Michigan Last Will and Testament Form – Downloadable Template 

Create Your Michigan Will and Protect Your Family's Future

Looking for a Michigan Last Will and Testament form? Our downloadable Michigan Will template provides everything you need to create a legally valid Last Will in Michigan—ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes and protecting your loved ones from the uncertainty of intestate succession.

Protect Your Michigan Family - Download Template Now - $14.95

What is a Michigan Last Will and Testament?

A Michigan Last Will and Testament is a legal document that allows you to specify how your property and assets will be distributed after your death, name guardians for minor children, and designate a personal representative (executor) to manage your estate. Unlike dying without a Will (dying "intestate"), a Michigan Will gives you complete control over who receives your property and how your estate is settled.

Creating a Michigan Last Will and Testament form is one of the most important estate planning steps you can take. Without a Will, Michigan's intestate succession laws determine who inherits your property—often with results you wouldn't have chosen.

What's Included in Your Michigan Last Will and Testament Template Package

When you purchase our Michigan Last Will and Testament form download, you receive:

✅ Microsoft Word (.docx) Editable Template – Fully customizable to your specific situation
✅ Fillable PDF Version – Easy form-filling for quick completion
✅ Google Docs Link – Cloud-based editing with sharing capabilities
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions – Clear guidance on Michigan Will requirements
✅ Witness Requirements Guide – Michigan-specific execution instructions
✅ Self-Proving Affidavit – Streamlines probate validation
✅ Instant Download – Access your forms immediately after purchase

All formats are Michigan-compliant and designed to meet the requirements of Michigan Compiled Laws § 700.2502 for a valid Last Will and Testament.

Download Your Michigan Last Will and Testament Template - $14.95

Why You Need a Michigan Last Will and Testament

Control Who Inherits Your Property

Without a Michigan Will, state intestate succession laws determine your heirs:

• Your spouse may not receive everything (shared with children or parents)

• Unmarried partners receive nothing (no matter how long the relationship)

• Minor children's inheritance requires court-appointed guardianship

• Family members you don't want to inherit may receive property

• Stepchildren receive nothing unless legally adopted

• Charitable organizations cannot receive bequests

• Special needs planning is impossible

A Michigan Last Will and Testament puts YOU in control of these decisions.

Protect Your Minor Children

Your Michigan Will allows you to:

• Nominate guardians for minor children

• Create testamentary trusts for children's inheritance

• Specify ages when children receive assets

• Protect children from irresponsible spending

• Ensure funds are available for education

• Prevent court-appointed guardianship battles

• Provide for children from previous relationships

Avoid Family Conflicts and Probate Delays

A clear, legally valid Michigan Last Will and Testament:

• Reduces family disputes over your estate

• Speeds up the probate process

• Minimizes court involvement in asset distribution

• Protects your family from unnecessary legal expenses

• Ensures your personal representative has clear authority

• Prevents challenges from disinherited relatives

Get Your Michigan Will Template Now - $14.95

Michigan Last Will and Testament Requirements

To create a valid Michigan Last Will and Testament, you must meet these requirements:

Testator (Will Maker) Requirements

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old

• Mental Capacity: Must be of sound mind and understand:

  • The nature and extent of your property

  • The natural objects of your bounty (who would typically inherit)

  • The disposition you're making

  • How these elements relate to form an orderly plan

Execution Requirements (MCL § 700.2502)

• Written Document: Must be in writing (typed or handwritten)

• Signature: Must be signed by the testator (or by someone at the testator's direction in their presence)

• Two Witnesses: Must be signed in the presence of two attesting witnesses

• Witness Signatures: Witnesses must sign within a reasonable time after witnessing the testator's signature

• No Notarization Required: Michigan Wills don't require notarization (but see self-proving affidavit below)

Self-Proving Affidavit (Highly Recommended)

While not required, adding a self-proving affidavit (notarized statement by testator and witnesses) allows the Will to be admitted to probate without witness testimony. This:

