INDEX OF ESTATES AND PROTECTED INDIVIDUALS CODE
(EPIC) RELATED ARTICLES

Following is a listing of a series of articles written to give a general, simplistic explanation of various aspects of the new Estates and Protected Individuals Code. Some points in the articles have direct links to the statute containing the provision. To review an article, click on the title.

1. New Probate Law Effective April 1, 2000 - This article identifies changes made to some of the more frequently applied sections of probate codes.
    

2. What Does It Mean To “Probate An Estate"?  - This article is an introduction to some concepts of “probate” including what it is and when and why it may be necessary.
    

3. Defining Heirs Of A Decedent - An explanation of the process of determining the heirs of a decedent and what they receive is set forth in this article.
    

4. Making A Will Under The New Probate Code - A general explanation of a will and some of the important features and requirements of making a will are explained.
    

5. The Basic Rights Of Surviving Spouse And Children - An explanation of the rights of the surviving spouse and children, if any, of a decedent resident of Michigan is given here.
    

6. Spousal Election and Rights Of The Omitted Child - This article outlines additional rights of the surviving spouse and any child who is omitted from decedent’s will.
    

7. The Parent And Child Relationship For Purposes of Inheritance - Issues arising from a father’s paternity no have been established before his death and from adoptions of children are the focus of this article.
    

8. Determining Distant Relatives For Purposes Of Inheritance - This article explains the process of determining the more distant relatives of decedent who leaves no spouse, parents, or descendants.
    

9. Exceptions To Probate - There are special statutes not found in EPIC that permit the transfer of certain assets without any probate proceedings as are explained in this article.
    

10. Exceptions To Formally Probating An Estate - The special provisions of EPIC that permit the transfer of certain assets without a full probate of the estate are identified here.
     

11. Will This Estate have To Be Probated? - This article identifies some of the factors to be considered after a person’s death to determine if formal estate proceedings will be necessary.
     

12. Beginning The Probate Of An Estate - The explanation for some of the process for beginning the probate of a decedent’s estate is given in this article.
     

13. Some Duties Of A Personal Representative of A Decedent’s Estate - This article covers some of the general duties of a personal representative after court appointment.
     

14. Appointment Of A Guardian For A Minor - The purpose and basis for the appointment of a guardian for a minor is explained here.
     

15. Appointment Of A Guardian For An Adult - This article explains requirements and processes for appointing a guardian for an adult. 
     

16. Basic Information About Conservatorships of Adults And Minors And Protective Orders - General information about Conservatorships and protective orders is set forth here.
     

17. Court Proceedings In Conservatorships - Basic information about court proceedings for establishing a Conservatorship is addressed in this article.
     

18. Alternatives To Court Proceedings To Appoint A Guardian Of A Minor - A formal court appointed guardian is not always required. The alternatives are explained here.
     

19. Alternatives To Court Proceedings To Appoint A Guardian Or A Conservator Of An Adult - This article reviews the essential requirements of special laws that will avoid formal court proceedings to appoint a guardian or a conservator.
     

20. Designating a Patient Advocate For Health Care - The essential requirements for an adult to designate another adult to make medical decisions on his or her behalf are explained in this article.
     

21. The Living Trust - This article gives a simplistic overview of living trusts, also known as revocable grantor trusts.