Michigan · Probate administration

Michigan Probate Creditor Deadlines and Small-Estate Rules

Michigan creditor claims arising before death are barred, for creditors who received published notice, unless presented within four months after publication. Known creditors served later receive the later of one month after notice or four months after publication. If notice is not published and given, pre-death claims are generally barred three years after death.

3 rules checked against governing sourcesSources checked through Jul 3, 2026Inspect the coverage gate

Answer first, sources attached

Three administration rules to check first

Creditor timing, notice procedure, and simplified-estate eligibility are state-specific. These source-linked rules are a starting point for the administration plan.

Claims deadline

Creditor claim period

Michigan creditor claims arising before death are barred, for creditors who received published notice, unless presented within four months after publication. Known creditors served later receive the later of one month after notice or four months after publication. If notice is not published and given, pre-death claims are generally barred three years after death.

MCL 700.3801, 700.3803.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Procedure threshold

Small-estate procedure

Michigan has two relevant small-estate transfer paths that use the adjusted EPIC amount. For 2026, the amount for MCL 700.3982 and MCL 700.3983 is $53,000. Court assignment of estate uses MCL 700.3982, and sworn-statement transfer under MCL 700.3983 applies after 28 days when the estate includes no real property and the net amount after liens and encumbrances does not exceed the adjusted amount.

MCL 700.3982, 700.3983; Michigan Department of Treasury, Estates and Protected Individuals Code Cost-of-Living Adjustments to Specific Dollar Amounts, Jan. 30, 2026.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Publication and service

Notice to creditors

Upon appointment, a Michigan personal representative publishes a notice to creditors as provided by court rule, notifying estate creditors to present claims within four months after publication. A copy or similar notice must be served personally or by mail on known creditors within the four months after publication, with a 28-day extension from discovery when a creditor first becomes known within 28 days before the end of that four-month period.

MCL 700.3801.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

What changes the answer

The statewide rule is the starting point

  • Date and type of appointmentLetters, qualification, and the form of administration can change the trigger.
  • Known versus unknown creditorsPublication and direct notice may create different duties and deadlines.
  • Property included in the thresholdExempt property, real estate, and nonprobate assets may be treated differently.
  • Local court procedureForms, publication practice, hearing calendars, and closing requirements can be county-specific.

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This page reports source-linked state rules and review dates. It does not calculate a deadline, determine eligibility, select a procedure, value a claim, or apply law to an individual situation. Verify the cited authority, local procedure, and current law before relying on a rule.