Detailed Answer

Short answer: To show asset transfers under Michigan small‑estate procedures you will generally need: the decedent’s death certificate, a properly completed small‑estate affidavit (or other court paperwork if the estate is opened), documents proving ownership of each asset (bank and investment statements, vehicle titles, deeds, account beneficiary or joint‑owner records), records showing the value at death (statements, appraisals, tax returns), and clear transfer paperwork or receipts showing who received the asset. You should also keep identity documents and a clear chain of title or custody for each transfer.

What “small estate” procedures cover in Michigan

Michigan law provides streamlined ways to collect personal property of a decedent without full probate when the estate qualifies as a “small” estate or when a specific affidavit for collecting personal property is used. The exact forms and thresholds are governed by the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC). Before using a small‑estate procedure, confirm the estate qualifies under Michigan law and the party you are dealing with (bank, broker, motor vehicle office, etc.) will accept the affidavit or limited administration paperwork.

For the statutory framework, see the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC) as enacted by the Michigan Legislature (search for the relevant small‑estate/affidavit provisions in MCL Chapter 700 at https://www.legislature.mi.gov).

Records you will typically need to prove an asset transfer

Gather documentation for each category below. Use clear, legible copies and keep originals if required by the receiving institution.

• Proof of death: Certified death certificate. Most institutions require an original certified death certificate before releasing assets.
• Authority to collect/transfer: The small‑estate affidavit or letters of authority if the probate court opened an estate. The affidavit must be completed according to Michigan requirements and signed under penalty of perjury.
• Proof of identity of the person collecting: Government photo ID and proof of relationship or status as an heir or designated recipient (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, or sworn statements).
• Ownership records for the asset:
  • Bank and credit union statements showing the decedent’s account(s) and balances at date of death.
  • Brokerage and investment account statements and stock certificates (or broker transfer instructions).
  • Vehicle title (Michigan title) or registration and any odometer disclosure—if transferring a car, the Michigan Secretary of State requires title transfer paperwork and signatures.
  • Deeds or title documents for real property. Note: many small‑estate procedures only cover personal property — real estate often requires formal probate or a different process.
  • Life insurance, annuity, and retirement account beneficiary designation forms (payable‑on‑death or named beneficiary documentation).
• Value documentation: Recent account statements, appraisals (for jewelry, artwork, vehicles older than single statements), and the decedent’s most recent tax return can show values as of the date of death.
• Documents showing how title will pass: Bills of sale, assignment forms, transfer letters from banks or brokers, or written receipts signed by the recipient acknowledging receipt and value of the asset.
• Evidence of joint ownership or survivorship: Deeds or account agreements that show joint tenants with rights of survivorship or payable‑on‑death designations. Those documents sometimes let property pass outside of probate without a small‑estate affidavit.
• Creditor/payment records: If the asset had liens or loans (e.g., car loan, mortgage, credit lines), include payoff statements, lien release documents, or creditor correspondence showing the account status and any required payoff or indemnification obligations.
• Communications with institutions: Written confirmations from banks, brokerages, insurance companies, or employers (pension/retirement plan administrators) that they will accept the affidavit and how they will process the transfer.
• Receipts and releases: When you transfer or collect an asset, get a signed receipt or a release form from the entity receiving payment/transfer to avoid later claims.

Typical step‑by‑step approach

1. Identify all assets and applicable beneficiary designations or joint ownership.
2. Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate.
3. Collect ownership and value documents for each asset (statements, titles, deeds, beneficiary forms).
4. Confirm that the estate qualifies for the small‑estate affidavit or other simplified collection procedure under Michigan law; if unsure, contact the local probate court.
5. Complete the required affidavit or court form. Attach copies of the documents above as exhibits where asked and sign under oath per Michigan law.
6. Present the affidavit and supporting documents to the institution that holds the asset (bank, broker, Secretary of State for vehicle titles, etc.). Ask for written confirmation of acceptance and for any institution‑specific required forms.
7. Obtain receipts/releases and keep a full transfer file for future reference and to respond to creditor claims.

Important Michigan‑specific notes and where to check statutes

– Michigan’s Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC) contains the rules that govern small‑estate affidavits and the probate process. Look to the EPIC provisions on collection of personal property and small‑estate procedures to confirm whether your situation fits the statutory test under Michigan law. You can search the Michigan Compiled Laws at the Michigan Legislature site: https://www.legislature.mi.gov.

– Vehicle title transfers are handled by the Michigan Secretary of State; they have their own requirements for title assignment, release of security interest, and application forms: https://www.michigan.gov/sos.

– Many banks and brokerages have internal policies for when they will accept an affidavit versus requiring formal probate. Always get the institution’s instructions in writing.

When you will likely need more than a small‑estate affidavit

• If the estate owns real property that needs transfer (homes, land) — frequently requires probate or a statutory transfer for real estate.
• If the estate assets exceed the statutory small‑estate limit under Michigan law (confirm current limits in EPIC).
• If there are disputes about heirs, a valid will, or competing claims — consider opening probate and/or seeking legal advice.
• If substantial creditor claims exist or if the decedent had complex business interests, trusts, or out‑of‑state assets.

Disclaimer

This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice tailored to your situation, contact a licensed Michigan attorney or the local probate court before signing affidavits or transferring assets.

Helpful Hints

• Obtain several certified copies of the death certificate up front — institutions often require originals or certified copies and you’ll need multiple copies.
• Make a simple inventory spreadsheet listing each asset, owner name on the document, location of the document, approximate value, and what proof you have (statement, title, beneficiary form).
• Ask each financial institution what exact paperwork and signatures they require before you prepare the affidavit; bank policies vary and some will insist on their form of affidavit or a probate court order.
• If the asset has a named beneficiary, beneficiary documentation (and the beneficiary’s ID) often transfers the asset outside probate — collect and keep those forms handy.
• For vehicles, check Michigan Secretary of State guidance early — they require specific title/signature language and possible lien releases.
• Keep originals of deeds and titles when possible; make certified copies only if the institution specifically accepts them.
• When you receive an asset, get a signed receipt and record the transfer (who received the asset, date, description, and dollar value if any).
• If you expect competing heirs or potential creditor claims, consider consulting a probate attorney before making transfers.