Bipartisan package makes several important changes
LANSING, Mich., June 7, 2023 — The House Judiciary Committee gave its approval to a four-bill package that updates Michigan law regarding estates, trusts and wills. The bills now go to the House floor.
“End-of-life planning and determining a deceased relative’s wishes are already difficult and incredibly sensitive situations. Michigan law has not kept up with the times, which makes these decisions harder still,” said state Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi), chair of the committee and a bill sponsor. “I’m grateful to the stakeholders who helped craft these bills and to my fellow committee members for voting in favor of them.
The package is composed of four bills:
- House Bill 4416 amends the Estates and Protected Individuals Code to make multiple changes to trusts, guardians and advocates, and asset thresholds regarding wills and estates.
- HB 4417 increases the amount, from $60,000 to $100,000, of the value of a vehicle for which a surviving spouse or heir can request a title transfer outside of probate court.
- HB 4418 increases the amount, from $10,000 to $50,000, of a gift that a minor can receive without the aid of a guardian or trustee not subject to court approval.
- HB 4419 increases the amount, from $100,000 to $300,000, of the value of a watercraft for which a surviving spouse or heir can request a title transfer outside of probate court.