📍 Michigan Estate Planning Guide
Best Online Will Makers in Michigan 2026
State-specific probate laws, tax rules, and our top-ranked will & trust services for Michigan residents — tested and reviewed.
✍️ Updated June 2026
⚖️ Michigan Law Reviewed
👥 5 Services Compared
Our Top Pick for Michigan
Trust & Will
Why: Comprehensive michigan estate planning with guidance on ladybird deeds and trust options.
Get Started with Trust & Will →
Why Estate Planning Matters in Michigan
Creating a will or living trust is one of the most important financial decisions you can make for your family. Without a valid will, Michigan's intestacy laws — not your wishes — determine who inherits your assets, who raises your children, and how your estate is distributed.
The good news: online will makers have made legal estate planning accessible to every Michigan resident at a fraction of traditional attorney costs ($89–$399 vs. $1,500–$5,000+ for a traditional estate attorney).
⚠️ Michigan-Specific Note: Michigan's Ladybird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed) is a unique tool that allows property to transfer automatically at death without probate, while maintaining Medicaid eligibility — very popular for Michigan homeowners.
Michigan Estate Planning Laws
⚖️ Michigan Key Facts
- Probate System: Michigan Probate Courts handle estate administration. Michigan uses a form of the Uniform Probate Code. Small estates under $15,000 can use simplified procedures; supervised and independent administration are available.
- Estate & Inheritance Tax: Michigan has no state estate tax or inheritance tax.
- Will Signing Requirements: 2 witnesses required; notarization for self-proving status.
- Inheritance Rules: Standard UPC intestate succession; surviving spouse has strong protections.
Probate in Michigan
Michigan Probate Courts handle estate administration. Michigan uses a form of the Uniform Probate Code. Small estates under $15,000 can use simplified procedures; supervised and independent administration are available.
A revocable living trust is the most effective way to avoid probate entirely in Michigan. Assets held in a trust pass directly to beneficiaries outside of court — saving time, legal fees, and the stress of probate proceedings.
Michigan Estate & Inheritance Tax
Michigan has no state estate tax or inheritance tax.
Medicaid Asset Protection in Michigan
Michigan DHHS Medicaid has a 5-year lookback. Michigan allows Ladybird Deeds to protect the home from Medicaid estate recovery.
If you or a family member may need nursing home care in the future, Medicaid planning in Michigan should be part of your estate plan. Speak with a licensed elder law attorney for personalized advice.
Quick Comparison: Best Will Makers for Michigan
Top Will & Trust Services for Michigan Residents
| Service |
Score |
Will Price |
Trust Price |
State-Specific |
Link |
| Editor's Choice Trust & Will |
9.4/10 |
$199 |
$399 |
✓ |
View Deal |
| LegalZoom |
9.1/10 |
$89 |
$279 |
~ |
View Deal |
| Nolo's WillMaker |
8.7/10 |
$99 |
$249 |
~ |
View Deal |
| LawDepot |
8.3/10 |
$49 |
$149 |
~ |
View Deal |
| Fabric by Gerber |
7.8/10 |
Free |
N/A |
~ |
View Deal |
Detailed Reviews: Best Will Services for Michigan
Our team reviewed each service based on Michigan-specific document accuracy, ease of use, price, customer support, and compliance with Michigan's will signing requirements.
★ Editor's Choice
Trust & Will
Best overall — attorney-reviewed, valid in all 50 states
9.4/10
Attorney-reviewed docsAll 50 statesPOA & healthcare directive includedFree updatesCouples plans available
- ✓ Most comprehensive package
- ✓ Excellent UX
- ✓ State-specific guidance built in
- ✓ 400K+ customers
- ✗ Pricier than basic options
- ✗ No attorney consultation included
Get Started with Trust & Will →
LegalZoom
Most trusted brand — 4M+ customers, publicly traded
9.1/10
4M+ customersAttorney-draftedState-specificNASDAQ: LZAttorney access add-on
- ✓ Most recognized brand
- ✓ Strong state-specific docs
- ✓ Attorney network access
- ✓ Long track record
- ✗ Attorney consult costs extra
- ✗ Upsell-heavy interface
Get Started with LegalZoom →
Nolo's WillMaker
Best value — one-time purchase, no subscription
8.7/10
One-time purchaseNo subscriptionTrusted since 1971State-specificSoftware download
- ✓ No recurring fees
- ✓ Nolo's authoritative legal reputation
- ✓ Good for DIY users
- ✓ Comprehensive questionnaire
- ✗ Desktop software feel
- ✗ Less modern UI
- ✗ Limited live support
Get Started with Nolo's WillMaker →
LawDepot
Best for single documents — pay per form
8.3/10
Pay per documentState-specific formsInstant downloadSubscription optionWidely used
- ✓ Lowest per-document cost
- ✓ Flexible — pay only for what you need
- ✓ Fast and simple
- ✗ Less guidance than competitors
- ✗ No attorney review
- ✗ Subscription auto-renews
Get Started with LawDepot →
Fabric by Gerber
Best free option — basic will at no cost
7.8/10
Free willLife insurance integrationMobile-firstGuardianship focusParents-focused
- ✓ Completely free basic will
- ✓ Great for young parents
- ✓ Integrated life insurance quotes
- ✗ No living trust
- ✗ Limited customization
- ✗ Life insurance upsell
Get Started with Fabric by Gerber →
How to Create a Valid Will in Michigan
Creating a legally valid will in Michigan requires following specific formalities. Here's what you need:
- Be of legal age: You must be 18 or older (or legally emancipated) to create a will in Michigan.
