Kalamazoo Estate Planning Lawyer, Michigan

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Includes: Gift Taxation

Michael J. Willis Lawyer

Michael J. Willis

VERIFIED
Bankruptcy & Debt, Wills & Probate, Contract, Elder Law, Estate Planning
Dedicated to Excellence in Client Service

Michael Willis founded this firm with his brother, Shaun Patrick Willis. Their father, Hon. Frank D. Willis, is the probate judge for Van Buren Count... (more)

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CONTACT

800-909-2450

Sumita Nagpal

Real Estate, Estate Planning, Labor Law, Business
Status:  In Good Standing           Licensed:  20 Years

Joseph W. Mills

Tax, Gift Taxation, Estate Planning, Real Estate
Status:  In Good Standing           Licensed:  50 Years

Christopher John Lalonde

Estate Planning, Estate, Business, Elder Law
Status:  In Good Standing           Licensed:  19 Years

Dean A. Antilla

Social Security, Estate Planning, Estate, Family Law
Status:  In Good Standing           Licensed:  39 Years

Maximiliano A. Pla-Mendez

International Other, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Consumer Bankruptcy
Status:  In Good Standing           Licensed:  9 Years

James R. Conboy

Estate Planning, Divorce & Family Law, Business, Bankruptcy
Status:  In Good Standing           Licensed:  24 Years

Robert B. Borsos

Estate Planning, Corporate, Business, Bankruptcy
Status:  In Good Standing           Licensed:  48 Years

Reid C. Hudgins

Estate Planning, Business, Real Estate
Status:  In Good Standing           Licensed:  54 Years

Teresa L. Rajala

Landlord-Tenant, International Tax, Estate Planning, Family Law
Status:  In Good Standing           Licensed:  26 Years

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Free Help: Use This Form or Call 800-943-8690

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800-943-8690

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By submitting this lawyer request, I confirm I have read and agree to the Consent to Receive Messages from all messaging and voice technologies including Email, Text, Phone, Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy. Information provided is not privileged or confidential.

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Easily find Kalamazoo Estate Planning Lawyers and Kalamazoo Estate Planning Law Firms. For more attorneys, search all Estate areas including Trusts, Wills & Probate and Power of Attorney attorneys.

LEGAL TERMS

FAMILY POT TRUST

See pot trust.

HEIR AT LAW

A person entitled to inherit property under intestate succession laws.

NONPROBATE

The distribution of a deceased person's property by any means other than probate. Many types of property pass free of probate, including property left to a surv... (more...)
The distribution of a deceased person's property by any means other than probate. Many types of property pass free of probate, including property left to a surviving spouse and property left outside of a will through probate-avoidance methods such as pay-on-death designations, joint tenancy ownership, living trusts and life insurance. Property that avoids probate is sometimes described as the 'nonprobate estate.' Nonprobate distribution may also occur if the deceased person leaves an invalid will. In that case, property will pass according to the particular state's laws of intestate succession.

ENTITY

An organization, institution or being that has its own existence for legal or tax purposes. An entity is often an organization with an existence separate from i... (more...)
An organization, institution or being that has its own existence for legal or tax purposes. An entity is often an organization with an existence separate from its individual members--for example, a corporation, partnership, trust, estate or government agency. The entity is treated like a person; it can function legally, be sued, and make decisions through agents.

DISCHARGE (OF PROBATE ADMINISTRATOR)

A court order releasing the administrator or executor from any further duties connected with the probate of an estate. This typically occurs when the duties hav... (more...)
A court order releasing the administrator or executor from any further duties connected with the probate of an estate. This typically occurs when the duties have been completed but may happen sooner if the executor or administrator wishes to withdraw or is dismissed.

SELF-PROVING WILL

A will that is created in a way that allows a probate court to easily accept it as the true will of the person who has died. In most states, a will is self-prov... (more...)
A will that is created in a way that allows a probate court to easily accept it as the true will of the person who has died. In most states, a will is self-proving when two witnesses sign under penalty of perjury that they observed the willmaker sign it and that he told them it was his will. If no one contests the validity of the will, the probate court will accept the will without hearing the testimony of the witnesses or other evidence. To make a self-proving will in other states, the willmaker and one or more witnesses must sign an affidavit (sworn statement) before a notary public certifying that the will is genuine and that all willmaking formalities have been observed.

BENEFICIARY

A person or organization legally entitled to receive benefits through a legal device, such as a will, trust or life insurance policy.

FAILURE OF ISSUE

A situation in which a person dies without children who could have inherited her property.

PROVING A WILL

Convincing a probate court that a document is truly the deceased person's will. Usually this is a simple formality that the executor or administrator easily sat... (more...)
Convincing a probate court that a document is truly the deceased person's will. Usually this is a simple formality that the executor or administrator easily satisfies by showing that the will was signed and dated by the deceased person in front of two or more witnesses. When the will is holographic -- that is, completely handwritten by the deceased and not witnessed, it is still valid in many states if the executor can produce relatives and friends to testify that the handwriting is that of the deceased.

SAMPLE LEGAL CASES

IN RE ESTATE OF SOUTHWORTH

... Margaret Noe. In February 2005, the decedent consulted Noe for estate planning advice. The ... estate plan. The representative offered to meet with the decedent and answer any questions regarding estate planning and the college. Despite ...

IN RE HAYES

... In addition, the survivor may amend or revoke the trust." [Brief at 8, citing Michigan Estate Planning Handbook (Carol J. Karr ed., ICLE 2d ed, 2006), ch 22, § 22.4.]. ... [Michigan Estate Planning Handbook (Carol J. Karr ed., ICLE 2d ed, 2006), ch 22, § 22.4.]. ...

Charfoos v. Schultz

... including trust documents, as in this case. Bullis v Downes, 240 Mich App 462, 468; 612 NW2d 435 (2000) (no distinction made among varieties of modern estate planning tools). Here, the trial court prohibited plaintiffs from ...