Estate Planning Guide
Estate Planning in Michigan: A Complete Guide
Here's what surprises most Michigan residents when they first sit down with an estate attorney — the rules here aren't what most people expect. Michigan is estate-planning-friendly with no state estate tax and the Uniform Probate Code. Michigan's industrial history means many families have deferred compensation, union pensions, and manufacturing-related retirement benefits to coordinate.
Michigan Probate
Michigan probate is handled in Probate Court in each county under the Uniform Probate Code. Informal probate is available and less expensive. The process typically takes 5-12 months.
Michigan Estate Tax
Michigan has no state estate tax. Michigan eliminated its inheritance tax in 1993. Federal estate tax applies to estates over $13.61 million (2024).
Key facts for Michigan residents
These are the things that genuinely matter when you're building an estate plan in Michigan — the details that affect your family directly.
- 1
No Michigan state estate tax (federal estate tax applies above $13.61M)
- 2
Uniform Probate Code adopted — streamlined probate process
- 3
Small estate affidavit available for estates under $25,000
- 4
Transfer-on-death deeds available in Michigan
- 5
Michigan allows paternity act provisions that affect inheritance rights of non-marital children
What makes Michigan different
Every state has quirks that can trip you up. These are the considerations that are specific to Michigan— and the ones most people don't find out about until it's too late.
UAW and automotive union pensions have unique survivor benefit elections
Michigan cottage and lake property succession planning — many families own generational lakefront property
Mining rights in the Upper Peninsula require separate title attention
Michigan Medicaid recovery pursues real property for long-term care costs
Detroit metro real estate values have recovered significantly — more estates entering planning territory
Documents most used in Michigan
These are the documents Michigan families rely on most. Having them in place gives your family clarity and protects your wishes.
Revocable Living Trust
Transfer-on-Death Deed
Designation of Patient Advocate
Durable Power of Attorney
Last Will and Testament
Start documenting your legacy
No matter what state you live in, the most important step is starting. Our AI-guided tools help you create the documents your family needs — in plain language, at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions about estate planning in Michigan
Does Michigan have a state estate tax?
No — Michigan does not have a state estate tax. The federal estate tax applies only to estates exceeding $13.61 million per individual (2024). Michigan also has no state inheritance tax.
How does Michigan probate work?
Michigan probate is handled through Probate Court in each county. Michigan has a straightforward supervised administration process, typically taking 5–12 months. Small estates under $25,000 can use an affidavit procedure. Revocable trusts are popular for avoiding probate.
Can Michigan residents use a transfer-on-death deed?
Yes — Michigan's Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act allows property owners to designate a transfer-on-death beneficiary. The deed must be recorded before death and can be revoked at any time. This is one of the simplest ways to transfer real property without probate.
What are the estate planning considerations for Michigan cabin and UP property?
Michigan's Upper Peninsula and lakefront property often have complex ownership histories and significant family attachment. Placing cabin property in a trust or LLC ensures clear succession without forcing a sale and allows family members to share use equitably across generations.
Ready when you are
Your family deserves clarity.
AI-guided tools that walk you through every document, step by step — no attorney required to get started, no blank pages staring back at you.
Start for $9.99/monthCancel anytime. Browser-first privacy.
Nearby state guides
Important disclaimer
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. It was created with the assistance of AI and may contain inaccuracies. State laws change frequently — always consult a qualified attorney or financial advisor in Michigan before making estate planning decisions.