How Do I Claim a Deceased Person's Unclaimed Property in Michigan?
In Michigan, a deceased owner's unclaimed property is claimed from the Michigan Department of Treasury, Unclaimed PropertyMCL 567.221 et seq. (Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, Act 29 of 1995)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The claimant uploads proof of death and the requested supporting documentation through the portalMichigan Unclaimed Property Frequently Asked Questions: ClaimsVerified Aug 24, 2026View source.
File the claim with the Michigan Department of Treasury, Unclaimed PropertyMCL 567.221 et seq. (Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, Act 29 of 1995)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The search and the claim start at the office's site. The claimant uploads proof of death and the requested supporting documentation through the portalMichigan Unclaimed Property Frequently Asked Questions: ClaimsVerified Aug 24, 2026View source.
MCL 700.3983 lets heirs use a sworn statement on SCAO form PC 598 when the estate includes no real property, its value net of liens is within the adjusted limit, at least 28 days have passed since death, and no personal representative has been appointed or applied forMCL 700.3983, Collection of personal property by affidavitVerified Aug 24, 2026View source.
If the owner is deceased, Treasury accepts a claim from a biological heir or devisee of the original owner, a beneficiary, or the personal representative if the estate is currently in probateMichigan Unclaimed Property Frequently Asked Questions: ClaimsVerified Aug 24, 2026View source. With letters from a probate court, the claim is made by the personal representative of an estate that is in probateMichigan Unclaimed Property Frequently Asked Questions: ClaimsVerified Oct 26, 2026View source.
Every state where the person had an address can hold some of the property: the holding company reports it to the state of the owner's last-known address, and to its own home state where it has no address on record. MissingMoney.com searches most states at once. Insurance, savings bonds, pensions, refunds and failed-bank deposits sit in federal and national databases: the Treasury (TreasuryDirect), PBGC, the IRS, the FDIC, the NCUA, the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator and the VA.
An agreement to pay someone to recover property is unenforceable if made within 24 months after the property is paid or delivered to the Treasury. A locator registers with the Treasury, for $1,200 every 4 years, before the Treasury gives it lists of unclaimed accounts. The act sets no fee capMCL 567.256, 567.256aVerified Oct 26, 2026View source. The same property can be claimed directly through the state's own program, which charges no fee.
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Learn moreForms for Settling an Estate in Michigan
Free forms for settling an estate in Michigan: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Petition for Probate and Letters
In Michigan, the petition asks the Probate Court to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters of Authority for Personal Representative; an informal (registrar) track is availableMCL 700.3302Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Notice to Creditors
In Michigan, the notice to creditors is published for 1MCL 700.3801, 700.3803, 700.3804, 700.3805, 700.3806; MCR 5.208, MCR 5.106Verified Oct 18, 2026View source weeks in a local newspaper, and creditors have 4 monthsMCL 700.3803Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication to present claims.
Renunciation of Executor
In Michigan, a person named as personal representative may renounce the right to serveMich. Comp. Laws § 700.3203(3)Verified Sep 22, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Affidavit of Heirship
In Michigan, heirs put their identity on the land records with a recorded affidavit of facts affecting title that states who the heirs areMCL 565.451a-565.453 (1915 PA 123); MCL 257.236Verified Sep 24, 2026View source; once recorded it is prima facie evidence of the facts stated.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Michigan, the Affidavit of Decedent's SuccessorMCL 700.3983Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates with personal property of $53,000MCL 700.3983Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 28 daysMCL 700.3983Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
In Michigan, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 91 daysMCL 700.3706, 700.3707, 700.3708Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Michigan, the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runsMCL 700.3954(2), 700.3956, 700.3958Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
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How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Michigan pays executors reasonable compensationMCL 700.3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, typically 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate.
Can I Self-File Probate?
In Michigan, informal probate is availableMCL 700.3302Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and a self-represented executor can usually handle it for a simple, uncontested estate.
How Do I Get Letters Testamentary?
In Michigan, the Probate register issues Letters of Authority for Personal Representative once the Probate Court appoints the personal representative; an informal (registrar) track is availableMCL 700.3302Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Michigan, creditors have 4 monthsMCL 700.3803Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Michigan pays the claims in 9MCL 700.3805Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with costs and expenses of administration.
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