Important: Clear Path Document Services is a document preparation and filing-assistance service — not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, attorney representation, or create attorney-client relationships. All documents are prepared based on information you provide for educational and administrative purposes.Read full disclaimer.
- Transparent flat-rate pricing
- Most estate plans drafted in 5–7 business days
- Michigan court-ready formatting
- Step-by-step filing instructions
How Estate Planning Document Preparation Works in Michigan
Wills are admitted to probate in the Probate Court of the county where the decedent lived. Funded living trusts and properly used Lady Bird Deeds typically bypass probate entirely.
Typical filing fees: $150–$1,000+ probate filing/inventory fees if probate is required (none if probate is avoided) (set by the court, not by us)
- • Michigan recognizes the Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed) for transferring real estate at death without probate.
- • Health-care decisions are governed by a Patient Advocate Designation under MCL 700.5506.
- • Witnessing/notarization requirements vary by document — we provide instructions.
- • Trust assets must be 'funded' (retitled) for the trust to bypass probate.
- • Wayne County Probate Court (Detroit).
- • Oakland County Probate Court (Pontiac).
- • Macomb County Probate Court (Mt. Clemens).
- • St. Clair County Probate Court (Port Huron).
Procedures and fees vary by county and may change. We prepare documents based on the information you provide; final filing acceptance is determined by the court.
Plan Today for Peace of Mind Tomorrow
Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy. Everyone deserves to have their wishes documented and their loved ones protected. We make the document preparation process simple and affordable.
- Wills, trusts, and advance directives
- Financial and healthcare powers of attorney
- Clear execution and witness instructions
- Affordable pricing for essential documents
Estate Planning Services
Essential documents to protect your family and ensure your wishes are honored.
Simple Will Preparation
Starting at $225
Basic last will and testament for straightforward estates.
- Last will and testament
- Self-proving affidavit
- Witness requirements guide
- Execution instructions
Powers of Attorney
Starting at $149
Designate someone to handle financial matters on your behalf.
- Durable power of attorney
- Financial powers specification
- Agent designation
- Notarization guide
Healthcare Directives
Starting at $149
Document your healthcare wishes and designate a healthcare agent.
- Medical power of attorney
- Living will
- HIPAA authorization
- Healthcare wishes statement
Living Trust Package
Starting at $699
Comprehensive revocable living trust for estate planning.
- Revocable living trust
- Pour-over will
- Trust funding guide
- Certification of trust
- Amendment procedures
Lady Bird Deed
$350 preparation / $475 coordination
Client-directed enhanced life estate deed preparation for a straightforward Michigan home, with selected-county recording coordination available.
- Attorney-approved standard template
- Recorded-deed legal description
- Signing and recording instructions
- In-office notarization
Living Will / Advance Directive
Quoted after review
Michigan has no living will statute. The document that actually binds here is a patient advocate designation with your written health care wishes built in.
- Patient advocate designation
- Written health care wishes
- Life-sustaining treatment statement
- HIPAA authorization
- Distribution checklist
Transfer on Death Planning
Quoted after review
Michigan has no transfer-on-death deed. Here is what works instead — a Lady Bird deed plus the beneficiary designations that cover your accounts and vehicles.
- Lady Bird deed
- Beneficiary designation worksheet
- Vehicle transfer notes
- Written summary of what still goes through probate
How It Works
Creating your estate planning documents in five straightforward steps.
Initial Consultation
Discuss your estate planning needs and document requirements.
Gather Information
Provide details about assets, beneficiaries, and your wishes.
Document Drafting
We prepare your estate planning documents carefully.
Review & Revise
Review all documents and request any necessary changes.
Execute Documents
Sign with proper witnesses and notarization as required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our estate planning services.
Quick Answer
What estate planning documents do I need in Michigan?
Most Michigan residents benefit from at least four documents: a Last Will & Testament, a Durable Financial Power of Attorney, a Patient Advocate Designation (healthcare POA), and — if you own real estate or want to avoid probate — a Revocable Living Trust or Lady Bird Deed. ClearPath prepares all of these; we do not provide legal advice.
Wills, Trusts & Lady Bird Deeds — By Michigan County
Local information, courthouse details, and filing guidance for your area.