MI estate risk

Complexity triggers in Michigan

Scenarios that increase estate risk, such as blended families or multi-state property.

Michigan gives a surviving spouse an election against the will and provides a homestead allowance that takes priority over most claims.

Which situations create the most risk here?What types of families face higher default exposure?Where do disputes most often arise?

At a glance

Key takeaways

A surviving spouse may elect to take a statutory share rather than accept the will’s terms.
The homestead allowance is payable to the spouse (or minor/dependent children) and has priority over most estate claims.

Questions to consider

State overview

Michigan gives a surviving spouse an election against the will and provides a homestead allowance that takes priority over most claims.

A surviving spouse may elect to take a statutory share rather than accept the will’s terms.
The homestead allowance is payable to the spouse (or minor/dependent children) and has priority over most estate claims.

Sources

Background sources

National sources provide baseline context; state statutes and court rules control in Michigan.

Optional next steps

Educational resources only. No forms and no legal advice.

Context links

Understand death-risk context for Michigan

LifeRiskIQ gives broader mortality context that can help frame when estate planning becomes more urgent.

Understand retirement-risk context for Michigan

RetirementRiskIQ explains how asset growth and longevity can increase estate complexity over time.

Review federal estate tax basics

IRS guidance on federal estate tax thresholds, filings, and definitions.