Probate Litigation

When disagreements occur regarding the validity of a Michigan will or the administration of a probate estate, the financial management and distribution of a trust or a question of mental health capacity, our probate litigation attorneys at Rhoades McKee help clients obtain a resolution.

Unless there are significant disputes, our skillful negotiations can resolve matters without extensive litigation. When a resolution is not easily obtained, our experienced probate litigation team is skilled to represent your interests in the Michigan Courts.

Our probate litigation team includes attorneys who are seasoned litigators, estate planning attorneys, and business valuation specialists.  These attorneys work with registered nurse paralegals to understand any underlying health care issues and a former IRS agent to reduce the risk of tax and penalties.  This combined skill set ensures that our probate litigation lawyers have a complete and thorough understanding of all the legal, medical and financial aspects of your case.

We understand that probate litigation can be stressful and, at times, confusing. We are committed to providing you with an accurate legal analysis as well as resolving the following complicated family matters cost-effectively:

• Contested Wills, Estates & Trusts
• Contested Guardianship & Conservatorship
• Determination of Heirs & Testacy
• Challenges to Jointly Owned Properties
• Determination of Spousal & Family Rights
• Breach of Fiduciary Duties
• Contested Attorney and Fiduciary Fees
• Objections to Inventories & Accounts
• Sale of Estate & Trust Assets
• Claims for Distribution

Probate Litigation Case Studies

Examples of our team’s work in Michigan are demonstrated with these case studies.  All names have been given fictional replacements to protect the identity of our client. The legal facts and resolution of the probate litigation case have not been altered.

• attorney undermines estate plan of wealthy philanthropist
• retired elderly physician seeks to maintain independence
• an investigation leads to evidence of trustee’s misdeeds
• second marriage leads to family discord 
• a husband’s mistake disinherits wife