Advance Directive

Michigan’s Advance Directive form authorizes a healthcare proxy and specifies an individual’s living and last will with detailed instructions on their health treatment and organ donation. Signatures of the individual, proxy, and witnesses are required.

How to Order a Death Certificate

Michigan has no restriction on who can obtain a death certificate. The following information is required to apply:

• Deceased’s name, gender, place and date of birth
• Deceased’s social security number
• Names of deceased’s parents
• Applicant’s name, hen number, and address
• Applicant’s relation to the deceased
• Purpose for request
• Date and place of death

The certificate and one certified copy cost $26. An additional copy costs $12 when ordered at the same time. Expedited orders come with an additional $10 fee.

The application can be handed in person or sent to:

Vital Records Requests

P.O. Box 30721

Lansing, MI 48909

Digital Estate Planning Laws

HB 5034: The Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on October 10, 2015.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Currently, Michigan has no jurisdiction regarding assisted death. Updates on this matter can be found here.

Organ Donation Registry

Michigan’s organ donation registry can be accessed here.

Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST)

Michigan’s POST form can be found here. This form should be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Michigan’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in chapters 701-713: Probate Code.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Michigan has no estate or inheritance tax. Full information can be found here.