Intestate Succession in Michigan
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Michigan gives the surviving spouse a significant share, with the remainder passing to descendants in a fixed order.
How Michigan treats Intestate Succession
A surviving spouse receives the first $150,000 of the estate plus one-half of any remainder if children exist; children take the other half. If no children survive, the spouse receives the entire estate. Michigan follows a per stirpes distribution method, meaning if a child predeceases, that child's share passes to their descendants.
The general definition of Intestate Succession
The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.
If someone dies without a will (or with an invalid will), state law determines who inherits their property. Each state has a set order of priority—usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate and follow these statutory rules, even if the deceased person's wishes were different.
Read the full Intestate Succession entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.