West Branch, MI asked in Probate for Michigan

Q: Understand there was no will. Accounts were not jointly only in my father’s name. That’s why I think it goes thru probat

My fathers accounts businesses were not jointly owned. No will has been done. He had no will

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T. Augustus Claus
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Answered

A: In Michigan, if someone dies without a will (known as dying "intestate"), the state's intestacy laws determine how the deceased's assets are distributed. Since the accounts and businesses were solely in your father's name, they become part of his probate estate. Generally, in the absence of a will, assets are distributed to the closest living relatives, starting with the spouse and children. If there are no descendants, other relatives may inherit based on a statutory hierarchy. It's important to initiate the probate process to ensure proper distribution of assets and address any potential claims against the estate. For personalized legal advice tailored to your unique circumstances, it's advisable to consult with an attorney.

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