• Speeds up probate significantly

• Eliminates need to locate witnesses years later

• Reduces probate complications

• Costs nothing extra to include (just notary fees at execution)

• Is included in our template package

Download Michigan Last Will Template with Self-Proving Affidavit - $14.95

What You Can Include in Your Michigan Last Will and Testament

Our Michigan Last Will and Testament template allows you to:

Asset Distribution

• Real estate (homes, land, investment properties, vacation homes)

• Bank accounts and investments

• Vehicles, boats, RVs, and recreational vehicles

• Business interests and partnership shares

• Digital assets and cryptocurrency

• Collections, jewelry, and heirlooms

• Firearms and sporting equipment

• Specific bequests to individuals or charities

• Residuary estate (everything not specifically mentioned)

Personal Representatives and Guardians

• Name your personal representative (executor)

• Designate alternate personal representatives

• Nominate guardians for minor children

• Name alternate guardians

• Waive bond requirements for personal representative

• Grant specific powers to personal representative

Trust Provisions

• Create testamentary trusts for minor children

• Specify trustee and successor trustees

• Set distribution ages and conditions

• Protect special needs beneficiaries

• Provide for pet care trusts

• Educational trusts for grandchildren

Special Instructions

• Funeral and burial preferences

• Organ donation wishes

• Digital asset access instructions

• Family business succession plans

• No-contest (in terrorem) clauses

• Specific instructions for personal property distribution

Michigan Intestate Succession: What Happens Without a Will

If you die without a Michigan Last Will and Testament, Michigan's intestate succession laws (MCL § 700.2101-2114) determine who inherits:

If You're Married

• Spouse inherits everything IF:

  • You have no surviving children, parents, or descendants, OR

  • All surviving descendants are also descendants of the surviving spouse AND the surviving spouse has no other descendants

• Spouse inherits first $150,000 plus 50% of balance IF:

  • All surviving descendants are also descendants of the surviving spouse BUT the spouse has other descendants

• Spouse inherits first $150,000 plus 75% of balance IF:

  • You have surviving descendants, and one or more are NOT descendants of the surviving spouse

• Spouse inherits first $150,000 plus 100% of balance IF:

  • No surviving descendants but one or both of your parents survive

If You're Unmarried

• Children inherit everything equally (per stirpes if any are deceased)

• Parents inherit if no children or descendants

• Siblings inherit if no children, descendants, or parents

• Other relatives in order of consanguinity if no closer family

• State of Michigan if no relatives found within 120 hours (escheat)

What Unmarried Partners Don't Inherit

Michigan does NOT recognize common law marriage. If you're in a long-term relationship but not legally married, your partner receives NOTHING under intestate succession—regardless of how long you've been together or if you share children.

Don't let Michigan's intestate laws make these decisions for you. Create your Michigan Last Will and Testament today.

Protect Your Loved Ones - Download Michigan Will Template Now - $14.95

Michigan Last Will and Testament vs. Other Estate Planning Documents

Michigan Last Will vs. Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed)

• Will: Covers all assets; requires probate; takes effect at death

• Lady Bird Deed: Transfers real estate only; avoids probate; maintains lifetime control

• Best Practice: Use BOTH—Lady Bird Deed for real estate, Will for everything else

Learn more about Michigan Lady Bird Deeds

Michigan Last Will vs. Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed

• Will: Covers all assets; goes through probate

• TOD Deed: Real estate only; avoids probate for that property

• Note: Michigan law allows TOD deeds but they're less commonly used than Lady Bird Deeds

• Best Practice: Use BOTH for comprehensive estate planning

Michigan Last Will vs. Living Trust

• Will: Less expensive; simpler; requires probate

• Living Trust: Avoids probate; more expensive to create; requires asset retitling

• Best Practice: Most Michiganders start with a Will; upgrade to Trust for larger estates ($1M+)

