Ancillary Estate Administration (Probate) in Michigan
Services for Personal Representatives of Estates With Property in More Than One State
Also known as a "foreign personal representative," an out-of-state PR may be granted the fiduciary powers of a Michigan PR without the need to open a probate estate. Doing so requires a foreign PR to file with the appropriate Michigan county an authenticated copy of their appointment as PR to the estate along with the notice of ancillary administration.
At Willis Law, we also help personal representatives of estates in Michigan with property held in other states file for ancillary estate administration in the jurisdictions where the property is held. We offer full estate, trust and probate administration services to clients within Michigan and out-of-state clients who have interests in estates that hold property in Michigan. Our attorneys have decades of experience and are respected for their diligent and creative work throughout Western Michigan.
Please call us toll free at Kalamazoo today to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our lawyers in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids or Paw Paw.
Proceeding With Ancillary Probate
If you are a foreign PR of an estate with property in Michigan, opening a probate estate in Michigan may be avoidable, as stated above. We can help you navigate the process of estate or trust administration regarding the sale or transfer of real estate to heirs and other beneficiaries along with other associated property, such as vehicles, boats, business licenses and natural resource rights.
If you are the PR of an estate with primary probate in Michigan that owns property outside of Michigan, it is likely that you will need to open a probate estate (ancillary probate) in each state that property is owned. The primary probate court in Michigan does not have jurisdiction over the real property in another state. Without an ancillary probate in each state that property is owned, the deeds, sales and other transfers of the property may not be binding.
Schedule a Meeting With One of Our Attorneys
Managing real property manners in other states adds another layer of complexity to the already complicated legal processes of estate administration. Personal representatives face serious personal liability issues if any matters are mishandled. It is best to work with established estate administration lawyers who can guide you seamlessly through the process, offer straightforward counsel and protect your rights.
Please call our law firm at (888) 461-7744 or email us to schedule a meeting with one of our lawyers. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Hear It From Our Clients
The Opinions That Matter-
“I experienced great personal attention from Willis Law. Everyone was above competent. I don’t doubt the quality of legal counsel I received!”
- Thomas F. -
“It was recommended that Willis Law assume my legal affairs by my retiring attorney and I’m very satisfied.”
- Anonymous -
“All things went smoothly and as expected. Very pleased with the resulting estate plan.”
- Anonymous -
“I don’t know how Mariko could be better. She totally exceeded my expectations. If anyone I hear is in need of legal services, Willis will be the first words out of my mouth!”
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“Mariko was very professional, but it was also obvious she cared about what we were doing and made sure our experience was a good and productive one. Thank you!!”
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Meet Your Legal Team
Helping You Achieve the Best Possible Outcome-
Michael J. Willis J.D., C.P.A.
Director and Co-Founder
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Shaun P. Willis J.D.
Director and Co-Founder
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Frank D. Willis J.D.
Chief Senior Counsel
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Donald H. Smith, J.D.
Attorney/Partner
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Mariko C. Willis, J.D.
Of Counsel Attorney
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Samuel R. Gilbertson J.D.
Managing Partner
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Paul Morgan, J.D.
Attorney
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Chico S. Obande J.D.
Attorney
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Jennifer L. Grahek, J.D.
Attorney
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Adam D. Bancroft, J.D.
Attorney
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Davis C. Martin, J.D.
Attorney
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Aric D. Kasel, J.D.
Attorney
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Cody Hayward, J.D.
Attorney
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Nick Tuori
Attorney
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Verelle Kirkwood J.D.
Of Counsel Attorney
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Kristyn Meulenberg J.D.
Of Counsel Attorney
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Nick Vogelzang
Of Counsel Asbestos Litigation Attorney
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Robin Vleugel
Receptionist
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Michele Guyman
Paralegal
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Brian Thompson
Paralegal
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Angie Straley
Paralegal
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Patty Stickels
Legal Assistant
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Kay Davidson
Legal Assistant
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Kerrie Leclercq
Legal Assistant
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Karen Zimmerman
Legal Assistant
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Austin J. Beaudet
Legal Extern
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Max Antonneau
Client Service Specialist
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Mark Zigterman
Accountant
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Margarita Jensen
Intake Coordinator
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Erin Willis
Courier
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Patrick Willis
Courier