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Compare 2026 Indiana vs Michigan probate costs, will execution requirements, trust laws, and what happens if you die without a plan.
Michigan recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills, offering an alternative to formal witnessed documents.
What's needed to create and execute a valid last will and testament.
Estimated probate costs including attorney fees, executor fees, and court costs.
With a valid will, you control who inherits - but it requires probate.
How easily you can create and sign your will digitally, including remote notarization options.
Indiana
Accepts out-of-state remote notarization
Electronic statute: IC 29-1-21
Indiana enacted Electronic Wills statute (IC 29-1-21) via P.L.40-2018, effective 7/1/2018. Requires electronic signature of testator, attestation by e-signatures of at least 2 witnesses. If not in physical presence, must be supervised by attorney or directed paralegal via audiovisual technology.
Framework passed 2017 (P.L.128-2017); RON-specific via SB 372 / P.L.59-2018, effective 7/1/2019.
Michigan
UETA excludes wills; no e-wills law
RON authorized 2018.
How to modify your will after it's been signed and executed.
Indiana
Indiana authorizes electronic wills and electronic codicils. Paper wills require creating a new will or codicil with the same execution requirements.
Michigan
Requires creating a new will or codicil with the same execution requirements. Michigan does not authorize electronic wills.
This comparison provides general information about state estate planning laws and estimated costs. Actual requirements and costs may vary. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Indiana offers transfer-on-death deeds for real estate, while Michigan does not have this option.
Neither Indiana nor Michigan requires witnesses or notarization for trust execution. Many banks and title companies do require notarized trust documents before accepting them.
Indiana offers transfer-on-death deeds, which pass real estate to beneficiaries without probate and without a trust. Michigan does not have TOD deeds, so trusts are the primary probate-avoidance tool for real property there.
Michigan has adopted the Uniform Trust Code (UTC), which provides standardized trust administration rules used by most states. Indiana uses its own trust code. UTC states share consistent rules for things like trustee duties, beneficiary rights, and trust modifications.
Guides covering Indiana and Michigan estate planning laws.
Explore related tools and documents to complete your estate plan.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
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Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
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Understand what you need to execute your estate planning documents. Check witness requirements, notarization rules, and whether you can sign remotely via video call (RON).
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Get a personalized checklist for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.