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After a parent dies · Michigan
Small estates in Michigan: collecting a parent's property without full probate
Michigan's affidavit of decedent's successor requires that more than 28 days have passed since the death. The Michigan affidavit can be used only when the estate includes no real property. In Michigan, the estate's value after liens must not exceed $50,000, an amount adjusted every year.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- Michigan's affidavit of decedent's successor requires that more than 28 days have passed since the death. Michigan Courts, Form PC 598. Checked November 2, 2026
- The Michigan affidavit can be used only when the estate includes no real property. Michigan Courts, Form PC 598. Checked November 2, 2026
- In Michigan, the estate's value after liens must not exceed $50,000, an amount adjusted every year. Michigan Courts, Form PC 598. Checked November 2, 2026
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Will or trust copies
- Death certificates
- Court papers naming the executor
- Accounts and property papers
- Bills and letters to close out
- Family land papers (heirs' property)
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
One page, no email needed.
Coming soon to Google Play.
More for Michigan
- Creditor claim deadlines for an estate in Michigan
- How to order a death certificate in Michigan
- Executor duties and deadlines in Michigan
- How probate works in Michigan after a parent dies
- Executor checklist: papers after a parent dies: the full guide
- Small estates: collecting a parent's property without full probate: all states
Neighbouring states
- Small estates in Indiana: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Ohio: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Wisconsin: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Massachusetts: collecting a parent's property without full probate
Questions
Where do these Michigan facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: Michigan Courts, Form PC 598. We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in Michigan or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for after a parent dies?
A good start: Will or trust copies; Death certificates; Court papers naming the executor; Accounts and property papers; Bills and letters to close out; Family land papers (heirs' property). Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.