[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/wills-trust-and-probate-administration\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/wills-trust-and-probate-administration\/","headline":"Wills, Trust and Probate Administration","name":"Wills, Trust and Probate Administration","description":"Which estate planning tools do I need? This is a common question among Michigan residents as they look to the future and the best way to handle their property. There is often confusion regarding the need for a will, a … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a>","datePublished":"2018-01-24","dateModified":"2025-07-28","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/author\/nmichlaw\/#Person","name":"Alward Fisher","url":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/author\/nmichlaw\/","identifier":10,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63071aa228c966abd886a2cbb647b07806c39706d3fbac14fe9c4c475edc7457?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63071aa228c966abd886a2cbb647b07806c39706d3fbac14fe9c4c475edc7457?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Alward Fisher","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo-fisher.png","url":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo-fisher.png","width":288,"height":103}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/feature-home-mobile-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/feature-home-mobile-1.jpg","height":"100","width":"100"},"url":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/wills-trust-and-probate-administration\/","about":["Trust & Probate Administration"],"wordCount":393,"articleBody":"Which estate planning tools do I need? This is a common question among Michigan residents as they look to the future and the best way to handle their property. There is often confusion regarding the need for a will, a trust or perhaps both. Additionally, many individuals express concern related to trust and probate administration.In many instances, a will is the appropriate document. In its most basic form, a will is a piece of paper that indicates how the individual wants his or her property to be distributed upon death. In most instances, the will also indicates who will act as the personal representative to see that the terms of the will are carried out. Additionally, if minor children are involved, the will should specify who will be responsible for caring for the children. Upon the death of the individual, the will is presented to the court as a part of the probate process and becomes a part of public record.For some, however, a trust is more appropriate. With a trust, assets are transferred to the trust and are then managed by the trustee. This often occurs during the individual\u2019s lifetime, and the individual can act as trustee. Depending upon the type of trust, changes can often be made as the individual deems necessary. A trust allows assets to be transferred without court involvement and does not become a part of public record.Estate planning is an important part of taking care of one\u2019s property and loved ones. As the Michigan resident considers all the necessary details, there are often a number of questions related to\u00a0trust and probate administration. Experienced legal counsel can assist in answering these questions and guiding the individual regarding the best way to meet his or her specific needs.Source: nwitimes.com, \u201cEstate Planning: Distinct differences between wills and trusts\u201c, Christopher Yugo, Jan. 21, 2018About the AuthorLatest PostsAlward FisherAt Alward Fisher, we provide more than savvy legal representation. We provide peace of mind. Peace of mind for your business. Peace of mind for your family. And the peace of mind for your future. No matter what types of legal challenges you are facing, we can help you find solutions.Can You Stop a Michigan Divorce Once Filed?Alimony vs. Child Support: What\u2019s the Difference?Can Someone with the Power of Attorney Change a Will?"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Wills, Trust and Probate Administration","item":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/wills-trust-and-probate-administration\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]