What to Do When Someone Dies in Michigan
When a loved one passes away in Michigan, there are important legal and financial steps to take. Michigan offers both formal and informal probate options, as well as simplified procedures for small estates.
Small Estate Threshold
$27,000
Probate Timeline
5-12 months
Death Certificate
$26 per copy
Order From
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
State Estate Tax
NoInheritance Tax
NoUnique to Michigan
Michigan offers informal probate process that can be faster and simpler
Get the death certificate in Michigan
In Michigan, the funeral home files the death certificate with the local registrar. Certified copies cost $26 each from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Request 10-15 certified copies for banks, insurance companies, and government agencies.
- The funeral home files with the county or city clerk
- Request certified copies from local vital records office ($26 each)
- Order from Michigan DHHS for statewide records
- Allow 3-6 weeks for mail orders
Understand Michigan probate
Michigan offers informal probate (simpler, unsupervised) and formal probate (court-supervised). Most estates qualify for informal probate. Small estates under $27,000 may use a small estate affidavit after a 28-day waiting period.
- Determine if estate qualifies for small estate affidavit ($27,000 threshold)
- Wait 28 days after death before filing small estate affidavit
- For larger estates, choose between informal or formal probate
- File with probate court in county where deceased lived
Handle financial accounts
Gather information about bank accounts, investment accounts, and retirement funds. Contact each financial institution with a certified death certificate. Accounts with named beneficiaries pass outside probate.
- List all bank accounts, investments, and retirement funds
- Contact each institution with a certified death certificate
- Check for beneficiary designations and POD accounts
- For small estates, use small estate affidavit with institutions
Frequently asked questions about Michigan estates
Neighboring state guides
Estate laws vary by state. If the deceased owned property in multiple states, you may need to file in each state.
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