Estate plan requirements
Michigan
Everything you need to create a valid estate plan in Michigan: wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Will
2W
Trust
—
POA
2W
Healthcare Dir.
2W
E-will
Not adopted
Online notary (RON)
Authorized
Since 2018
Remote witnessing (ROW)
Not authorized
Community property
No
Minimum age
18
Will
Witnesses: 2 required
Two witnesses must sign within reasonable time after witnessing testator's signing or acknowledgment
Notarization: Recommended
Not legally required, but recommended for self-proving affidavit
Holographic will: Valid
Handwritten wills without witnesses are recognized in Michigan
Self-proving affidavit: Available
Allows the will to be admitted to probate without witness testimony
Living Trust
Witnesses: None required
No formal execution requirements beyond settlor signature; notarization strongly recommended when funding real property
Notarization: Recommended
Not legally required for the trust document, but needed to transfer real property
State-specific notes
Durable Power of Attorney
Witnesses: 2 required
Michigan requires 2 witnesses for power of attorney execution
Notarization: Not required
Notarization is not required but may be recommended
Alternative to witnesses: Notary acknowledgment
Either two witnesses OR acknowledgment before a notary — Mich. Comp. Laws §700.5501
State-specific notes
Healthcare Directive
Witnesses: 2 required
Michigan requires 2 witnesses for healthcare directive execution
Notarization: Not required
Notarization is not required but may be accepted
State-specific notes
Electronic will status
Michigan has not adopted electronic will legislation. A traditional paper will with physical signatures is required.
Remote online notarization
Michigan authorized remote online notarization (RON) in 2018. You can have your estate planning documents notarized via live video call with an approved notary, without an in-person appointment.
This information is general in nature and not legal advice. Laws change. Consult a licensed estate planning attorney in Michigan for guidance specific to your situation.