One’s divorce in Michigan should certainly force them to review a number of different aspects of their life. Yet in all of the emotion that accompanies the dissolution of a marriage, one’s estate plans may be the furthest thing from their minds.

Estate planning looks different for each individual and may be straightforward or sophisticated, depending on the size of your estate and the complexity of your final wishes. 

In the absence of an estate plan, your family may become responsible for decisions they should not have to make. It is better to make your wishes known. 

When you have a parent or other loved one who becomes incapacitated, you may consider stepping in as a matter of keeping this person safe and protected. If the person who becomes incapacitated does not have a power of attorney or a designation of a patient advocate in place, you may think about trying to establish a guardianship.  

A guardian oversees the needs of an incapacitated adult. Because guardianships take some rights away from individuals who lack capacity, you want to make sure the guardianship is necessary before moving forward with requesting one.  

If a family member or beneficiary contests a person’s will, the resulting legal process will delay the administration of the estate. Understanding the factors that lead to these conflicts can help reduce their likelihood.

These are the most common reasons for individuals to contest a deceased person’s will during estate administration.