Yes, a notary is required.
The court form is sworn before a notary; it allows electronic or remote notarization.
In the official wording
"Subscribed and sworn to before me on"
From the official pages listed below, checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Value limit
- $50,000 adjusted each year: $53,000 for deaths in 2026, $51,000 for deaths in 2025 (Treasury notice of January 30, 2026). No real property can be in the estate.
"does not exceed $50,000, adjusted annually as provided in MCL 700.1210"
- Waiting period
- More than 28 days after the death.
"More than 28 days have passed since decedent's death."
- Where it goes
- Presented to whoever owes the debt or holds the property, with the death certificate; no court filing.
- Official form
- PC 598, Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent. State Court Administrative Office form, revised 4/24, under MCL 700.3983. Open the official form
- Other simplified route
- Court order distributing small estates (MCL 700.3982). For an estate of $50,000 or less (adjusted yearly), the probate court may order the property turned over to the surviving spouse or heirs after funeral and burial costs are paid.
Next step
Sign by video with our New Jersey notary while you're in Michigan, 7 AM to 9 PM Eastern, seven days a week, by appointment. New Jersey law lets a New Jersey notary notarize for a signer located in another state (N.J.S.A. 52:7-10.10). How Michigan treats it: Michigan gives a notarial act performed in another state the same effect (MCL 55.285a). More on Michigan signers.
Ask the bank, holder or court that will receive the affidavit whether it accepts an electronically notarized one.
Book an online notarization Request a mobile notary in Michigan
In person, we look for a notary commissioned in Michigan near you; you approve the price first.
If a local notary in Michigan does it: Up to $10 for each notarial act, under the state's fee rules (Michigan notary fees).
Official sources
- Michigan Courts form PC 598, Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent (4/24) (checked November 2026)
- Michigan Department of Treasury: EPIC cost-of-living adjustments notice, January 30, 2026 (PDF) (checked November 2026)
- MCL 700.3983 (Michigan Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- MCL 700.3982, Court order distributing small estates (Michigan Legislature) (checked November 2026)
We are not lawyers, and this is general information, not legal advice. Checked November 2026. Rules change, and whoever receives the document decides what it accepts; we can't guarantee acceptance.
Common questions
Is a notary required for a Michigan small estate affidavit?
Yes, a notary is required. The court form is sworn before a notary; it allows electronic or remote notarization.
What is the small estate limit in Michigan?
$50,000 adjusted each year: $53,000 for deaths in 2026, $51,000 for deaths in 2025 (Treasury notice of January 30, 2026). No real property can be in the estate.
How long after a death can the Michigan affidavit be used?
More than 28 days after the death.
Is the Michigan affidavit filed with a court?
Presented to whoever owes the debt or holds the property, with the death certificate; no court filing.
Can I sign the Michigan affidavit with an online notary?
Our New Jersey notary can notarize it by video while you're in Michigan. Michigan gives a notarial act performed in another state the same effect (MCL 55.285a). Ask the bank, holder or court that will receive it whether it accepts an electronically notarized affidavit.
What does a notary charge in Michigan?
Up to $10 for each notarial act, under the state's fee rules. A mobile notary may add a travel fee; ask for the total first.
Keep going
- Michigan small estate affidavit
- Eligibility checker
- Small estate rules in every state
- A power of attorney in Michigan
- A will in Michigan
A small estate affidavit in another state: Maine · Nevada · every state