Rochester Hills Probate Lawyer

Rochester Hills Probate Attorney in Rochester Hills, MI

Losing a loved one is hard—so is handling their estate after their death if you don’t know how. Our trusted Rochester Hills probate lawyer knows how complex probate laws can be. We want to help you navigate the process and protect your interests, so you can focus on what matters.

What Is Probate Law?

Probate law refers to the court process governing the distribution of a deceased person’s property. Rochester Hills probate laws can be difficult to navigate for someone without significant legal experience. Hiring a skilled lawyer can reduce your stress and may help you get your desired outcome.

What Types of Assets May Be Included in Probate?

Various types of assets may be included in the probate court process, including:

• Real estate titled solely in the name of the decedent
• Bank accounts that do not have a designated beneficiary
• Personal items owned solely by the decedent, such as collectibles, jewelry, and art
• Vehicles registered solely in the decedent’s name
• Savings bonds, investment accounts, and other accounts without beneficiary designations
• Ownership interests in a small business without a succession plan
• Assets not held in a trust

Assets designated by the deceased to go to a specific beneficiary upon their death are known as “non-probate assets.” These may include 401(k) plans, IRAs, annuities, and life insurance policies. They are paid directly to the beneficiary designated by the deceased and may not be subject to court filings or estate administration processes.

When You Should Hire a Probate Lawyer

A person is not required by law to hire a probate lawyer in Rochester Hills, Michigan. However, working with a lawyer can help the process go more smoothly. It may also prevent unnecessary delays and complications when going through the Oakland County Probate Court. It’s especially important to work with a probate attorney if the estate is complicated, has significant debt, or involves notable assets.

According to the American Bar Association, it takes an average of six to nine months to complete the probate process for a typical estate. This process may be drawn out even longer if there are any mistakes made while filling out paperwork or creating inventories of the decedent’s estate assets. Families in Rochester Hills, Michigan, should work with a probate lawyer if they want to minimize stress and emotional overwhelm while going through probate.

Why Choose Stephanie Krane-Boehmer?

Stephanie Krane-Boehmer is experienced in representing clients in matters of probate administration and litigation. We understand how challenging and life-changing it can be to navigate probate after losing a loved one. Our mission is to make this process easier while achieving the most beneficial resolution for our clients.

We take a client-centered approach to probate with an emphasis on strong advocacy and straightforward communication. We are admitted to practice before the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. Contact us when you’re ready to discuss your legal needs.

How We Can Support You Through Probate

Stephanie Krane-Boehmer offers many services designed to help clients through the probate process, including:

• Handling probate filings
• Notifying creditors and heirs
• Creating estate asset inventories
• Representing clients in court if necessary
• Mediating beneficiary disputes and conflicts

While navigating the emotionally draining process of probate, it may be comforting to know you’re not alone. There were 6,755 total active estate and trust cases in the Oakland County Probate Court as of the most recent count. Many are going through the same thing you’re going through. It’s important to ensure you have a skilled probate attorney working to help you get a fair outcome. Both options can offer relief, but the right choice depends on your specific financial circumstances.

Choosing the Right Probate Process

When someone in Michigan dies, there are two primary ways to handle their property: full probate court or small estate process. The process you go through depends on the value of the decedent’s estate. The value threshold required for a small estate process changes annually. As of 2025, the limit for a small estate in Michigan is $51,000. Therefore, any estate valued higher than this threshold must go through full probate court.

FAQs

What Assets Must Go Through Probate in Rochester Hills, MI?

Assets that must go through probate in Rochester Hills, MI include individual bank accounts, personal property that isn’t addressed in a trust or will, and real estate assets owned solely by the decedent. Business interests may also have to go through probate if the decedent was the sole owner of the business.

How Much Should a Probate Lawyer Cost?

A Rochester Hills probate lawyer’s fees can vary based on their practice, experience, and the complexity of the estate. Most Michigan probate attorneys charge hourly rates, but some may charge a flat fee. In some cases, the fee may equal a percentage of the total estate value. Whether they charge hourly or a flat fee, Michigan law requires probate lawyer fees tobe “reasonable.”

Why Do You Have to Wait 6 Months After Probate?

The “six-month” waiting period after probate isn’t always six months in Michigan. However, an estate cannot be closed within five months of the personal representative’s appointment. The waiting period gives creditors an opportunity to make claims against the decedent’s estate before distribution of assets. It also gives interested parties time to potentially challenge the probate proceedings or will.

The waiting period protects beneficiaries from inheriting unresolved disputes or undisclosed liabilities along with the estate. 

What Kind of Lawyer Helps With Probate?

A probate attorney (also called an estate administration attorney) focuses on probate law. They are state-licensed and qualified to help estate beneficiaries or will executors settle an estate. A probate lawyer can also help with the estate planning process, including writing a trust, drafting a will, or setting up guardianship.

Hire a Skilled Probate Attorney in Rochester Hills, MI

Probate cases can be complex and emotionally draining. If you need assistance from a skilled Rochester Hills probate lawyer, contact the Law Office of Stephanie Krane-Boehmer, PLLC, for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your legal options so you can move forward with confidence in your probate case.