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Tag: Probate Court

Oak County Probate, Michigan

Michigan Oakland County Probate Court Retaliates

July 22, 2020
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The Oakland County Probate Court in Michigan has a reputation that’s no secret to attorneys practicing Michigan estate and probate law. Attorneys claim that openly criticizing any of the four judges or Oakland County Public Administrators, whether in court or in public, can lead to sanctions placed against them; or the possible removal of their license by Michigan’s Attorney Discipline Board. Families claim there are very few Michigan attorneys who are willing to take their cases against an Oakland County Public Administrator, and that those who do charge retainers that are far out of a family’s reach. One attorney, who…

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Elderly Care Taker

Crooked Caretakers: ‘Easier than you think’ to steal from the vulnerable

July 20, 2020
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Scott Teter, head of the Michigan Attorney General’s Financial Crimes Division, said “it’s easier than you think for rogue guardians and conservators to steal from wards.  Spotting exploitation is often left up to family members, but most families don’t have the resources to do that.” Teter continued with, the system is set up to respond to complaints, not search for evidence of exploitation.   Michigan: Flaws In The Law In Michigan conservators have to file an annual financial report, but guardians don’t. Additionally, the financial report itself doesn’t require any receipts or backup documentation to account for the money. “It’s…

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Letter in mail for probate hearing

Why You MUST Respond to Letter about Probate Court

July 15, 2020
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So you got a letter in the mail from someone (relative, lawyer, doctor,…) saying a hearing is scheduled for you for “Probate Court”. Your first reaction is, “What is this for?  I don’t need anyone helping me, or any court telling me what to do”.  This reaction is fine, but DON’T IGNORE THE PAPERS. You see, anyone can file an application with probate court, saying that your are incapacitated, and that you need help managing your life and money. Oh, so you don’t believe it?  Google how to file guardianship in your state.  You will see something like: 1- Fill…

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Health & Home Protection in the Age of Covid-19

July 13, 2020
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Just as things start to re-open, the coronavirus effects more people.  More people admitted to hospitals; more people on respirators; more people sick; more people dying. It is time that you put the appropriate documents in place to protect you and your family.  Without the right documents in place, should something happen to you, your family will be reliant on state laws and probate courts to appoint individuals who will be responsible for your financial affairs and health-care decisions. AND, if you have your estate documents in place, now is the time to review and update those documents. Documents You…

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Probate Advocate

Probate Watch

June 30, 2020
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This Organization Wants to Improve the Probate System Probate Watch is made up of groups of people whose lives and loved ones have been impacted by probate court guardianship and conservatorship.  They are actively lobbying their legislatures and state organizations to drive change. If you have been impacted by the probate court’s guardianship or conservatorship, you can take their survey, which helps to collect data that will be used to drive change within the probate courts. Probate Watch focuses on Minnesota Probate; however, you can complete their Minnesota Survey or any other state. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! Along with…

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Do You Need a Will

I Don’t Own Anything, Why Do I Need a Will?

June 29, 2020
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First let’s make sure that is an accurate statement. Do you have a car? Do you have a bank account; checking or savings account? Do you have a 401K plan where you work? Do you own a timeshare? Do you own any collectibles like shoes, clothes, art,…? Do you have furniture? With just that short list above, you could own a number of things when you stop to think about it. First, take time to think about the things that you own, then make a list. Second, go over that list and determine is you want a certain person or…

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