NbI 2014 - Probate Process from Start to Finish, Maintaining an Ethical Balance in Probate Practice
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Transcript of NbI 2014 - Probate Process from Start to Finish, Maintaining an Ethical Balance in Probate Practice
![Page 1: NbI 2014 - Probate Process from Start to Finish, Maintaining an Ethical Balance in Probate Practice](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022081404/5587db4bd8b42a0f408b4758/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
THE PROBATE PROCESS FROM START TO FINISH
MAINTAINING AN ETHICAL BALANCE IN PROBATE PRACTICE
HOWARD H. COLLENS, ESQ
JUNE 3, 2014
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I. Performing Competent Legal Service
II. Identify the Client
III. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
IV. Distinguishing Between Privileged and Non-Privileged Communication
V. Establishing Reasonable Attorney Fees
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Performing Competent Legal Services
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Competent Representation
•MRPC 1.1
•Adequate preparation
•Michigan legal education requirements
•Meet with a mentor
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Questions???
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Identifying the Client
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Who is the Client?
•RI-350 is the latest statement
•Status Uncertain
•Case Law
•Representation of Fiduciary
•Clear engagement letter
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Questions???
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Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
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Avoiding Conflicts
•MRPC 1.7
•Representation of multiple clients in a single matter
•Representation of co-personal representatives, the “family”
•RI-350
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Questions???
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Distinguishing Between Privileged and Non-Privileged Communication
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Confidentiality of Information
Rule 1.6
•A fundamental principle in client-lawyer relationship is that the lawyer maintain confidentiality of information relating to the representation
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Confidentiality
• Ethics opinion RI-85
• Attorney-client privilegei. Laws of evidenceii. Will contests
• Unintended waiver of attorney-client privilege
• Ethics Opinion RI-123
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Confidentiality
• Privilege held by client
• Joint representation
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Questions???
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Establishing Reasonable Attorneys’ Fees
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Establishing Attorneys’ Fees
• Representation agreement
• Statutory Standarda) Authority of Personal Representativeb) Review of Attorney Fees
• MCL 700.3721
• Claimant bears burden of proof for attorney fees
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Establishing Attorneys’ Fees
• MCR 5.313 governs attorney fees
• Eight (8) factors to consider in determining reasonableness of fees
• Maintain records
• Notice regarding attorney fees, Form (PC 576)
• Interim petition for fees
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Questions???
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Thank you!
Howard H. CollensGalloway and Collens, PLLC
26075 Woodward Ave, Suite 200Huntington Woods, Michigan 48070
248.545.2500GallowayCollens.com
[email protected]: @howardcollens