Michigan Last Will vs. Pour-Over Will

• Regular Will: Distributes assets directly to beneficiaries

• Pour-Over Will: Transfers assets into an existing trust

• Best Practice: Pour-over Wills work with revocable living trusts for comprehensive planning

Perfect for All Michigan Residents

Whether you live in:

• Metro Detroit Area (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb counties - Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, Sterling Heights, Warren)

• West Michigan (Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon counties - Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon)

• Ann Arbor & Southeast Michigan (Washtenaw, Monroe, Lenawee counties)

• Lansing & Mid-Michigan (Ingham, Eaton, Clinton counties - Lansing, East Lansing)

• Flint Area (Genesee, Lapeer, Shiawassee counties)

• Saginaw Valley (Saginaw, Bay, Midland counties - Bay City, Midland)

• Kalamazoo & Southwest Michigan (Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Van Buren counties - Kalamazoo, Battle Creek)

• Northern Michigan (Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Emmet counties - Traverse City, Petoskey)

• Upper Peninsula (Marquette, Houghton, Chippewa counties - Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie)

• Thumb Area (Huron, Sanilac, Tuscola counties)

Our Michigan Last Will and Testament template is compliant with Michigan law statewide and suitable for residents in all 83 Michigan counties, from Detroit to the UP.

Download Your Michigan Will Template - $14.95

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Last Wills and Testaments

Do I need a lawyer to create a Michigan Will?

No. Michigan law allows you to create your own Will without an attorney, as long as you meet the legal requirements (age, capacity, proper execution with witnesses). Our Michigan Last Will and Testament template provides everything you need for a legally valid Will. However, you should consult an attorney if you have:

• Complex estates (high value, multiple properties, business interests)

• Blended families with children from multiple relationships

• Special needs beneficiaries requiring supplemental needs trusts

• Anticipated Will contests or family disputes

• Complicated tax planning needs

• Out-of-state property ownership

Does my Michigan Will need to be notarized?

No. Michigan law does NOT require Last Wills to be notarized. However, adding a self-proving affidavit (which IS notarized) is highly recommended. The self-proving affidavit allows your Will to be admitted to probate without tracking down witnesses years later to testify. Our template includes the proper Michigan self-proving affidavit language per MCL § 700.2504.

Can I handwrite my Michigan Will?

Yes. Michigan recognizes holographic Wills (entirely handwritten and signed by the testator) even WITHOUT witnesses, as long as the material provisions are in the testator's handwriting. However, typed Wills with two witnesses are strongly recommended because:

• They're easier to read and less likely to be misinterpreted

• Handwriting can be challenged more easily

• Material provisions must be distinguished from non-material additions

• Two-witness Wills with self-proving affidavits are easier to probate

How do I change or update my Michigan Will?

You can change your Michigan Will by:

1. Codicil: A separate document that amends specific provisions (must be executed with same formalities as original Will)

2. New Will: Creating an entirely new Will that revokes all prior Wills (recommended for significant changes)

Our template can be edited and re-executed as many times as needed. Store the most recent version safely and destroy old versions to avoid confusion.

Does marriage or divorce affect my Michigan Will?

YES, significantly:

• Marriage: If you execute a Will and then get married, the new spouse receives their intestate share UNLESS:

  • The Will was made in contemplation of the marriage, OR

  • The Will expresses an intention not to provide for the spouse, OR

  • The spouse is provided for through other transfers

• Divorce or Annulment: Michigan law automatically revokes ALL provisions in your Will benefiting a former spouse (MCL § 700.2807), including:

  • Bequests to the former spouse

  • Appointment of former spouse as personal representative

  • Any fiduciary appointments

• Best Practice: Update your Will immediately after any marriage or divorce

What is Michigan's augmented estate and spousal rights?

