Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Michigan

Legal rights to a younger siblings estate?

My younger brother died in 2003. He had no will. He did have some land in his name. My sister said we siblings were to receive paperwork signing our rights to the land over to our step father.

This may involve tribal law, also, as he and his father were/are members of an northern Michigan indian tribe.

To this date, we have not received any sort of paperwork and wonder if by not telling us anything, our stepfather has managed to hide us and our rights to any of our brother's estate so that he could gain all this valuable land in his name only.

Thank you.


Asked on 2/13/05, 2:05 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: Legal rights to a younger siblings estate?

You probably should contact a local lawyer familiar with tribal law. Bill Stern

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Answered on 2/13/05, 11:38 pm
Blake Lipman Law Office of Blake P. Lipman

Re: Legal rights to a younger siblings estate?

Under basic probate law in Michigan, your father if he is the biological or adoptive parent of your brother may have priority over your claims to your brothers estate. In addition, there appears to be a tribal law component that I am not competent to advise you on and I recommend you contact an attorney who is versed in the tribes laws. For more info, please contact my office at (248)851-3171.

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Answered on 2/15/05, 10:03 am


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