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Home→Tools→Executor Duties Checklist→Michigan

What Are My Duties as Executor in Michigan?

Step-by-step guide for executors navigating probate, from filing the will to closing the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

An executor (or personal representative) in Michigan is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.

The probate petition filing fee in Michigan starts at approximately $150.MCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estate; base $50K set by PA 1 of 2024, adjusted by 2023 COLA factor per MCL 700.1210; 2026 adjusted amounts: $53K affidavit/petition threshold per MCL 700.3983 and 700.3982(1)&(2); $264K real-property indebtedness deduction cap per MCL 700.3982(5) — confirmed via Michigan Treasury COLA notice dated 2026-01-30, Table B); MCL 700.3803 (4-mo creditor claims from publication; 3-yr if no publication); MCL 700.3801 (publication duty); MCR 5.208 (publication mechanics); MCL 700.3719 (PR reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3721 (attorney reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3603 (bond not required in informal probate by default); MCL 600.871 (inventory fee schedule — all tiers verified); MCL 600.880 (filing fee: $150 civil action; $25 for MCL 700.3982 petition); MCL 700.3302 (informal probate); MCL 700.3501 (supervised admin). Verified 2026-05-31 against legislature.mi.gov and michigan.gov/treasury EPIC COLA notice.Verified May 31, 2026 Additional fees may apply for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of notice to creditors.

Michigan requires the executor to publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors should also receive direct written notice. Creditors have 4 months to file claims.MCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estate; base $50K set by PA 1 of 2024, adjusted by 2023 COLA factor per MCL 700.1210; 2026 adjusted amounts: $53K affidavit/petition threshold per MCL 700.3983 and 700.3982(1)&(2); $264K real-property indebtedness deduction cap per MCL 700.3982(5) — confirmed via Michigan Treasury COLA notice dated 2026-01-30, Table B); MCL 700.3803 (4-mo creditor claims from publication; 3-yr if no publication); MCL 700.3801 (publication duty); MCR 5.208 (publication mechanics); MCL 700.3719 (PR reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3721 (attorney reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3603 (bond not required in informal probate by default); MCL 600.871 (inventory fee schedule — all tiers verified); MCL 600.880 (filing fee: $150 civil action; $25 for MCL 700.3982 petition); MCL 700.3302 (informal probate); MCL 700.3501 (supervised admin). Verified 2026-05-31 against legislature.mi.gov and michigan.gov/treasury EPIC COLA notice.Verified May 31, 2026 The executor is personally liable for distributions made before the claim period expires if valid claims go unpaid.

Michigan allows estates valued at $53,000 or less to use a Affidavit of Decedent's Successor.MCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estate; base $50K set by PA 1 of 2024, adjusted by 2023 COLA factor per MCL 700.1210; 2026 adjusted amounts: $53K affidavit/petition threshold per MCL 700.3983 and 700.3982(1)&(2); $264K real-property indebtedness deduction cap per MCL 700.3982(5) — confirmed via Michigan Treasury COLA notice dated 2026-01-30, Table B); MCL 700.3803 (4-mo creditor claims from publication; 3-yr if no publication); MCL 700.3801 (publication duty); MCR 5.208 (publication mechanics); MCL 700.3719 (PR reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3721 (attorney reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3603 (bond not required in informal probate by default); MCL 600.871 (inventory fee schedule — all tiers verified); MCL 600.880 (filing fee: $150 civil action; $25 for MCL 700.3982 petition); MCL 700.3302 (informal probate); MCL 700.3501 (supervised admin). Verified 2026-05-31 against legislature.mi.gov and michigan.gov/treasury EPIC COLA notice.Verified May 31, 2026 The waiting period is 28 days after death. This avoids the need for formal probate and significantly reduces time and cost.

Michigan allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.MCL 700.3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 Typical executor fees range from 2% to 4% of estate value. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Michigan executor fee calculator.

Probate costs in Michigan include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and potentially a surety bond. Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. The Michigan probate calculator provides a detailed cost estimate based on estate value.

Executor Duties in Michigan

Probate in Michigan begins with filing the will and a petition with the court. The initial filing fee is $150MCL § 600.880; MCL § 600.871; MCL § 600.880b; MCL § 700.3982Verified May 31, 2026. After appointment, the executor receives letters testamentary granting legal authority to manage estate affairs.

Creditors in Michigan have 4 monthsMCL 700.3803Verified May 31, 2026 to file claims after notice is published. The executor must publish notice in a local newspaper and send direct notice to known creditors. For smaller estates under $53,000MCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estateVerified May 31, 2026, simplified procedures may be available that bypass formal probate.

Michigan allows reasonable compensation for executors, typically 2%MCL 700.3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 to 4%MCL 700.3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 of estate value. Executors can waive their fee or negotiate a different amount. See the executor fee calculator for a breakdown.

Simple estates in Michigan typically close in 5 monthsMCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estateVerified May 31, 2026 from the date of filing. Estates held in a revocable living trust skip probate entirely — the successor trustee handles distribution privately in weeks. The creditor claims guide covers notification deadlines for estates that do go through probate.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 31, 2026

Legal Sources

  • MCL § 600.880; MCL § 600.871; MCL § 600.880b; MCL § 700.3982
  • MCL 700.3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
  • MCL 700.3803
  • MCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estate

Data sourced from Michigan statutes and official state code. How we research.

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In-depth guides covering Michigan probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

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