Michigan provides surviving spouses with an elective share if they're disinherited or inadequately provided for (MCL § 700.2202):

• Surviving spouse can elect against the Will and claim their intestate share

• The elective share is calculated based on the "augmented estate" (includes certain lifetime transfers)

• Election must be made within 63 days after notice or 9 months after death

• Spouse receives between $5,000 and their full intestate share depending on length of marriage

You cannot completely disinherit a spouse in Michigan unless they waive their rights in a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.

What happens if I move to or from Michigan?

A properly executed Michigan Last Will and Testament is generally valid in other states (and vice versa) under the principle of comity. However, you should review your Will if you:

• Move from a community property state (MI is NOT community property)

• Move to a state with different spousal protection laws

• Acquire property in another state

• Move permanently from Michigan to another state

• Own property in multiple states

Where should I store my Michigan Will?

Store your original executed Will in a safe, accessible location:

• Fireproof safe at home (tell personal representative the location)

• Bank safe deposit box (ensure personal representative can access)

• With your attorney (if you used one)

• Michigan probate court (some counties accept Wills for safekeeping)

• NOT recommended: Hidden location no one knows about

Michigan law allows you to file your Will with the probate court during your lifetime (MCL § 700.2515). The court keeps it sealed until your death or upon your written request. Filing fee is typically $25.

Provide copies to your personal representative, but keep the ORIGINAL safe—courts require the original for probate.

How much does Michigan probate cost?

Michigan probate costs typically include:

• Court filing fees: $175-$190 (varies slightly by county)

• Probate bond: Often waived in the Will; otherwise 10% of estate value

• Personal representative fees: "Reasonable compensation" (typically 1-2% of estate)

• Attorney fees: $3,000-$5,000+ depending on estate complexity

• Publication fees: $200-$300 for creditor notice

• Additional costs: Appraisals, accounting, inventory preparation

For a $200,000 estate, expect $4,000-$7,000 in probate costs and 9-18 months for completion. Michigan has simplified "informal probate" procedures that can reduce costs and time for straightforward estates.

Can I disinherit someone in my Michigan Will?

• Spouse: Cannot be completely disinherited (see elective share above)

• Minor children: While you can technically disinherit them in your Will, courts may intervene if children would become public charges

• Adult children: CAN be completely disinherited (should be explicit in Will)

• Other family members: Can be disinherited freely

• Best Practice: If disinheriting someone, state it explicitly: "I intentionally make no provision for [name]" to prevent claims of oversight

What is a pretermitted child in Michigan?

Michigan law protects children born or adopted AFTER you execute your Will (MCL § 700.2302):

• Pretermitted children receive their intestate share UNLESS:

  • The omission was intentional and appears in the Will

  • The testator had other children and left substantially all assets to the other parent

  • The testator provided for the child outside the Will

Best Practice: Update your Will whenever you have or adopt a child.

Does Michigan have a state estate tax?

No. Michigan repealed its estate tax in 2005. However:

• Federal estate tax still applies to estates over $13.61 million (2024, indexed annually)

• Michigan has an inheritance tax on property inherited from another state if that state imposes inheritance tax

• Most Michigan estates don't face estate or inheritance taxes

Can my Will cover my digital assets?

Yes. Michigan's Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (MCL § 700.1001-1022) allows you to:

• Grant your personal representative access to digital assets

• Specify which digital accounts should be managed or deleted

• Provide usernames and access instructions

• Our template includes provisions for digital asset management

What is Michigan's "slayer statute"?

Michigan law (MCL § 700.2803) prevents someone who feloniously and intentionally kills you from:

• Inheriting under your Will

• Taking life insurance proceeds

• Receiving property through joint tenancy

• Benefiting from transfer-on-death designations

The killer is treated as if they predeceased you. This applies to convictions and to situations where evidence shows culpability even without criminal conviction.

Get Your Michigan Last Will and Testament Template - $14.95

Why Choose Our Michigan Last Will and Testament Template?

