Michigan calls its executor the "personal representative." The state's modern EPIC code gives personal representatives a good deal of flexibility, especially if they choose informal (unsupervised) probate. Below are the duties from your first filing to closing the estate.
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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 in most cases there is no hearing. 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. This requires a court hearing and fits contested wills, complex estates, or cases where the court orders supervision.
In both cases, you receive Letters of Authority, the document that officially appoints you and gives you legal authority to act for 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 to 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, as 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
- File the application or petition with the Probate Court and receive Letters of Authority
- Publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper within 4 months of appointment
- Send written notice to all known creditors
- Prepare and file an inventory of all estate assets within 91 days of appointment
- Wait out the creditor claims period: 4 months from your appointment date, or 3 years from death, whichever is earlier
- Accept or reject creditor claims; pay valid debts and taxes
- File final income tax returns and any applicable estate tax returns
- Prepare a final statement of account
- Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries per the will or Michigan intestacy rules
- File a closing statement with the Probate Court
Pro tip
File the inventory within 91 days. The deadline is firm even though informal probate doesn't otherwise require court hearings. Set a calendar reminder for week 10 to start preparing it. If the estate is small, check whether it qualifies for Michigan's Summary Proceeding or Small Estate Affidavit. The 2026 threshold for both is $53,000, well above the outdated $15,000 to $25,000 figures still found online, and using the shortcut can save the estate months of formal administration.
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See the full checklist →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 closes automatically and the personal representative is discharged, with no court hearing.
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. Non-residents should work with a Michigan probate attorney, especially for the court filings and creditor notice requirements.
You're reading about executor duties in Michigan. Here's what else is on the list.
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Start the probate process (Contact Attorney)
- Hire a tax accountant for estate filings
- File final individual and estate tax returns
- Prepare final accounting for probatethis guide
- Perform final distribution to beneficiaries
- + 64 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Michigan may change. Consult a licensed Michigan attorney for guidance specific to your situation.