As an attorney-drafted template specialist with over a decade of experience helping thousands of Americans create valid estate planning documents, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to start writing a will in Michigan. The good news? Michigan law makes it relatively straightforward to create a legally binding last will and testament without spending thousands on attorney fees—provided you follow the state’s specific requirements.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through how to make a will in Michigan step-by-step, explain the exact Michigan last will and testament requirements, and provide a completely free, attorney-reviewed Michigan last will and testament template you can download and customize today.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique complexities. Always consult a licensed Michigan estate planning attorney before finalizing your will.
According to the Michigan Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), MCL 700.1101 et seq., if you die without a valid will (intestate), the state decides who gets your assets—and the results often surprise families. I’ve worked with clients who assumed “everything automatically goes to my spouse” only to learn that under Michigan intestate succession laws, children from previous relationships or even parents can claim a share.
A properly executed simple will in Michigan lets you:
Michigan recognizes several types of wills, but the most common (and the one covered by our free template) is the formal written will under MCL 700.2502. To be valid, your last will and testament in Michigan must meet ALL of these requirements:
| Requirement | Details (MCL Citation) |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be 18 or older |
| Sound Mind | Testator must have testamentary capacity (understand nature of assets, relatives, and act of making a will) |
| In Writing | Typed or handwritten (holographic wills recognized only if entirely in testator’s handwriting – not recommended) |
| Signed | By the testator OR by another person in testator’s conscious presence and at testator’s direction (MCL 700.2502(1)(c)) |
| Witnesses | At least TWO witnesses who are not beneficiaries |
| Witness Signatures | Witnesses must sign within a reasonable time after watching you sign or acknowledge your signature |
Source: Michigan Legislature – MCL 700.2502
Click here to download the 2025 Michigan Last Will and Testament Template (PDF + Word)
Include full legal name, county of residence, and marital status. Michigan is NOT a community property state, so separate and marital property rules apply.
Choose someone trustworthy who lives in Michigan if possible—out-of-state executors may need to post bond.
This is the #1 reason young parents contact me. Without this clause, a judge decides who raises your kids.
You can leave specific gifts (“my wedding ring to my daughter Sarah”) or percentage/residue distributions.
Catches anything not specifically mentioned.
Best practice: Use a self-proving affidavit (included in our template) to speed up probate. Michigan allows this under MCL 700.2504.
Options: safe deposit box (tell executor where the key is), with your attorney, or Michigan’s “will registry” with the probate court.
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Michigan?
No, Michigan allows “do it yourself wills” if you meet the statutory requirements. However, complex estates benefit from professional review.
Is a handwritten will legal in Michigan?
Yes, but only if 100% in your handwriting and signed. I never recommend holographic wills—probate courts scrutinize them heavily.
Does Michigan have inheritance tax?
No state inheritance tax (federal estate tax may apply above $13.61 million in 2025).
Can I disinherit my spouse in Michigan?
No—spouses have elective share rights (usually about 1/3 to 1/2 depending on length of marriage).
Writing a will in Michigan doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Thousands of Michigan residents have used this exact template framework successfully.
Download your free Michigan last will and testament template now and gain peace of mind in less than 30 minutes.
DOWNLOAD FREE MICHIGAN WILL TEMPLATE (2025)
Remember: This free Michigan will template meets current legal requirements as of November 2025, but estate planning laws can change. For complex situations (blended families, business ownership, special needs beneficiaries), schedule a consultation with a Michigan-barred estate planning attorney.
Your family deserves the protection only a valid last will and testament in Michigan can provide. Take the first step today.