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What Assets Avoid Probate In Michigan?

Last updated on April 15, 2026

While probate serves an important legal purpose, it can also take time and add stress for families. That is why, if you want to make things easier for your loved ones, you must plan your estate. And it all begins with learning about assets that avoid probate in Michigan.

I am attorney Robert Paulbeck, the founder of Robert D. Paulbeck, Attorney at Law. From my office in Trenton, I help my clients from the Downriver area and Southeast Michigan address estate planning concerns step by step. With over 35 years of experience, I can help you understand what assets go through probate in Michigan and those that do not.

What Does It Mean For Assets To Avoid Probate?

Under Michigan law, nonprobate assets, usually jointly owned, with designated beneficiaries or trusts, transfer automatically after the owner’s death. However, probate assets such as solely owned property or assets with no beneficiary require court oversight to transfer.

Many types of property can transfer outside of probate, including:

  • Assets held in trust: A living trust in Michigan allows the successor trustee to distribute assets after the owner’s death.
  • Beneficiary-designated accounts: Accounts such as retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s) and life insurance policies require beneficiary designation in Michigan, and funds are directly transferred.
  • Jointly owned property: Joint ownership with right of survivorship and holding property as tenancy by the entirety for couples also helps avoid probate in Michigan.

Moreover, tools such as transfer-on-death (TOD), payable-on-death (POD) and Lady Bird Deeds can help assets transfer automatically.

Early Planning Matters: Protect Your Assets

Early and good planning to avoid incorrect titling or outdated beneficiary designations is the key to protecting your assets. If you live in Trenton, Taylor, Lincoln Park and the Metro Detroit area, I am an experienced lawyer who can help you plan your estate.

Contact An Experienced Trenton Estate Planning Lawyer Today

With my experience, I will walk you through the steps of Michigan estate planning and probate avoidance. Robert D. Paulbeck, Attorney at Law, serves clients from Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe and Washtenaw counties. Call 734-800-2699 or contact me online for a free consultation.