🧭 How to Create a Trust in Michigan (2025 Guide)

If you're a Michigan resident looking to avoid probate, protect your property, and pass on your estate privately — a trust is the most powerful tool you can use.

This guide walks you through how to create a valid trust in Michigan, without paying thousands for an attorney.

🔎 What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal structure that allows you to transfer ownership of your assets into a separate entity — managed by a trustee for the benefit of beneficiaries.

The most common type in Michigan is the Revocable Living Trust, which:

• Skips the probate process (which can be long and expensive in Michigan)

• Keeps your estate private

• Helps in case of incapacity

• Gives you control while you're alive, with a plan for after you're gone

📍 Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Trust in Michigan

Let’s simplify the process:

1. Choose Your Trust Type

Start with:
✅ Revocable Living Trust
You can also include:
☐ Minor’s Trust
☐ Special Needs Trust
☐ Spendthrift Trust
☐ Dynasty/Legacy Trust

✅ TrustGenie includes all these types in one affordable plan.

2. Appoint Key People

☐ Grantor – The person creating the trust (you)
☐ Trustee – Person who manages the trust (can be the same as grantor)
☐ Successor Trustee – Takes over if the trustee dies or is incapacitated
☐ Beneficiaries – People or organizations who will receive your trust assets

3. List the Assets You Want in the Trust

☐ Michigan real estate (home, land, rental property)
☐ Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
☐ Brokerage accounts and retirement funds
☐ Life insurance (optional)
☐ Vehicles
☐ Business interests (LLCs, Corporations, etc.)
☐ Jewelry, art, collectibles

✅ TrustGenie provides a built-in Schedule A and General Assignment form.

4. Sign and Notarize the Trust (Michigan Law)

• Trust must be in writing

• Signed by the grantor

• Notarization is required

• Witnesses are not required by law but can help with bank acceptance

✅ TrustGenie gives step-by-step guidance for legally signing in Michigan.

5. Fund the Trust (The Step Most People Miss)

☐ File a Michigan Quitclaim or Warranty Deed with your local Register of Deeds
☐ Retitle bank and investment accounts to the trust’s name
☐ Use a General Assignment to transfer personal property
☐ Update insurance and retirement beneficiaries (if applicable)
☐ Keep records of each transfer

🚨 If you don’t fund your trust, it will not protect your assets.

⚠️ Common Michigan Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Assuming a will avoids probate (it doesn’t in Michigan)
❌ Failing to transfer your home into the trust
❌ Forgetting to list digital assets or business interests
❌ Not updating your trust after marriage, divorce, or birth
❌ Using generic online templates not tailored to Michigan law

💰 How Much Does It Cost to Create a Trust in Michigan?

Option Average Cost Estate Planning Attorney$2,500 – $6,000 Online Templates$100 – $400 TrustGenie Full Plan$150/year (Michigan-specific guidance included)

🧠 Can You Create a Trust in Michigan Without a Lawyer?

Yes — Michigan allows anyone to create a legally valid trust if:

• It’s in writing

• Signed by the grantor

• Includes clear trustee and beneficiary designations

• Assets are properly transferred

✅ TrustGenie ensures you meet all requirements step-by-step.

📎 Download: Michigan Trust Setup Checklist

Stay organized with our free checklist covering:

• Document signing

• Asset transfer steps

• County deed filing instructions

• Ongoing trust maintenance

📥 [Download the Michigan Checklist Now]

✅ Ready to Start Your Trust?

Build your Michigan trust today — fast, easy, and legally valid.

👉 [Create Your Michigan Trust Now – $150/year Plan]

🔗 Related Posts:

• [How to File a Deed in Michigan to Transfer Property Into a Trust]

• [Avoiding Probate in Michigan: What You Need to Know]

• [Michigan Wills vs. Trusts: What’s Best for Your Family?]

✍️ Written by:

TrustGenie Legal Team
Helping Michigan families protect their legacy — the smart way.