- Sound mind: You must be of "sound mind" — understanding what a will is, what you own, and who your heirs are.
- Written document: Michigan requires a written (typed or printed) will. Most states also recognize handwritten (holographic) wills.
- Signature: Sign your will at the end. If you cannot sign, someone may sign in your presence at your direction.
- Witnesses: 2 witnesses required; notarization for self-proving status.
- Safe storage: Store your original will somewhere safe. Tell your executor where to find it. Consider filing it with the Michigan court if your state allows it.
Will vs. Living Trust in Michigan
Both wills and living trusts are valid estate planning tools in Michigan, but they serve different purposes:
Will vs. Trust Comparison
- Will: Takes effect at death; goes through Michigan probate; becomes public record; does not cover incapacity planning
- Living Trust: Avoids Michigan probate entirely; remains private; can manage assets if you become incapacitated; more complex to set up but saves time and costs for beneficiaries
- Best for most Michigan residents: A "pour-over will" combined with a revocable living trust — the will catches any assets not transferred to the trust, while the trust handles the bulk of your estate outside of probate
Frequently Asked Questions: Wills & Trusts in Michigan
What is the best online will maker for Michigan residents?
Trust & Will is our top pick for Michigan residents — it comprehensive Michigan estate planning with guidance on Ladybird Deeds and trust options. Their documents are attorney-reviewed and designed to meet Michigan's specific legal requirements. Starting at $199 for a complete individual plan, it's significantly less than hiring a local estate planning attorney.
Are online wills legal in Michigan?
Yes — online wills are legally valid in Michigan when properly executed. You must follow Michigan's signing requirements: 2 witnesses required; notarization for self-proving status. Reputable online services like Trust & Will and LegalZoom provide state-specific instructions to ensure your will meets all Michigan legal requirements.
How does probate work in Michigan?
Michigan Probate Courts handle estate administration. Michigan uses a form of the Uniform Probate Code. Small estates under $15,000 can use simplified procedures; supervised and independent administration are available. A living trust is the most effective way to avoid the Michigan probate process entirely.
Does Michigan have an estate or inheritance tax?
Michigan has no state estate tax or inheritance tax.
What happens if I die without a will in Michigan?
Standard UPC intestate succession; surviving spouse has strong protections. Dying without a will (intestate) in Michigan means the courts decide who gets your assets, who raises your children, and who manages your estate — which may not match your wishes. Creating even a basic will prevents this.
How does Medicaid planning affect my estate in Michigan?
Michigan DHHS Medicaid has a 5-year lookback. Michigan allows Ladybird Deeds to protect the home from Medicaid estate recovery. Proper planning — including irrevocable trusts, spousal protection strategies, and Medicaid-compliant annuities — can significantly protect your estate from nursing home costs while maintaining eligibility for Michigan Medicaid benefits.
Next Steps for Michigan Residents
Ready to protect your family? Here's what to do:
- Choose a service: Trust & Will is our top recommendation for Michigan residents.
- Gather information: List your assets, beneficiaries, and executor choices before starting.
- Complete your documents: Follow the state-specific instructions for Michigan signing requirements.
- Execute properly: Sign with your witnesses (2 witnesses required; notarization for self-proving status.) and keep the original safe.
- Review periodically: Update your will after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, significant asset changes).
Protect Your Michigan Family Today
Start your will or trust in minutes — Trust & Will is attorney-reviewed and valid in Michigan.
Get Started with Trust & Will →
Disclosure: Law-Trust.com earns a referral fee from some services on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — we only recommend services we've reviewed. See our editorial policy. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Michigan attorney for personalized estate planning guidance.