Experienced Probate, Estate Trust Administration Guidance
Last updated on July 13, 2026
After a loved one’s passing, you may have many questions and concerns about taking care of their estate. This process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can bring in an experienced probate attorney to help you preserve your loved one’s legacy with confidence.
Based in Grand Rapids, our firm the Law Office of Holly A. Jackson, provides individuals and families throughout Michigan with guidance on probate, estate and trust administration. When you choose us, you get personalized support from our experienced attorneys. We are committed to doing everything we can to help the process go as smoothly as possible for you and your family.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the process of distributing a person’s estate after they have passed. If you are serving as a personal representative of your loved one’s estate, you’ll have a variety of duties in connection to this process. Whether your loved one had a will or not, we are here to walk you through every step with clear, compassionate advice.
When There Is A Will
If your loved one died with a will, the distribution of their estate in probate is typically guided by their wishes as expressed in this document. We are ready to assist you in honoring these instructions and addressing potential challenges to the will’s validity.
When There Isn’t A Will
If your loved one had no will or other estate planning tools in place, Michigan’s intestacy laws come into play. These laws set up specific requirements on how to distribute assets among the deceased’s living relatives. As knowledgeable estate administration lawyers, we can help you understand who gets what and guide you on fulfilling your responsibilities under these laws.
Is Probate Always Necessary?
Probate isn’t mandatory in every case. Here in Michigan, small estates (currently those under $50,000) may qualify for a simpler process. Also, certain estate planning tools, like trusts, can be used to keep assets out of probate. Let our attorneys assess your situation to help you determine the proper path forward given the specifics of your loved one’s estate.
Helping You With Trust Administration
If trusts are part of your loved one’s estate plan, trust administration becomes a key issue. This is separate from the probate process. The trustee is responsible for administering the trust in accordance to its specific terms. We can provide you with the experienced and dependable guidance you need when you are serving as trustee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate, Estate And Trust Administration
Most people are unfamiliar with the legal processes surrounding inheritances and the terminology that is used. Here are the answers to some common concerns and questions we encounter:
What is the difference between probate and estate administration?
Probate is a very specific, court-supervised process that involves validating the decedent’s will, confirming an executor or appointing an administrator, and transferring their assets to new owners.
Estate administration, in comparison, refers to the broader process of settling the deceased’s affairs. It includes managing probate activities, but also a number of other actions such as identifying all the estate’s assets and securing them, making notifications, paying the deceased’s debts, filing their final taxes and, ultimately, distributing inheritances.
Many people seek legal assistance to guide them through the complex steps involved in probate and estate administration.
What assets are included and excluded from probate?
In general, an estate’s assets must go through probate when they were solely in the deceased’s name and not controlled by payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) designations.
Assets that are typically subject to probate include:
- Personal property: Household items, clothing, jewelry, collections and artwork
- Titled assets: Real estate held alone or in joint tenancy and vehicles
- Financial accounts: Solely owned bank accounts, stocks and some business assets
However, some assets bypass probate entirely as they transfer to new ownership. Assets generally excluded from probate include:
- Trust funds: Assets included in a trust to be distributed directly to beneficiaries
- Assets with a named beneficiary: Life insurance policies and retirement accounts that are to be distributed directly to beneficiaries
- Jointly owned assets: Assets that are owned by multiple parties, such as a home that is held jointly with a right of survivorship
It is important to make the distinction between probate and nonprobate assets when administering an estate for a smooth and legally correct distribution.
What are the executor’s duties during probate?
The role of the executor is to manage a person’s estate after they pass away. They will:
- File the will with the local probate court
- Notify any potential heirs and beneficiaries
- Secure and inventory all the deceased’s assets
- Open a bank account for the estate
- Pay any final debts and taxes
- Distribute any remaining assets
- Provide a final accounting
Ultimately, the executor of an estate spends a great deal of time communicating with the court, beneficiaries and heirs, creditors and others to settle the deceased’s final affairs.
Get Reliable Support Today
You don’t have to go through the probate or trust administration process alone. Reach out to the Law Office of Holly A. Jackson today for compassionate, personalized legal help. You can get in touch by sending us an email or calling 616-420-4504.