Guidance from Axis Estate Planning | Troy, Michigan
Probating an estate has always required care, but in today’s environment the process has grown even more complex. Court backlogs, evolving legal rules, rising property values, and the increasing role of digital assets all add new layers of responsibility for anyone appointed to administer an estate.
At Axis Estate Planning, we see firsthand how overwhelming this experience can be. Families are already coping with loss, and suddenly the executor is expected to manage what feels like a full-time administrative and legal process. Understanding the most common mistakes can help you avoid delays, reduce unnecessary costs, and prevent conflict among family members.
Below are some of the biggest challenges people face during probate—and how proper guidance from Axis Estate Planning can help you navigate them.
1. Handling Assets Incorrectly
One of the first responsibilities of an executor or personal representative is securing everything the decedent owned. At Axis Estate Planning, we often see individuals struggle at this step because modern estates contain a wider variety of assets than ever before.
Different types of assets require specific actions:
- Bank accounts may need to be frozen or transitioned depending on how they are titled
- Real estate requires securing the home, updating insurance, maintaining utilities, and preventing deterioration
- Vehicles may need to be properly stored or re-titled
- Digital assets such as online accounts, cryptocurrency, cloud-stored photos, and subscription services require special handling and authorized access
- Business interests or rental properties may require immediate oversight to protect value or income
Axis Estate Planning frequently helps clients identify and secure these assets early, preventing loss, damage, or theft that may otherwise become the executor’s responsibility.
2. Misclassifying Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets
A major source of delay occurs when executors misunderstand which assets require court involvement. Axis Estate Planning helps families quickly distinguish probate assets from non-probate assets, avoiding unnecessary filings and reducing the timeline.
Common non-probate assets include:
- Property held in an Axis Estate Planning Trust or other trust structure
- Accounts with beneficiary designations, such as retirement accounts or life insurance
- Payable-on-death or transfer-on-death accounts
- Jointly owned property with survivorship rights
- Insurance or annuity benefits that pass directly to named beneficiaries
Correctly categorizing assets early helps streamline administration and eliminates many avoidable complications. This is an area where Axis Estate Planning provides especially valuable guidance.
3. Failing to Obtain Accurate Date-of-Death Values
Today’s tax laws make accurate valuations critical. Axis Estate Planning regularly assists executors in obtaining the correct date-of-death values, which are needed for tax filings, account reporting, and determining capital gains.
Executors must secure valuations for:
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Investment accounts
- Business interests
- Collectibles
- Valuable personal property
- Digital assets with monetary value
Axis Estate Planning often coordinates with appraisers, financial institutions, and valuation experts to ensure these numbers are accurate, minimizing tax complications and discrepancies later.
4. Overlooking Debts and Final Expenses
One of the most costly mistakes we see at Axis Estate Planning is distributing assets before identifying and resolving outstanding debts. Creditors today may include:
- Medical providers
- Credit card companies
- Mortgage lenders
- Medicaid estate recovery
- Personal loans
Michigan law requires debts to be paid in a specific order. Mistakes can expose the executor to personal liability. Axis Estate Planning guides clients through this process so obligations are handled correctly and in compliance with state requirements.
5. Poor Communication With Heirs and Beneficiaries
With families more spread out than ever, communication challenges can quickly escalate into disputes. Axis Estate Planning emphasizes the importance of transparency throughout the probate process.
Executors should:
- Provide timely updates
- Share realistic timelines
- Disclose required information
- Manage expectations and conflict professionally
Our team helps executors establish clear communication practices so beneficiaries feel informed rather than surprised.
6. Missing Deadlines or Court Requirements
Probate courts across Michigan continue to face backlogs, making accuracy and timeliness essential. Axis Estate Planning frequently assists executors in meeting each required deadline to keep the estate moving forward.
Critical responsibilities include:
- Filing inventories
- Submitting tax forms
- Posting statutory notices
- Meeting court deadlines
- Maintaining detailed records
Even minor administrative errors can delay probate for months. Axis Estate Planning’s support reduces that risk and helps families close the estate as efficiently as possible.
Probate Is Complex—But You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone
Probate is filled with legal, financial, and emotional responsibilities. At Axis Estate Planning, we understand how overwhelming this process can feel and are committed to helping families approach each step with clarity and confidence.
By recognizing and avoiding these common mistakes, executors can honor their loved one’s wishes and move through probate with fewer complications.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
If you are settling an estate—or want to ensure your own plan is structured to protect your family. Axis Estate Planning is here to guide you through every step. Protect your loved ones, preserve your wishes, and move forward with peace of mind.