Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Michigan

I am the Trustee to my mothers trust. I had hired the lawyers who had made the trust for my mother. She had passed on August 8h. On August 18th, my two older brothers broke into her house, verbally abused me in front of a sheriff, I had not spoken to them since. Any communication went trough the lawyers offices. My younger brother and I was able to compile a 9 page detailed list of items of our mothers items. Minus the items my mother promised me, a cedar chest my dad made, her jewelry box and a mixer. During this time I was able to deal with he life insurance, funeral home, her bills, banks,,etc.... They are now suing me and seeking damages stating I have stolen those items, stole money ( I can prove other wise) and are stating I must be removed as trustee and pay any fees from my own pocket. Oh by the way this was within 63 days, which they feel was too excessive. If they would have asked for the information on any items it would have been given, but was not. I have bee only going on what was told to me by my lawyer. My Mother also put in a no contest clause in the trust - you contest you get nothing. Which part of the suit state contrary to the trust many times. Help me understand what I have done wrong as well as what kind of defense I will need.


Asked on 11/29/15, 11:44 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Tatone John R. Tatone & Associates PLC

If you have a lawyer, you should not need to post this type of question. If you are unhappy with your current lawyer, please contact me to discuss your situation in more detail. 888-988-LAWS (5297) or [email protected]. An inventory is due by now and as part of my regular practice, I provide the inventory and supporting documents to each heir/devisee to avoid actions like this against my client which may have been done out of ignorance or greed and not the facts.

Read more
Answered on 12/28/15, 6:53 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Probate, Trusts, Wills & Estates questions and answers in Michigan