This toolkit tells you what you need to know about making a Michigan Statutory Will and why you might want to make one. It also includes a tool you can use to make a will. For general information about wills, read the Articles. Read the Common Questions if you have a specific question. If you want to make a will, use the Forms link to prepare it. Go to Courts & Agencies for information about where you can store a copy of your will if you want.
You'll find links to legal aid offices and lawyer referral services under Find A Lawyer. If there is a Self-Help Center in your area you can get more help there. If you need something other than legal help, look in Community Services. If you need a fee waiver, an interpreter, a court to accommodate your disability, or more information about going to court, visit Going to Court.
Common Questions
A will is a legal document that says who should have your property or care for your children after your death.
If you own any property or have children under 18 years of age, you may want to create a will. In your will, you can choose who will receive your property. You can also choose someone you trust to act as the “personal representative” for your estate. This person will manage the distribution of your property after you die. If you have children under 18, you can name the person you want to be their legal guardian. If you don’t have a will, those decisions will be made for you according to state law.
Not necessarily. Wills can take many forms, and there are several requirements a will has to meet to be considered valid after your death. Estate planning (preparing to transfer your property after your death) can be complicated, and you may want to talk to a lawyer to ensure that your wishes are carried out.
If you intend to leave most of your property to your nearest family and your situation is not complicated, you can prepare a simple and effective will on your own using the Michigan statutory will. You can use our Do-It-Yourself Will tool to prepare your will. If you have a more complicated situation or you decide a statutory will won’t meet your needs, you may want to have a lawyer help you draft a will. If you have a low income and are over 60 years old or have low income and facing a life-threatening emergency, your local legal aid office may be able to help you. Use the Guide to Legal Help to find the office nearest you.