---
title: "Michigan Executor Checklist: First 30 Days | MCC Solutions"
description: "Michigan executor checklist: first 30 days, up to $53,000 small estate limit, 29-day wait, notarized affidavit, 2 will witnesses, official court links."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/michigan-executor-checklist"
---

Executor checklist · Michigan

# Michigan executor and estate paperwork checklist

The first 30 days, the small estate route, the will at probate, and the official pages to ask, from this state's own court and statute pages.

**Quick answer.** In the first 30 days, an executor in Michigan orders certified death certificates, finds the original will, secures the home, car and mail, lists what the person owned and owed, and holds off on paying debts until it's clear who has authority. For the small estate route, Michigan's official pages give a limit of up to $53,000, a 29-day wait after the death and a notarized affidavit; the paperwork goes to the bank or other holder.

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**Short answer.** Michigan: up to $53,000 small estate limit; 29-day wait; notarized affidavit; handed to the bank or holder; 2 will witnesses; self-proving affidavit allowed. 11 of 11 state facts below are confirmed on official pages.

**This is an organizer, not legal advice.** An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation.

## The first 30 days

Plain steps that apply wherever the person lived, with the small estate dates for this state. Ticks stay on your screen only.

- **Ask for certified death certificates, more than you think**The funeral director or vital records office issues them. Institutions often keep the copy you send, so plan on one each.
- **Make sure Social Security knows**Funeral homes generally report the death. If not, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). A surviving spouse, or some children if there's no spouse, may get a one-time $255 payment.
- **Locate the signed will and any changes**The signed original matters more than a copy. Keep it whole and somewhere safe, and note who else has a copy.
- **Look at the last pages of the will**A sworn statement signed by the witnesses before an officer may be attached; what this state says about it is below.
- **Keep the house and vehicles safe**Tell the insurer about the death so coverage stays in place, take photos of what's inside, and redirect the mail.
- **Don't pay bills or hand out belongings yet**First learn which route fits and who is allowed to act; ask the probate office or an attorney about anything urgent.
- **Put the power of attorney away**A power of attorney ends at the principal's death. Whoever was the agent no longer signs for the person.
- **Write down every asset and debt**For each, record whose name it's in and whether a beneficiary or co-owner is listed; those usually go straight to that person.
- **Compare the estate with $53,000**That's the small estate figure on this state's official page for the current period; it depends on the date of death. Count only what the page says counts.
- **Mark day 29 after the death**The small estate route opens 29 days after the death, per the official page.
- **Start the estate ledger**Record every dollar in and out with a receipt: funeral costs, bills paid, money collected.
- **Once you have authority: EIN and an estate account**The IRS says you need an EIN before filing the estate's Form 1041, which is due if the estate has more than $600 of gross income in a year.

Sources for the federal steps: [Social Security Administration: When someone dies](https://ssa.gov/personal-record/when-someone-dies) · [IRS: Deceased taxpayers, filing the estate income tax return (Form 1041)](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/deceased-taxpayers-filing-the-estate-income-tax-return-form-1041) · power of attorney: [Power of attorney at a real estate closing](/notary/guides/power-of-attorney-at-a-real-estate-closing).

## The small estate route

- #### ConfirmedSmall estate 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"By date of death: January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025: $51,000; January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026: $53,000.

Sources: [Michigan Courts form PC 598, Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent (4/24)](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/pc598.pdf); [Michigan Department of Treasury: EPIC cost-of-living adjustments notice, January 30, 2026 (PDF)](https://www.michigan.gov/treasury/-/media/Project/Websites/treasury/ORTA/Economic-Reports-Notices/FY-2026/Notice_01302026_EstatesAndOtherProtectedIndividuals_Signed.pdf); [MCL 700.3983 (Michigan Legislature)](https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-700-3983); [MCL 700.3982, Court order distributing small estates (Michigan Legislature)](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-700-3982), checked November 2026

