Probate Without a Will

Michigan Probate Lawyer for Estates Without a Will

When someone passes away without a will, their estate must still go through the Michigan probate process. This situation is known as intestate probate, meaning Michigan law determines how property is distributed.


At Kendal Law Group PC, we help families navigate probate without a will in Michigan with clear legal guidance and practical support. Our probate attorney works with individuals and families throughout Oakland County, Michigan, including Bloomfield Hills and surrounding communities, helping ensure estates are administered according to Michigan inheritance laws.


Handling probate without a will often requires identifying legal heirs, managing estate assets, resolving outstanding debts, and distributing property according to Michigan law. Working with an experienced probate lawyer in Michigan helps ensure the process is handled properly and efficiently.


Call for a Free Consultation: 248-609-1718

In-person and virtual consultations are available.

What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will in Michigan?

When a person dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to Michigan intestate succession laws. These laws determine which family members inherit property and how assets are divided.


The probate court typically appoints a personal representative to manage the estate and ensure the legal process is followed. This individual is responsible for administering the estate and carrying out the required steps of the probate process.


The Michigan probate process without a will generally involves:

  • Filing a probate petition with the court
  • Identifying legal heirs under Michigan inheritance laws
  • Locating and valuing estate assets
  • Notifying creditors and resolving outstanding debts
  • Distributing property to heirs according to Michigan law


Because there is no written estate plan, intestate probate can sometimes create confusion or disputes among family members. Working with a probate attorney in Michigan helps ensure the estate is administered correctly and efficiently.


If you need help navigating probate without a will, call 248-609-1718 to schedule a free consultation.

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How a Probate Attorney Helps With Small Estate Probate

Although small estate probate may involve fewer legal steps than traditional probate, there are still important legal requirements that must be followed.


A probate lawyer in Oakland County MI can help families determine whether an estate qualifies for simplified probate and guide them through the required process.


A probate attorney can assist with:

  • Determining eligibility for Michigan small estate procedures
  • Preparing required court filings and documentation
  • Identifying estate assets and heirs
  • Helping transfer property to beneficiaries
  • Ensuring compliance with Michigan probate laws


Legal guidance can help ensure the estate administration process is handled correctly and efficiently.


Call 248-609-1718 to schedule your free consultation with attorney Aaron Kendal.

Probate Services for Estates Without a Will

At Kendal Law Group PC, we assist families with a variety of probate matters when a loved one passes away without a will.

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Intestate Probate Administration

We guide families through the complete Michigan probate process, helping ensure the estate is administered according to Michigan inheritance laws and court requirements.

Identifying Legal Heirs

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Without a will, determining who inherits property requires applying Michigan intestate succession rules. We help identify heirs and ensure the distribution process follows the correct legal framework.

Estate Asset Identification and Inventory

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Probate requires identifying and valuing estate assets such as real estate, financial accounts, investments, and personal property.

Court Filings and Documentation

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Probate administration requires numerous filings with the probate court. Our firm prepares and manages these documents to keep the estate administration process moving forward.

Probate That Coordinates With Estate Planning Documents

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In some cases, estates may still involve other legal documents such as trusts or powers of attorney.


Understanding how these documents interact with probate helps ensure the estate is administered properly.

Call 248-609-1718 to schedule your free consultation with attorney Aaron Kendal.

Why Clients Choose Kendal Law Group PC

Families across Oakland County trust our firm because we focus on practical legal solutions and clear communication.

More Than 23 Years of Legal Experience

Attorney Aaron Kendal has spent more than two decades helping families navigate probate matters and estate administration.

Work Directly With Your Attorney

When you contact our firm, you work directly with an attorney who can guide you through the probate process.

Clear Legal Guidance During a Difficult Time

Probate often occurs during emotionally challenging circumstances. Our firm provides straightforward explanations so families understand each step of the process.

Experience With Michigan Probate Courts

Our firm has experience working with probate courts throughout Oakland County and surrounding Michigan communities.


Call 248-609-1718 to schedule your free consultation with attorney Aaron Kendal.

Meet Your Attorney

Aaron Kendal, Esq.

President, Kendal Law Group PC

More Than 23 Years Helping Michigan Families Navigate Probate and Estate Matters


Aaron B. Kendal helps individuals and families resolve complex legal issues involving probate administration and estate planning. For more than two decades, he has provided legal guidance to clients throughout Oakland County and surrounding Michigan communities.


His practice focuses on probate matters, wills, trusts, and estate planning strategies designed to protect families and ensure assets are distributed according to Michigan law.


Clients value his clear explanations and practical approach when navigating the probate process.

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Proudly Serving Clients Throughout Oakland County

Kendal Law Group PC helps individuals and families throughout Oakland County, Michigan navigate probate and estate administration matters with clear legal guidance. Our office is located in Bloomfield Hills, and we regularly work with clients across the county as well as nearby communities in Macomb County, Wayne County, and Ann Arbor, including Troy, West Bloomfield, Rochester Hills, and Auburn Hills. We assist with small estate probate, probate with or without a will, and full probate administration so your family can move through the process with confidence.



Both in-person and virtual consultations are available.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Probate Without a Will

  • What happens if someone dies without a will in Michigan?

    When someone dies without a will, Michigan’s intestate succession laws determine how their property is distributed. Assets typically pass to spouses, children, or other relatives according to the legal order established by state law.

  • Who becomes the personal representative if there is no will?

    If there is no will naming an executor, the probate court appoints a personal representative to manage the estate. This individual is responsible for administering the estate and ensuring all probate requirements are satisfied.

  • How long does probate take when there is no will?

    The time required to complete probate can vary depending on the complexity of the estate and whether disputes arise among heirs. In many cases, probate administration takes several months to complete.

  • Do I need a probate lawyer if there is no will?

    While it is possible to handle probate without a lawyer, many families choose to work with a probate attorney in Michigan to help ensure court filings are completed correctly and the estate is administered efficiently.

  • How do I get started with probate without a will?

    The first step is scheduling a consultation with a probate attorney. During the consultation, we review the situation, explain the Michigan probate process, and determine the appropriate steps for opening probate.


    Call 248-572-1050 to schedule your free consultation with attorney Aaron Kendal.

Let’s Start the Probate Process

Navigating probate without a will can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to handle it alone.


At Kendal Law Group PC, we help families throughout Oakland County and Southeast Michigan navigate probate administration with clear legal guidance and practical support.


Call 248-609-1718 to schedule your free consultation with attorney Aaron Kendal.


We will review your situation and help determine the best next steps for administering the estate.