Court admits will of Charles Patterson; Pamela Shepherd appointed personal representative without bond

The Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court admitted the will dated Oct. 13, 2015 for the late Charles Patterson and appointed Pamela Shepherd as personal representative without bond for unsupervised administration.

Pat Wolf, attorney for the petitioner, told the court that notice was published in the Lenawee Daily Telegram on May 14 and mailed to interested parties on May 19, 2025; he also cited a self‑proving affidavit under MCL 700.34062 and argued that Shepherd has priority and is suitable for appointment under MCL 700.3203. The attorney said a waiver and consent from an interested party was received and that proof had been filed or mailed to the court.

The court found venue proper after confirming the decedent’s residence and that interested parties had been given notice. The judge stated the heirs were uncontested, admitted the will to probate, signed the letters of authority and appointed Pamela Shepherd as personal representative to administer the estate without bond or supervised administration. The judge offered condolences on the record: “I’m very sorry for your loss.”

Counsel confirmed potential assets identified in filings: a parcel of real estate with a reported offer of approximately $114,000, approximately $2,000 of household contents and approximately $116 in a bank account. Counsel said the real estate (referred to in court as Hampton Manor) had been under a pending sale to provide funds for decedent’s care prior to his death.

The court signed the proposed order granting the petition, determining the heirs and admitting the will to direct administration. Letters of authority were issued and available from the clerk’s office.