Find out whether a Michigan estate qualifies.
A Michigan Small Estate Affidavit allows certain heirs or successors to collect property from a deceased person’s estate without opening a full probate case. In Michigan, this process is often called a Transfer by Affidavit and is one of several simplified probate procedures available under Michigan law.
For many families, the Michigan Small Estate Affidavit process can save time, reduce court involvement, and avoid the expense of formal probate administration. However, not every estate qualifies.
For 2026, the Michigan small estate threshold is approximately $53,000. The amount is adjusted periodically under Michigan law. If the probate estate exceeds the applicable threshold, a full probate proceeding may be required.
It is important to understand that only probate assets count toward the threshold. Assets with beneficiary designations, jointly owned property, and trust assets may not be included in the calculation.
In qualifying cases, yes. A Michigan Transfer by Affidavit may allow heirs to collect personal property without opening a formal probate estate. However, the estate must satisfy several legal requirements before the simplified procedure can be used.
If the estate includes Michigan real property, the Transfer by Affidavit process may not apply. Instead, the estate may qualify for another simplified probate procedure known as an Assignment of Property.
The Probate Pro helps families throughout Michigan determine whether an estate qualifies for a Michigan Small Estate Affidavit, Transfer by Affidavit, Assignment of Property, or full probate administration. If you need help determining whether an estate qualifies for Michigan small estate procedures, contact The Probate Pro at 1-833-PROBATE.
A Michigan Small Estate Affidavit, also called an Affidavit of Decedent’s Successor, may allow a successor to collect certain personal property without opening a full probate estate.
This process is typically used when the probate estate is small, does not include real property, at least 28 days have passed since death, and no personal representative has been appointed.
A Michigan Small Estate Affidavit allows certain heirs or successors to collect property from a deceased person’s estate without opening a full probate case. In Michigan, this process is often called a “Transfer by Affidavit” and is one of several simplified probate procedures available under Michigan law.
For many families, the Michigan Small Estate Affidavit process can save time, reduce court involvement, and avoid the expense of formal probate administration. However, not every estate qualifies.
A Michigan Small Estate Affidavit (also called an Affidavit of Decedent’s Successor for Delivery)is a legal document that may allow an heir or successor to collect certain assets belonging to a deceased person when the probate estate falls below Michigan’s statutory threshold.
The process is commonly used for:
In many situations, the affidavit can be presented directly to a bank or institution to transfer ownership of the property.
For 2026, the Michigan small estate threshold is approximately $53,000. The amount is adjusted periodically under Michigan law.
If the probate estate exceeds the applicable threshold, a full probate proceeding may be required.
It is important to understand that only probate assets count toward the threshold. Assets with beneficiary designations, jointly owned property, and trust assets may not be included in the calculation.
In qualifying cases, yes.
An Affidavit of Decedent’s Successor for Delivery may allow heirs to collect personal property without opening a formal probate estate. However, the estate must satisfy several legal requirements before the simplified procedure can be used.
Generally:
If the estate includes Michigan real property, the Transfer by Affidavit process may not apply.
Instead, the estate may qualify for another simplified probate procedure known as a Petition and Order Assignment of Property. Determining which procedure applies depends on the type of property, ownership structure, liens, and overall estate value.
A full probate administration may still be necessary when:
Because probate eligibility issues can become complicated quickly, many families benefit from speaking with an experienced Michigan probate attorney before transferring estate property.
The Probate Pro helps families throughout Michigan determine whether an estate qualifies for a Small Estate Affidavit.
Our Michigan probate attorneys handle:
We represent clients in probate courts throughout Michigan and help families navigate the probate process efficiently and strategically.
If you need help determining whether an estate qualifies for Michigan small estate procedures, contact The Probate Pro at 1-833-PROBATE.