How Do I Get Appointed as Executor in Michigan?
See the appointing court, the petition that opens the estate, what to file, and bond rules to be appointed in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Michigan uses Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Testate/Intestate) (PC 559), filed with the Probate Court. Probate register issues Letters of Authority for Personal Representative after the court grants the petition.
Along with the petition, Michigan generally requires: TWO copies of the death certificate (or of alternative documentation of death if no certificate), one of them redacted of protected personal identifying information (MCR 5.302(A)(1); MCL 700.3301, 700.3402); Original will and any codicils, if testate (MCL 700.3301(1)(b)(i), 700.3402(1)(c); MCR 5.302(A)(3)); Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565) — mandatory with the commencing application or petition (MCR 5.302(B)); INFORMAL TRACK ONLY: Notice of Intent to Request Informal Appointment of Personal Representative (PC 557) plus Proof of Service (PC 564), served on each person with a prior or equal right to appointment who has not renounced in writing (PC 567) (MCL 700.3310; MCR 5.309(C)); Acceptance of Appointment (PC 571) before Letters of Authority issue (MCL 700.3601); POST-APPOINTMENT (not filed with the petition): Notice of Appointment and Duties of Personal Representative (PC 573), served on interested persons no later than 14 days after appointment (MCR 5.304(A); MCL 700.3705); Bond of Fiduciary (PC 570) only if required by the will, demanded by an interested person, or ordered by the court (MCL 700.3603-700.3605).
Michigan does not require a bond by default before Letters issue, though the court can order one.
Michigan permits self-represented filers to open an estate, using Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Testate/Intestate) (PC 559). E-filing is available to self-represented filers. The Self-File Probate Assessment compares self-filing and attorney costs for Michigan.
Yes. A revocable living trust passes assets to beneficiaries without any court appointment in Michigan — no petition, no Letters, no bond. A revocable trust built with SimplyTrust takes about 15 minutes.
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Calculators and checklists for navigating probate and estate administration.
Petition for Probate and Letters
Prepare the application to open probate and request Letters Testamentary or of Administration.
Notice to Creditors
Prepare the creditor notice for an estate — the official state form or a notice typeset to statute, plus mailed notices for known creditors.
Small Estate Affidavit
Prepare the affidavit that collects a small estate's property without probate — the official state form or an affidavit drafted to statute, plus a presentation letter for each holder.
Estate Inventory
Prepare the probate inventory of estate property — every asset at its date-of-death value, composed to your state's statute, with the state's filing or delivery instructions.
Estate Closing
Prepare the paperwork that closes the estate — the state's closing statement, petition for discharge, or final account, with the state's closing instructions and the optional federal forms.
Letter of Instruction
Prepare the letter of instruction a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
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.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. See if your state has statutory fees or uses reasonable compensation.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need based on the assets and accounts you need to close. See state-specific ordering information.
Do I Need Probate?
Answer a few questions to find out if an estate needs full probate, qualifies for simplified probate, or can avoid probate entirely with a small estate affidavit.
Hire a Michigan Probate Attorney
Browse 85 probate firms in Michigan with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
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Michigan Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Michigan probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.