- #### ConfirmedReal estate Real estate in the person's name alone takes the estate out of this procedure. Sources: [Michigan Courts form PC 598, Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent (4/24)](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/pc598.pdf); [Michigan Department of Treasury: EPIC cost-of-living adjustments notice, January 30, 2026 (PDF)](https://www.michigan.gov/treasury/-/media/Project/Websites/treasury/ORTA/Economic-Reports-Notices/FY-2026/Notice_01302026_EstatesAndOtherProtectedIndividuals_Signed.pdf); [MCL 700.3983 (Michigan Legislature)](https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-700-3983); [MCL 700.3982, Court order distributing small estates (Michigan Legislature)](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-700-3982), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWaiting period after the death 29 days. More than 28 days after the death."More than 28 days have passed since decedent's death." Sources: [Michigan Courts form PC 598, Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent (4/24)](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/pc598.pdf); [Michigan Department of Treasury: EPIC cost-of-living adjustments notice, January 30, 2026 (PDF)](https://www.michigan.gov/treasury/-/media/Project/Websites/treasury/ORTA/Economic-Reports-Notices/FY-2026/Notice_01302026_EstatesAndOtherProtectedIndividuals_Signed.pdf); [MCL 700.3983 (Michigan Legislature)](https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-700-3983); [MCL 700.3982, Court order distributing small estates (Michigan Legislature)](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-700-3982), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedNotary or oath Signed before a notary. The court form is sworn before a notary; it allows electronic or remote notarization."Subscribed and sworn to before me on" Source: [Michigan Courts form PC 598, Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent (4/24)](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/pc598.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWhere the paperwork goes Handed to the bank or other holder. Presented to whoever owes the debt or holds the property, with the death certificate; no court filing. Sources: [Michigan Courts form PC 598, Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent (4/24)](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/pc598.pdf); [Michigan Department of Treasury: EPIC cost-of-living adjustments notice, January 30, 2026 (PDF)](https://www.michigan.gov/treasury/-/media/Project/Websites/treasury/ORTA/Economic-Reports-Notices/FY-2026/Notice_01302026_EstatesAndOtherProtectedIndividuals_Signed.pdf); [MCL 700.3983 (Michigan Legislature)](https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-700-3983); [MCL 700.3982, Court order distributing small estates (Michigan Legislature)](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-700-3982), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedOfficial 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. Sources: [Michigan Courts form PC 598, Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent (4/24)](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/pc598.pdf); [MCL 700.3983 (Michigan Legislature)](https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-700-3983), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSimplified court procedure 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. Source: [MCL 700.3982, Court order distributing small estates (Michigan Legislature)](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-700-3982), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWorth knowing "More than 28 days" means the 29th day after the death is the first day it can be used. A petition for assignment can't already be on file with a court. Sources: [Michigan Courts form PC 598, Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent (4/24)](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/pc598.pdf); [Michigan Department of Treasury: EPIC cost-of-living adjustments notice, January 30, 2026 (PDF)](https://www.michigan.gov/treasury/-/media/Project/Websites/treasury/ORTA/Economic-Reports-Notices/FY-2026/Notice_01302026_EstatesAndOtherProtectedIndividuals_Signed.pdf); [MCL 700.3983 (Michigan Legislature)](https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-700-3983); [MCL 700.3982, Court order distributing small estates (Michigan Legislature)](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-700-3982), checked November 2026

## The will at probate

Signing rules for wills, as they bear on getting the will accepted.