Michigan-Specific Compliance

Our Michigan Will template is designed specifically for Michigan residents and includes:

• Proper execution clause language per MCL § 700.2502

• Michigan-compliant self-proving affidavit per MCL § 700.2504

• Augmented estate and spousal elective share awareness

• Michigan personal representative provisions

• Digital asset access provisions per Michigan law

• Pretermitted child protection considerations

• Michigan-specific terminology

Multiple Format Flexibility

Access your template in the format that works best for you:

• Microsoft Word: Full editing capability for customization

• PDF: Fillable fields for quick completion

• Google Docs: Cloud-based editing and sharing

Professional Quality at DIY Prices

Attorney-drafted Wills in Michigan typically cost $400-$2,000 for basic estate planning. Our template provides professional-quality language at a fraction of the cost: just $14.95 for instant download and lifetime access.

Comprehensive Instructions Included

Our step-by-step guide covers:

• How to complete each section

• Michigan witness requirements

• Self-proving affidavit execution

• Common mistakes to avoid

• When to consult an attorney

• Storage and updating guidance

• Michigan probate process overview

Instant Access, Immediate Protection

Download your template immediately and complete your Michigan Last Will and Testament today. Don't leave your family's future to chance or Michigan's intestate laws.

Download Michigan Last Will Template Now - $14.95

Complete Your Michigan Estate Plan

Your Michigan Last Will and Testament is the foundation of your estate plan, but consider these complementary documents:

Michigan Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed)

Transfer your real estate to beneficiaries outside of probate while maintaining complete lifetime control. Michigan pioneered the Lady Bird Deed concept—perfect companion to your Will for Michigan homeowners.

Michigan Quitclaim Deed - $9.99

Transfer property to family members, add/remove spouses, or correct title issues. Commonly used alongside Wills for immediate property transfers.

View Michigan Quitclaim Deed Forms

Michigan Durable Power of Attorney

Authorize someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Essential document that works WITH your Will (not a substitute).

Michigan Patient Advocate Designation (Medical POA)

Appoint someone to make medical decisions if you're unable. Michigan uses this instead of Healthcare Surrogate. Critical for ensuring your healthcare wishes are followed.

Michigan Living Will (Advance Directive)

Document your end-of-life wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment. Provides clarity for family during difficult times. Often combined with Patient Advocate Designation.

Michigan "Do Not Resuscitate" Order

If you don't want CPR or certain life-saving measures. Requires physician signature. Important for those with serious health conditions.

Complete Estate Planning Package Available - Contact us for bundle pricing on all essential Michigan estate planning documents.

Get Started with Your Michigan Last Will and Testament Today

Creating your Michigan Last Will and Testament is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family's future. For just $14.95, you get:

✅ Instant download access to all three formats (Word, PDF, Google Docs)
✅ Michigan-compliant template with proper execution language per MCL
✅ Self-proving affidavit for streamlined probate per MCL § 700.2504
✅ Step-by-step completion instructions for Michigan requirements
✅ Lifetime access to your purchase
✅ Updates and improvements at no additional cost

Don't wait until it's too late. Protect your loved ones, ensure your wishes are honored, and gain peace of mind knowing your estate plan is in place.

Download Your Michigan Last Will and Testament Form - $14.95

Professional Legal Document Preparation Services Also Available

Need help completing your Michigan Last Will and Testament? We also offer:

Document Preparation Service - $225

Our experienced legal document preparers will:

• Conduct intake interview about your wishes

• Prepare customized Will based on your situation

• Ensure compliance with all Michigan MCL requirements

• Include self-proving affidavit

• Provide execution instructions

• Review for Michigan-specific considerations

Complete Execution Service - $400

Full-service Will preparation and execution including:

• Customized document preparation

• Mobile notary dispatch to your location (throughout Michigan)

• Two qualified witnesses provided

• Proper execution supervision

• Self-proving affidavit execution

• Original document delivery

We travel throughout Michigan—from Detroit to the UP—to homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes to ensure proper Will execution.

