Michigan Personal Representative Deed

Michigan Personal Representative Deed Information

In the State of Michigan, the administration and distribution of estates is governed by MCL Chapter 700, known as the estates and protected individuals code.

When a Michigander dies, probate -- the process of settling a decedent's estate, including gathering the decedent's assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what is left of the estate to those entitled to receive it -- takes place in the county in which the decedent was domiciled at the time of death. Michigan Probate Courts oversee probate proceedings. The extent to which the court supervises administration is dependent upon the type of probate opened. Administration of the estate is generally unsupervised, unless the specific situation necessitates otherwise.

All property owned by the decedent individually is subject to probate. Property held with a survivorship interest, beneficiary designation, or in a trust skips probate.

Administration officially begins when the court appoints a personal representative (PR) who will personally settle the decedent's estate. Michigan uses the general term personal representative, though he or she may be either the executor of the decedent's will, or an administrator of an intestate estate. An estate is said to be intestate when the decedent dies without a will.

The court issues letters of authority to the PR, which confirm the personal representative's powers. In Michigan, the PR's powers are quite broad, unless otherwise limited by a decedent's will. Any restrictions on the PR's powers are noted in the letters of authority.

By process of Michigan law, title to a decedent's real property generally passes at the
time of his or her death to any devisees or heirs at law. Pursuant to MCL 700.3910, an instrument or deed of distribution is proof that the distributee has succeeded to the decedent's interest of the estate in the distributed property. See special provisions relating to distribution under the estates and protected individuals code, and contact a lawyer with questions.

In some cases, the PR may be required to sell real property on behalf of the estate (to pay the decedent's debts, for example). A PR does not, in general, need to seek court approval before selling real property, barring restrictions stated on the letters of administration. However, if complications arise, the PR or an interested person (person having a property right in or claim against the estate) may file a petition and an order may be entered by the Probate Court.

To accomplish a sale of the decedent's property, the PR executes a type of fiduciary deed called a personal representative's deed, which transfers title to the grantee. In Michigan, the PR deed typically carries a limited warranty, covenanting that the grantor warrants and defends the title against lawful claims arising from persons claiming by, through, or under the grantor (but none other).

A PR deed includes information about the probated estate, including the decedent's name, county in which probate is open, probate file number, and source of authorization for the conveyance. All requirements of form and content for instruments pertaining to real property must be met. Each PR must sign the deed for a valid transfer.

Consult a lawyer with questions regarding estate administration and personal representative's deeds in Michigan, as each case is unique.

Deeds.com Michigan Personal Representative Deed Forms Have Been Updated as Recently as Tuesday February 28, 2023

4.8 out of 5 (3969 Reviews)

What others like you are saying:

Melissa L. said: Exactly what I was looking for and easy to fill out.

Reply from Staff: Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Mark M. said: Deeds was easy to use and worked as specified; they got the recording I needed done finished in one day!

Reply from Staff: Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Kathy R. said: I was very pleased with the quick turn around on a response to my inquiry. Further guidance was direct and I appreciate the professionalism from deeds.com.

Reply from Staff: Thank you!

Judie G. said: Review: Forms are on point, to the point, and cover the vast majority of situations. Would not suggest if your deal is overly complicated but most situations are not complicated at all.

Reply from Staff: Thank you!

Catherine C. said: This was great. Happy I found you!

Reply from Staff: Thank you!

Jean W. said: helpful if there was a space so one could type in the exemption # on the blank form before printing

Reply from Staff: Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!