Executor Duties in Michigan: A Complete Guide

Michigan calls its executor the "personal representative" — and the state's modern EPIC code gives personal representatives significant flexibility, particularly when choosing informal (unsupervised) probate. This guide walks through every duty, from your first filing to final estate closure.

How to Get Appointed as Personal Representative in Michigan

Michigan offers two tracks under EPIC:

• Informal Probate (Unsupervised): File an Application for Informal Probate and Appointment of Personal Representative with the Probate Court Registrar (a court clerk, not a judge). This is faster and does not require a hearing in most cases. The Registrar issues a Statement of Informal Appointment and Letters of Authority.
• Formal Probate (Supervised): File a Petition for Formal Probate with a Probate Court judge. Requires a court hearing. Appropriate for contested wills, complex estates, or when the court orders supervision.

In both cases, you receive Letters of Authority — the document that officially appoints you and grants you legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.

Personal Representative Compensation in Michigan

Michigan has no statutory fee schedule for personal representative compensation. The will may specify a fee; otherwise, you're entitled to "reasonable compensation." Courts typically consider 2–4% of the estate's gross value reasonable, though larger or more complex estates may warrant higher fees. Compensation must be approved as part of the final accounting. You may also waive compensation — many family personal representatives do.

Bond Requirements in Michigan

For informal probate, a bond is generally required unless waived by the will or by agreement of all interested parties. In formal probate, the court sets bond requirements case by case. Most professionally drafted Michigan wills waive the bond requirement.

Core Duties as Personal Representative in Michigan

1. File the application or petition with the Probate Court and receive Letters of Authority
2. Publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper within 4 months of appointment
3. Send written notice to all known creditors
4. Prepare and file an inventory of all estate assets within 91 days of appointment
5. Wait out the creditor claims period — 4 months from your appointment date, or 3 years from death, whichever is earlier
6. Accept or reject creditor claims; pay valid debts and taxes
7. File final income tax returns and any applicable estate tax returns
8. Prepare a final statement of account
9. Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries per the will or Michigan intestacy rules
10. File a closing statement with the Probate Court

Closing an Informal Probate Estate in Michigan

After the 4-month creditor period has passed and all debts, taxes, and final expenses are paid, distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries and collect signed receipts. Then file a Sworn Statement to Close Unsupervised Administration with the Probate Court. If no interested party objects within 28 days, the estate is automatically closed and the personal representative is discharged — no court hearing needed.

Non-Resident Personal Representatives in Michigan

Michigan's EPIC allows non-residents to serve as personal representative. The non-resident must designate a Michigan resident as a registered agent for service of process. Working with a Michigan probate attorney is strongly recommended for non-residents, particularly for navigating the court filings and creditor notice requirements.