Need custom preparation? Contact us for professional services

Why Michigan Residents Choose Our Will Templates

Designed for Michigan's Unique Laws

Michigan has specific estate planning laws including:

• Spousal elective share and augmented estate calculations

• Pretermitted child protections

• Patient Advocate Designations (not Healthcare Surrogate)

• Digital asset access laws

• Lady Bird Deed availability (Michigan pioneered this tool)

• No state estate tax (since 2005)

Our template addresses all Michigan-specific requirements.

Perfect for Metro Detroit and Beyond

Whether you're in:

• Urban areas (Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing)

• Suburbs (Troy, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills, Canton)

• Small towns (across 83 counties)

• Retirement communities (Traverse City, Petoskey, Harbor Springs)

• College towns (Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Kalamazoo)

• The Upper Peninsula

Our template works for all Michigan residents regardless of location.

Avoid the $175+ Probate Filing Fee on Incomplete Estates

Without a valid Will, your family faces:

• $175+ court filing fees

• 9-18 months probate timeline

• Intestate succession rules you may not agree with

• Higher attorney fees for contested estates

• Family conflicts over assets

• Court appointment of administrators you wouldn't have chosen

Invest $14.95 today to save your family thousands in probate costs and months of delays.

Protect Your Michigan Family - Download Template Now - $14.95

Michigan Estate Planning Tips

Update Your Will After Major Life Events

Michigan law automatically adjusts for some changes (like divorce), but you should still update your Will after:

• Marriage or remarriage

• Birth or adoption of children

• Death of beneficiaries or personal representative

• Significant asset changes

• Moving to/from Michigan

• Changes in relationships with beneficiaries

• Business acquisition or sale

Coordinate Beneficiary Designations

Some assets pass outside your Will through beneficiary designations:

• Life insurance policies

• Retirement accounts (401k, IRA)

• Payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts

• Transfer-on-death (TOD) securities

• Michigan Lady Bird Deeds

Ensure beneficiary designations align with your Will to avoid family conflicts.

Consider Michigan's Informal Probate Process

Michigan offers "informal probate" for uncontested estates:

• Faster process (6-12 months vs. 12-18+ months)

• Lower costs

• Less court supervision

• Personal representative has more autonomy

A clear, unambiguous Will makes informal probate possible.

Don't Forget About Michigan Real Estate

If you own Michigan real estate, consider:

• Lady Bird Deed (avoids probate, maintains control)

• Joint tenancy with rights of survivorship

• Tenancy by the entirety (for married couples)

• Land contracts and how they pass at death

Your Will should address real estate or indicate it passes outside probate.

Plan for Blended Families

Michigan's intestate laws may not reflect blended family wishes:

• Stepchildren don't inherit unless legally adopted

• New spouse may inherit instead of children from first marriage

• Children from different relationships may receive different amounts

A Will is ESSENTIAL for blended families to ensure fair distribution.

Legal Disclaimer

These templates are provided by Noble Notary & Legal Document Preparers for general informational use only. We are not attorneys, and no attorney-client relationship is created by your purchase. The forms are not a substitute for legal advice and may not be appropriate for every situation.

Creating a Last Will and Testament involves important legal decisions that affect your family and estate. You are solely responsible for ensuring the forms are lawful and appropriate for your specific circumstances under Michigan law. We strongly recommend consulting with a licensed Michigan estate planning attorney if you have:

• Estates valued over $500,000

• Complex family situations (blended families, children from multiple relationships)

• Special needs beneficiaries requiring supplemental needs trusts

• Business ownership or partnership interests

• Out-of-state property ownership

• Significant tax planning needs

• Anticipated Will contests or family disputes

• Questions about Michigan's spousal elective share or augmented estate

Forms are provided "as-is," without warranties of any kind. By purchasing, you agree that Noble Notary & Legal Document Preparers is not liable for any outcomes resulting from your use of these materials.

This template is designed for Michigan residents subject to Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL). It may not be appropriate for residents of other states.