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Selling a house in probate in Michigan.
In Michigan, a house left in someone's sole name usually passes through the county probate court, and a personal representative with letters of authority handles the sale. Here is how that process tends to work.
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Probate · Michigan
How it works in Michigan.
Michigan probate is governed by the Estates and Protected Individuals Code, often called EPIC. Each county has a probate court, and an estate can be opened informally before the probate register or formally before a judge. Either way, the court names a personal representative and issues letters of authority, the document title companies and buyers look for before a sale can move forward. Many estates are handled as unsupervised administrations, which keeps court involvement fairly light.
Whether you need a full estate at all depends on what the person owned and how it was titled. Michigan has a small estate assignment process for lower-value estates, and some homes pass outside probate through a trust, joint ownership with survivorship, or a Lady Bird deed. Because every family's situation is different, the probate register, a court self-help center or a Michigan probate attorney can confirm which path fits before you list or talk with buyers.
Michigan specifics
What to know in Michigan.
Each county has a probate court
Michigan estates are opened in a county probate court. An informal proceeding is handled by the probate register, while a formal proceeding goes before a probate judge, who can also admit a copy of a will at a hearing. Your local probate court's website usually explains which forms it expects.
The personal representative holds letters of authority
Michigan calls the person who manages an estate a personal representative, whether or not there is a will. Once appointed, the representative receives letters of authority from the court. That document is what shows a buyer and a title company that the representative can sign for the estate.
Unsupervised administration is the norm
Under MCL 700.3704, a personal representative generally settles and distributes the estate without court orders unless the estate is under supervised administration. Courts treat supervised administration as the exception, and a supervised representative cannot make distributions without a prior court order. An attorney can confirm whether anything in the will or the court's orders limits a sale in your case.
Small estates may use a petition for assignment
For lower-value estates, Michigan offers a petition and order for assignment (form PC 556) that can transfer assets without appointing a personal representative. Kent County's probate court lists the current threshold as $53,000 for deaths on or after January 1, 2026, with an allowance for real estate liens. The separate affidavit of decedent's successor cannot be used when the estate includes real property.
Lady Bird deeds and other non-probate transfers
Many Michigan owners use a Lady Bird (enhanced life estate) deed, a living trust, or joint ownership with survivorship so a home can pass without probate. If one of these was set up, the house may not need to go through the estate at all.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change and every situation is different, so confirm the details for your case with a Michigan attorney or the appropriate office.
Your options
There is more than one path.
Distribute the home to heirs
Instead of selling, the estate can transfer the house to one or more heirs once probate allows. This can work well if someone wants to live in or keep the home. It may require heirs to agree on buyouts or shared ownership.
List with an agent who knows probate
An agent familiar with probate sales can help with pricing, court requirements and marketing to the open market. This is often the clearest way to see what the home is worth. It can take longer, especially if court confirmation or repairs are involved.
Explore offers from investors and professionals
Some executors prefer to hear from buyers who are comfortable with probate timelines and homes sold as-is. Through Doorbloom, you can share the property details and decide whether to talk with independent professionals. Any sale still has to follow the court's rules, and it is worth comparing against a listing.
How it works
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Questions
Questions from Michigan homeowners.
Does Michigan require court approval to sell a house in probate?
In an unsupervised estate, Michigan law generally lets the personal representative act without a court order, so a sale often does not need a judge's sign-off. Supervised estates and wills with special instructions can be different. A probate attorney or the probate register can confirm what applies to your estate.
What are letters of authority in Michigan?
Letters of authority are the document a Michigan probate court issues to a personal representative after appointment. They show third parties, including title companies and buyers, that the representative can act for the estate. You can usually request certified copies from the probate court.
Can a house go through a Michigan small estate process?
The petition and order for assignment can include real estate as long as the estate falls within the current small estate limit, which counts liens on real property in a specific way. The affidavit of decedent's successor does not work if the estate owns real property. The probate court clerk can explain current limits for the date of death.
Does a Lady Bird deed avoid probate in Michigan?
A Lady Bird deed lets an owner keep a life estate and the power to sell during life, with the property passing to the named person at death. When it was properly signed and recorded, the house generally passes without probate. An attorney can review the deed and explain what needs to be recorded after the owner's death.
Is Doorbloom buying my house?
No. Doorbloom is a platform that connects Michigan homeowners with real estate investors and professionals. Any offer comes from them, and nothing is binding until you sign a purchase agreement.
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