Estate Planning Laws in Michigan.

Michigan's comprehensive probate code governing wills, intestacy, probate administration, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.

A will must be in writing, signed by the testator (or by another at the testator's direction in their conscious presence), and witnessed by 2 individuals who either witness the signing or the testator's acknowledgment.

A will is valid if the signature and material portions are in the testator's handwriting, regardless of witnesses.

Michigan's statutory health-care directive authorizing an advocate to make medical decisions (including life-sustaining treatment) if the patient loses capacity.

Estates with assets under a statutory threshold (adjusted periodically) may be transferred by petition and order without full probate administration.

A surviving spouse may elect against the will and take either the intestate share or half the intestate share minus half of lifetime transfers, depending on circumstances.