- #### ConfirmedWitnesses the will needed Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment."Signed by at least 2 individuals" Sources: [MCL 700.2502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Michigan Legislature)](https://ombudsman.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/MCL-700-2502.pdf); [Types of Wills (Kent County, Michigan)](https://www.kentcountymi.gov/1154/Types-of-Wills); [MCL 700.2505, Who may witness (Michigan Legislature)](https://ombudsman.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/MCL-700-2505.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSelf-proving affidavit Allowed. The county probate page describes sworn statements before an officer authorized to administer oaths, or a signed statement under penalty of perjury instead."I certify (or declare) under penalty for perjury" Sources: [MCL 700.2502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Michigan Legislature)](https://ombudsman.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/MCL-700-2502.pdf); [Types of Wills (Kent County, Michigan)](https://www.kentcountymi.gov/1154/Types-of-Wills); [MCL 700.2505, Who may witness (Michigan Legislature)](https://ombudsman.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/MCL-700-2505.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedIf the will is handwritten Recognized if dated and the signature and material parts are in the testator's handwriting."the testator's signature and the document's material portions are in the testator's handwriting" Sources: [MCL 700.2502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Michigan Legislature)](https://ombudsman.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/MCL-700-2502.pdf); [Types of Wills (Kent County, Michigan)](https://www.kentcountymi.gov/1154/Types-of-Wills); [MCL 700.2505, Who may witness (Michigan Legislature)](https://ombudsman.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/MCL-700-2505.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedA witness who inherits A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it."The signing of a will by an interested witness does not invalidate the will or any provision of it." Sources: [MCL 700.2502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Michigan Legislature)](https://ombudsman.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/MCL-700-2502.pdf); [Types of Wills (Kent County, Michigan)](https://www.kentcountymi.gov/1154/Types-of-Wills); [MCL 700.2505, Who may witness (Michigan Legislature)](https://ombudsman.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/MCL-700-2505.pdf), checked November 2026

## Want us to handle it?

We order certified records, pick up and deliver documents, get the small estate affidavit signed and notarized, and file papers near where the estate is, in any state. We are not lawyers.

**Price:** Quote-based, from $199 per job plus government and court fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay.

[Ask for estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state#request)

## Documents to gather

- Recent bills, loan and credit card statements
- Pension, Social Security and benefit letters
- Safe deposit box location and keys
- Certified death certificates
- The original will and any codicils
- Deeds and mortgage statements
- Vehicle titles and registrations
- Recent bank, brokerage and retirement statements
- Life insurance policies and annuities
- The last few years of tax returns
- The official small estate form: PC 598, Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent

## Who to notify

Pension or employer, Social Security (if the funeral home hasn't), Banks and credit unions, Brokerage and retirement accounts, Life insurance companies, Utilities and phone, Landlord or mortgage servicer, Credit card companies. Write once to each, enclose a death certificate copy, and record the reply.

## Documents needed abroad

- #### ConfirmedA death certificate needed abroad Apostilles for this state's documents come from the Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal. $1 per document (Document Certification Fee). Vital records: Certified copies only, for example from a Michigan county clerk. Source: [Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal](https://michigan.gov/sos/all-services/document-authentication-and-apostille), checked November 2026

## Where to ask

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Official pages for Michigan:

- [Michigan Courts form PC 598, Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent (4/24)](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/pc598.pdf)
- [MCL 700.3982, Court order distributing small estates (Michigan Legislature)](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-700-3982)

Michigan kit

## Michigan Executor and Estate Kit

This checklist as printable Word and PDF files: a start-here guide, the first 30 days, the small estate route with its official links, a documents and accounts tracker, plain notification letters (bank, utilities, Social Security), and an Excel estate ledger for assets, debts, payments and distributions.

[Get the kit, $25](/toolkits/mi-executor-kit)

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Facts checked November 2026.

## Common questions

**Is there a small estate route in Michigan?**

On the official pages we read: $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. Handed to the bank or other holder. Presented to whoever owes the debt or holds the property, with the death certificate; no court filing.

**How soon after the death can the Michigan small estate paperwork be used?**

29 days. More than 28 days after the death.

**Does the small estate paperwork in Michigan need a notary?**

Signed before a notary. The court form is sworn before a notary; it allows electronic or remote notarization.

**Is there an official Michigan 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. Link: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/pc598.pdf

**How many witnesses did a will in Michigan need?**

Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment.

**What about a self-proving affidavit in Michigan?**

Allowed. The county probate page describes sworn statements before an officer authorized to administer oaths, or a signed statement under penalty of perjury instead.

**Who answers questions about an estate in Michigan?**

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. The official pages behind this checklist: Michigan Courts form PC 598, Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent (4/24). Remember the 29-day wait before the small estate route.

Related: [Executor guide by state](/notary/executor-guide-by-state) · [Small estate affidavit details](/notary/small-estate-affidavit-michigan) · [Apostille steps](/notary/apostille-michigan) · [Estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)

## Family far from the estate?

[See estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)