Probate Attorneys For Families And Estates In Novi, Michigan

Losing a loved one is hard enough. Navigating the legal process that follows adds real stress to an already difficult time. At Fleming & Borowicz PLC, our probate attorney team helps executors, personal representatives and families across Novi, Oakland County and Metro Detroit. We provide clear, practical guidance through estate administration. Whether you are handling an estate for the first time or facing unexpected complications, a probate lawyer at our firm will help you move forward with confidence.

What Does A Probate Attorney Do?

A probate attorney guides executors and personal representatives through the legal process of settling an estate. That includes filing with the probate court, managing executor duties, addressing creditor claims and making sure assets pass to the right people. At Fleming & Borowicz PLC, our probate administration attorneys work directly with clients at every stage. We explain what needs to happen, in what order and why. You work with the attorney you hired from the first consultation through the final court filing.

Does Every Estate Go Through Probate In Michigan?

Keep in mind that not every estate requires full probate. Michigan law allows simplified procedures for smaller estates that meet certain value thresholds. Some assets also pass outside of probate entirely. Some common examples we often see include:

• Jointly held property
• Accounts with named beneficiaries
• Assets held in trust

Whether full probate applies depends on the size and structure of the estate. Our probate law firm reviews each situation carefully and explains all available options. A probate attorney at Fleming & Borowicz PLC can help you understand which path your estate requires. Proper estate planning, including trust planning, can also reduce or avoid probate for the people you leave behind.

Common Steps In The Probate Process

Michigan probate follows a structured process. An estate administration lawyer at Fleming & Borowicz PLC helps clients work through each step clearly. Knowing what comes next helps set realistic expectations for everyone involved. Common steps you may encounter during the probate process include:

• Filing with the probate court: The process begins with filing the will and a petition to open the estate in Michigan probate court.
• Appointment of a personal representative: The court appoints a personal representative to manage and administer the estate.
• Inventory and appraisal: The personal representative identifies and values all estate assets.
• Addressing creditor claims: Known creditors receive notice and have a set period to submit claims against the estate.
• Asset distribution: After debts, taxes and expenses are resolved, remaining assets pass to the named beneficiaries.

A probate attorney who prepares you for each step can help avoid unnecessary delays and keep the process on track.

How Long Does Probate Take In Michigan?

Probate timelines vary. A straightforward estate with no disputes may close within several months. Larger or more complex estates can take considerably longer. Will contests, unresolved creditor claims and family disagreements all extend the timeline.

At Fleming & Borowicz PLC, our probate legal services include helping clients identify complications early. Reaching out to a probate attorney at the start of the process gives you a clearer picture of what to expect and what to prepare for.

How Probate Connects To Estate Planning

Probate often reveals what thoughtful planning could have prevented. When someone passes without a valid will, without updated beneficiary designations or without a trust in place, the process becomes more difficult for the people left behind.

At Fleming & Borowicz PLC, our team of seasoned probate attorneys is poised to guide all clients toward estate planning and wills so their families face fewer complications in the future. The experience of handling an estate often motivates people to take their own planning seriously.

Not Sure Where To Start With Probate?

Probate can be intimidating, but you do not have to figure this out alone. At Fleming & Borowicz PLC, we offer a free initial consultation for executors, personal representatives and families with probate questions. Our probate attorneys will explain the process clearly and help you understand your options from the start. Scheduling a consultation is easy. You can give us a call at 248-934-0750 or you can reach out through our online intake form.