What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process for settling a deceased person's estate. It includes validating wills and distributing assets. Explore our state-specific templates to get started.
Category
ProbatePlease choose forms
Choose forms
Michigan Probate
Probate involves managing a deceased person's estate. Our attorney-drafted templates make the process fast and easy.
Common Michigan Probate documents
- Will — outlines how a deceased person's assets are to be distributed.
- Petition for Probate — requests the court to validate a will and appoint an executor.
- Letters Testamentary — official document proving an executor's authority to manage the estate.
- Notice of Probate — informs interested parties about the initiation of probate proceedings.
- Inventory and Appraisement Forms — lists and values the deceased person's assets.
Probate forms by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Popular forms
-
![]()
Petition and Order for AssignmentStreamline the process of appointing a personal representative with everything needed for estate assignments in one convenient package.
-
![]()
-
![]()
Heirship Affidavit - DescentEstablish the heirs of a deceased individual with this affidavit, crucial for settling estate matters without a will.
-
![]()
Demand to Produce Copy of Will from Heir to Executor or Person in Possession of WillRequest a copy of a deceased person's Will to ensure estate matters are handled correctly and legally.
-
![]()
Notice of Intent To Destroy Discovery MaterialsUse this notice to inform relevant parties about the impending destruction of discovery materials after a specific period has elapsed.
-
![]()
Notice to Beneficiaries of being Named in WillNotify beneficiaries named in a will about the deceased's passing and their entitlements.
-
![]()
Notice of Ancillary Administration FilingUse this document to notify Michigan probate court of a foreign personal representative handling an estate with property in the state.
-
![]()
Notice of HearingEssential for notifying parties involved in a probate case about an upcoming hearing before a judge.
-
![]()
Application for Informal Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Testate/Intestate)Use this form to initiate informal probate proceedings or appoint a personal representative after someone’s death, whether or not they left a will.
-
![]()
Petition for Adjudication of Testacy and Complete Estate SettlementDetermine heirs and settle an estate after a death with this essential legal petition.
Find a form
Similar documents: key differences
- Will vs. Trust — a will directs asset distribution after death, while a trust can manage assets during life.
- Letters of Administration vs. Letters Testamentary — Letters of Administration are for intestate estates, while Letters Testamentary are for estates with a will.
- Executor vs. Administrator — an executor is named in a will; an administrator is appointed by the court for intestate cases.
- Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets — probate assets go through court, while non-probate assets transfer directly to beneficiaries.
Key legal points
-
Probate is necessary for distributing a deceased person's assets.
-
Wills must be validated through the probate court.
-
Intestate succession laws apply when no will exists.
-
Probate can involve both real and personal property.
-
Documents often require signatures from witnesses or notarization.
How to get started
Begin the process easily with these steps.
- Find a template or package that fits your situation.
- Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
- Get full access with a subscription.
- Complete it in the online editor.
- Export or send: download, email, USPS mail, notarize online, or send for e-signature.
FAQs
A trust can provide additional control over asset distribution, but a will alone is sufficient.
If no estate plan exists, state laws will dictate asset distribution, often leading to probate.
Review your estate plan every few years or after major life changes.
Beneficiary designations typically override instructions in a will.
Yes, you can designate separate individuals for financial and health care decisions.
Glossary
- Probate - The legal process for settling a deceased person's estate.
- Executor - Person designated to carry out the terms of a will.
- Administrator - Court-appointed person to manage an intestate estate.
- Will - Legal document outlining asset distribution after death.
- Trust - A legal entity that holds assets for beneficiaries.
- Letters Testamentary - Document granting an executor authority to manage the estate.
- Intestate - Dying without a valid will.
- Beneficiary - Person designated to receive assets from an estate.
- Asset - Property or item of value owned by an individual.
- Testator - Person who creates a will.