in their name without a joint owner, beneficiary, or trust designation.

Can probate be avoided?
Yes. Establishing a living trust, adding joint ownership, or using payable-on-death and transfer-on-death accounts can help bypass probate.

What does a personal representative do?
They manage the estate by collecting assets, paying debts, handling taxes, and distributing property according to the will or state law.

What’s the difference between a will and a trust?
A will outlines how property is distributed through probate, while a trust allows assets to transfer directly to beneficiaries without court involvement.

Why is a power of attorney important?
It allows someone you trust to manage your financial or medical decisions if you’re unable to, preventing court-appointed guardianship.

Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful steps you can take to protect your loved ones. At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, our attorneys are committed to providing the knowledge, tools, and personalized strategies you need to make confident decisions about your estate and your legacy.

We believe in building long-term relationships with our clients based on trust, transparency, and genuine care for your well-being. Call our office today or fill out our secure online form to schedule your consultation. Let us help you protect your assets, honor your loved ones, and create a lasting plan for the future.