Responsibilities for Michigan Personal Representatives

Estate administration can be a complex and lengthy legal process. The personal representative of an estate takes on a serious role with numerous responsibilities to the estate and its beneficiaries. Even a relatively small estate requires careful attention.

Under the Michigan Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), responsibilities of personal representatives include, among other things, admitting the will to probate, taking control of decedent's assets, paying creditors of the estate when necessary, and ultimately distributing assets to beneficiaries

If you were nominated as personal representative in a will, it is wise to seek the legal counsel of an experienced estate planning attorney. O'Reilly Rancilio can answer your questions and provide the guidance you need.

Responsibilities for Michigan Trustees

Enacted in 2010, the Michigan Trust Code sets forth certain responsibilities for trustees, who are considered fiduciaries in the eyes of the law. These include taking control of trust assets, paying creditors of the trust when necessary, and managing any real property and any other assets that are owned by the trust.

When the trustee is administering the trust, he or she has the responsibility to act in the best interests of the trust and its beneficiaries. Fulfilling all trustee duties can be a daunting task. Without proper guidance, it is very easy to unintentionally overlook something, and any oversight or mistake can result in litigation that could quickly deplete trust assets.

With over 100 years of combined legal experience guiding Southeast Michigan clients through the probate and trust administration process, the Macomb County probate and trust administration attorneys of O'Reilly Rancilio are prepared to represent personal representatives and trustees no matter the complexity of the estate.