Detailed Answer

This answer explains how a personal representative (executor) in Michigan closes an estate bank account and obtains the required closing statement. It uses a simple hypothetical to show typical steps and points you should know. This is educational information only and not legal advice. For statute-level rules, see the Michigan Estates and Protected Individuals Code (MCL Chapter 700): https://www.legislature.mi.gov/mileg.aspx?page=ChapterIndex&chapter=700. For local probate procedures and forms, check your county probate court and the Michigan Courts website: https://courts.michigan.gov.

Short answer

To close an estate bank account in Michigan you will: (1) identify your authority to act (letters testamentary or letters of authority), (2) collect required documents (death certificate, ID, bank records), (3) reconcile the account and pay valid expenses/creditors, (4) prepare and deliver a final accounting or closing statement to beneficiaries and file it with the probate court if required, and (5) instruct the bank to close the account and provide a bank closing statement or confirmation. Keep careful records and receipts.

Hypothetical example (simple)

Mary is named personal representative for her father, John. John had one estate checking account with $25,000. Mary opens records with the probate court, obtains letters of authority, obtains several certified death certificates, notifies the bank, pays funeral expenses and a small medical bill ($3,200 total), distributes $18,000 equally to two beneficiaries per the will, and closes the account. The bank issues a bank closing statement showing the final balance and date closed. Mary prepares a short closing statement for the beneficiaries summarizing receipts, payments, distributions, and attaches the bank closing statement and receipts. If the estate was informally administered and no court accounting was required, she keeps these records and provides them to beneficiaries. If the probate court requires a formal account, she files that document with the court.

Step-by-step practical process

1. Confirm your role and authority. Only the personal representative named in the will or appointed by the Michigan probate court may conduct estate banking transactions. To prove authority, the bank normally wants certified letters testamentary or letters of authority from the probate court and a certified copy of the death certificate.
2. Gather documents the bank requires. Typically: certified death certificate(s), letters of authority or letters testamentary (issued by the probate court), the bank’s account number, government ID for the personal representative, a copy of the will if relevant, and the bank’s internal forms for closing an estate account. Call the bank first to confirm their process.
3. Reconcile the account and preserve records. Before closing, reconcile deposits, outstanding checks, pending automatic payments, and bank fees. Stop automatic payments or transfer them if appropriate. Keep a running ledger (or use the bank’s statement history) showing all estate receipts and disbursements. Save all receipts and invoices for funeral costs, taxes, and bills.
4. Pay valid creditor claims and expenses. Michigan probate procedures control creditor notice and claim periods. Valid estate expenses and timely creditor claims must be paid before distributions if court rules or informal administration practice requires it. If unsure, consult the probate clerk or attorney about publishing notice to creditors and waiting periods.
5. Prepare the closing statement or final accounting. A closing statement summarizes: cash on hand, all deposits (sources of estate funds), each expense paid (with receipts), creditor payments, distributions to beneficiaries (who received what), and the zeroed-out balance if you distributed remaining funds. The personal representative should sign and date the closing statement. If the estate required formal accounting, use the probate account form the court requires and file it with the court. If administration is informal and beneficiaries agree, the closing statement may be kept among estate records and provided to beneficiaries.
6. Request a bank closing statement/confirmation. Ask the bank in writing (and keep a copy) to close the estate account and to provide a written closing statement or bank confirmation showing the final balance and date of closure. Banks typically issue a final statement and sometimes a short letter confirming the account was closed and giving the final transaction history. This document is important to attach to the estate closing statement.
7. Distribute funds and close the account. After paying expenses and reserves for pending claims, distribute the remaining funds to beneficiaries according to the will or Michigan law. Provide copies of the closing statement and bank closing confirmation to beneficiaries. Then have the bank close the account and deliver the final confirmation to you.
8. File with the probate court if required. If the estate was formally opened and the court requires a final account or discharge, file the account or closing documents with the probate court and follow any notice or hearing requirements. If the court appoints a personal representative and the estate was informal, court filing may not be required unless a beneficiary or creditor requests it.
9. Keep records for tax and future questions. Keep a complete file of bank statements, closing statements, receipts, paid bills, correspondence, and any filed court papers for at least several years and for tax filing purposes.

Documents you should create or obtain

• Certified death certificate(s)
• Letters testamentary or letters of authority from the Michigan probate court
• Bank statements covering the period from decedent’s last reconciliation to date of closing
• Ledger of receipts and disbursements (final account / closing statement)
• Receipts and invoices for funeral, medical, taxes, and estate administration expenses
• Bank’s written closing statement/confirmation showing final balance and date of closure
• Proof of distributions to beneficiaries (checks, bank transfers, receipts)

When a probate court account is required in Michigan

Michigan’s Estates and Protected Individuals Code (MCL Chapter 700) governs probate administration. Some estates require a filed account with the probate court; other smaller or straightforward estates may be handled informally and may not require court filing unless requested by a beneficiary or creditor. If the court supervised the estate (formal administration) the personal representative will typically be required to file an accounting and obtain court approval of distributions. See MCL Chapter 700 for governing rules and consult your local probate clerk for county-specific procedures: MCL Chapter 700.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Not getting certified letters of authority: Banks will usually require court letters before allowing transactions. Contact the probate court early.
• Distributing funds before checking for creditor claims: Ask the probate clerk about notice requirements in your county before final distribution.
• Failing to obtain the bank’s written closing confirmation: Banks sometimes close accounts but do not provide documentation unless asked—get the written confirmation and attach it to your closing statement.
• Poor recordkeeping: Keep originals and copies. Beneficiaries may ask for itemized accounts; courts will expect documentation if filings are required.
• Misunderstanding joint accounts or POD designations: Joint accounts or payable-on-death designations may bypass probate. Consult the bank and the probate clerk to confirm whether funds are estate property or pass outside probate.

Sample short request you can send to the bank

“I am the personal representative for the estate of [Decedent Name]. Attached are certified letters testamentary/letters of authority and a certified copy of the death certificate. Please close account #[account number], send a final statement showing the final balance and date closed, and forward the closing confirmation to my address. If you require additional documentation, please let me know in writing and provide a list of required items.” Keep a copy of everything you send and use tracked mail or secure bank messaging.

When to consult an attorney

Consider consulting a probate attorney if the estate is large or complex, the will is contested, there are creditor disputes, unclear ownership of accounts, tax issues, or if you face questions about whether you must file a formal account in probate court. An attorney can explain court deadlines, draft required court filings, and prepare an accounting that satisfies Michigan rules.

Helpful Links

• Michigan Legislature — Chapter 700 (Estates and Protected Individuals Code)
• Michigan Courts (probate information and forms) — contact your county probate court for local procedures

Disclaimer

This article is educational and informational only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Michigan probate attorney or the probate court in the county where the decedent lived.

Helpful Hints

• Call the bank early to learn its estate-account closing checklist so you gather the right paperwork in one trip.
• Get several certified death certificates — banks and government agencies often require originals.
• Obtain certified letters from the probate court before attempting to close estate accounts.
• Keep an itemized ledger with dates, payee names, amounts, and attached receipts for every transaction.
• Ask the bank to provide a dated written confirmation that shows the account was closed and final balance zero.
• Provide beneficiaries with a clear, signed closing statement showing how you reached their distribution amounts.
• If multiple beneficiaries exist, get written beneficiary acknowledgements when they accept distributions to reduce later disputes.
• If unsure whether the estate requires a filed accounting, contact the probate clerk — county practices vary.