Westland, MI asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Michigan

Q: Saginaw County MI: My brother committed suicide in Oct. and we need to know what to do next for mother to sell his home.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Fowlerville, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

IF your brother owned the house solely, it will need to go through probate, and his heirs (maybe your mother, maybe not ... it depends on whether or not he had a will, or children, or a spouse etc. none of which you say) so that SOMEONE (be that his mother or someone else) has the authority to act as personal representative and list and sell the house.

IF the house was owned jointly, then it matters HOW the house was owned. Probate may or may not be needed in that case.

IN EITHER CASE, the first step is to find a local probate attorney who can help guide you through whatever process is appropriate. There are too many options to expect a simple answer in a public forum like this!

Get that local legal help -- it will be well worth the (small) cost!

Trent Harris agrees with this answer

Trent Harris
Trent Harris
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Jackson, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: I agree with Mr. Zichi, who has provided you good common sense advice. Please reach out to an attorney for help - this is not a do it yourself task.

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