Michigan Creditor Notice Requirements
Key statutory requirements under MCL 700.3801
4-Month Claim Period
Under MCL 700.3801, creditors have 4 months from the date of first publication of notice to file claims against the estate. This period begins running immediately upon publication.
Notice to Known Creditors
Personal representatives must provide actual notice to known or reasonably ascertainable creditors within the statutory period. This requires documented diligence in identifying potential claimants.
EPIC "Reasonable Care" Standard
Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code requires personal representatives to exercise "reasonable care" in identifying creditors. Courts increasingly expect digital search documentation.
Statutory Reference: MCL 700.3801 (Notice to Creditors), MCL 700.3803 (Claims Procedure)
Why Michigan Estate Attorneys Choose ObituaryMonitor
4-Month Deadline Tracking
Our automated monitoring ensures you catch death notices immediately, maximizing the time available within the 4-month creditor claim window.
EPIC-Compliant Audit Logs
Court-ready documentation that satisfies Michigan's "reasonable care" standard with timestamps, source citations, and unique report identifiers.
Statewide Coverage
From Detroit to Grand Rapids to the Upper Peninsula, our 2,500+ source network covers all 83 Michigan counties and major metro areas.
Michigan County Coverage
Michigan Probate FAQ
What is the Michigan creditor claim period?
Under MCL 700.3803, creditors have 4 months from the date of publication of notice to present claims. Known creditors who receive actual notice have the later of 4 months from publication or 28 days from notice to file claims.
What are Michigan informal proceedings?
Michigan offers informal probate proceedings (MCL 700.3301) where the court approves applications without a hearing. This is used for uncontested estates and allows faster administration. Formal proceedings require noticed hearings before a judge.
What is the Michigan small estate threshold?
Michigan allows a simplified process for estates with assets valued at $25,000 or less (after deducting funeral/burial costs and liens). This uses a small estate affidavit filed 28 days after death without opening formal probate.
What is supervised vs. unsupervised administration in Michigan?
Unsupervised administration (default in Michigan) allows the personal representative to act independently. Supervised administration requires court approval for distributions and is used when there are concerns about mismanagement or disputes among beneficiaries.
Are digital obituary sources considered in Michigan's 'reasonably diligent search' for creditors?
ObituaryMonitor offers full bidirectional compatibility with Clio, MyCase, PracticePanther, and Rocket Matter. Not only can you auto-detect matter formats during import, but you can also export enriched death-audit data in native formats to sync directly back to your Practice Management System, ensuring your CRM remains the single source of truth for Michigan statutory compliance.
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Disclaimer: The statutory information provided above is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Michigan probate requirements may vary by county and are subject to change. Always consult with a licensed Michigan attorney for specific legal guidance regarding MCL 700.3801 compliance and estate administration.