Here’s something empowering about creating a will: it puts you in control of your legacy instead of leaving things to chance. But here’s what’s not empowering: Michigan is still stuck in the paper age when it comes to wills, despite being home to some of the most innovative companies in America.
Without a will, Michigan’s government decides who gets your stuff. And state bureaucrats don’t know that you wanted your lakefront cabin to go to your outdoorsy son, not your daughter who thinks “roughing it” means staying at a hotel without room service.
Creating a will gives you control and protects your family from unnecessary legal complications.
Michigan Will Laws (What You Need to Know)
Michigan’s will requirements come from the Michigan Legislature, Estates and Protected Individuals Code, Section 700.2502. Here’s what matters: Michigan allows online will creation but hasn’t embraced electronic wills yet, so you can use technology to create your will but must print it out and sign with wet ink.
This means Michigan residents have fewer modern options than people in more progressive states.
What This Actually Costs
Here’s the honest money breakdown:
- Traditional attorney route: $200 to $600 for simple estates (can reach thousands for complex ones)
- Online platforms: Around $200–$300 for comprehensive packages
- DIY statutory form approach: Free but very limited customization
- DIY from scratch: Free upfront, risky if you mess up legal requirements
Most people with straightforward situations don’t need expensive attorneys unless they have complicated business structures or family drama requiring special legal handling.
Michigan Will Requirements (The Make-or-Break Rules)
Your will must satisfy these requirements or it becomes worthless paper.
Basic Requirements
- Must be in writing
- You must be 18+ and of sound mind
- You must sign before two witnesses
- Both witnesses must sign in front of you
- Must be printed on paper (no digital-only wills allowed)
Witness Requirements
- Witnesses must be competent adults
- Must be capable of making decisions and reasoning
- Should be disinterested parties (not beneficiaries)
Can You Create Your Own Will? (Yes, But Know Your Options)
Michigan offers several DIY options:
From Scratch
Write your own will completely, but this leaves you vulnerable to legal errors.
Statutory Will Form
Michigan provides a basic form, but it cannot be customized and may not meet your specific needs.
Online Platform
Best of both worlds — customizable and legally compliant.
Important: Michigan’s statutory will form is very limiting and can’t be personalized. If you’re going DIY, use a reliable online platform designed by attorneys who know Michigan’s specific requirements.
Do You Need a Lawyer? (Usually Not)
Michigan doesn’t require attorneys for will creation. You might want one if:
- Your estate includes complex business interests
- You need sophisticated tax planning
- You have contentious family situations
- You want advanced trust structures
For most people with straightforward wishes, online will creation handles everything at a fraction of attorney costs.
Step-by-Step Michigan Will Creation
Here’s the process that actually works:
- Choose a trusted online platform
- Draft your will using guided questions about assets and beneficiaries
- Review and finalize everything
- Print the will on paper (required by Michigan law)
- Sign before two witnesses (or verbally acknowledge your signature)
- Get witness signatures (they must sign in front of you shortly after)
- Add notarization (optional but recommended for self-proving status)
- Store securely both physical copy and digital backup
- Review regularly and update as life changes
Notarization: Not Required But Smart
Michigan doesn’t require notarization, but it’s cheap insurance. Here’s why:
- Without notary: Probate court may need witness testimony
- With notary: Will becomes “self-proving” and moves through probate faster
Michigan Witness Requirements
Your witnesses must be:
- Competent adults
- Present when you sign or acknowledge your signature
- Able to sign in front of you
Important guidance: While beneficiaries can legally be witnesses, it’s discouraged. It can create conflicts or validity challenges.
What Goes in Your Michigan Will
Your will should include:
- Asset inventory – what you own
- Beneficiary list – who inherits
- Specific gifts – to people or organizations
- Executor nomination – who handles your estate
- Guardian selection – for minors or pets
- Property manager – for dependent children
- Final arrangements – burial or cremation wishes
- Personal messages – optional notes to loved ones
Common Michigan Will Mistakes
Legal Requirements
- Creating digital-only will (invalid in Michigan)
- Not printing and signing on paper
- Missing proper witness signatures
Witness Problems
- Using beneficiaries as witnesses
- Witnesses not present during signing
- Witnesses not signing in testator’s presence
Content Issues
- Using limiting statutory form
- Vague or unclear language
- Missing executor or guardian appointments
Storage Problems
- Family can’t locate the will
- No secure backup copies
- Poor organization of legal documents
Why Michigan Is Behind the Times
While progressive states allow fully electronic wills, Michigan still requires:
- Printed, physical copies
- In-person signatures
- Secure paper storage
- No remote witnessing or digital options
The Michigan Disadvantage
Michigan residents miss out on:
- Electronic will recognition
- Remote witnessing
- Digital signature acceptance
- Customizable statutory form options
- Modern estate planning flexibility
Take Action Today
Every day without a will is a day your family’s future is left to Michigan’s default laws.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Even with Michigan’s paper requirements, you can still create your will online and print it out to finalize.
Get Started Now
The key is following Michigan’s exact legal requirements — especially printing and witnessing. Taking 30 minutes now protects your loved ones from legal confusion later.
This information is educational only and not legal advice. Complex situations may require professional legal guidance.