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Estate settlement · MI

Probate in Michigan.

The basics most families need to know. Not legal advice — see the official sources at the bottom of this page, or call a Michigan estate attorney for the specifics of your situation.

Small estate threshold

Estates under $28,000

Michigan's Small Estate Affidavit (technically 'Petition and Order for Assignment') handles estates ≤$28,000 (2025; adjusted annually for inflation). Wait 28 days after death. Filed with the Probate Court.

Typical timeline

6–12 months for full probate

Michigan offers informal/unsupervised probate, which is typically faster and less expensive when the will is clean and the heirs aren't in dispute.

Michigan does not require an attorney for probate, though most families with non-trivial estates use one. Average legal fees: $1,500–$5,000.

Notable quirks

What makes Michigan different.

  • Michigan has 'unsupervised' probate (informal) and 'supervised' probate (formal). Most estates use unsupervised.
  • Michigan has no state estate tax.
  • Lady Bird deeds (enhanced life estate deeds) are a popular Michigan estate-planning tool — they let real estate pass to a beneficiary at death without probate.
  • The small-estate threshold adjusts for inflation — check current year's number on the Michigan court site.
Key forms

What the executor will file.

  • PC-558 — Petition and Order for Assignment (Small Estate)
    Small estate process.
  • PC-559 — Application for Informal Probate
    Unsupervised probate.
  • PC-577 — Inventory
    Filed within 91 days of appointment.
Authoritative sources

For the actual current rules.

State rules and thresholds change. These links go to the Michigan courts and bar association — the source of truth for current forms, fees, and procedures.

Other states

We have probate guides for the 10 most populous states. Pick another:

CaliforniaTexasFloridaNew YorkPennsylvaniaIllinoisOhioGeorgiaNorth CarolinaNew JerseyVirginiaWashingtonArizonaMassachusettsTennesseeIndianaMarylandMissouriWisconsinColoradoMinnesotaSouth CarolinaAlabamaLouisiana

This page is general consumer guidance, not legal advice. For complex estates, contested wills, or jurisdiction-specific questions, talk to a licensed Michigan estate attorney.

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