Heir Claims in Michigan: How to Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Relative

Losing a loved one is hard enough without having to sort through complicated paperwork and unknown accounts. In Michigan, unclaimed property laws may help heirs and estates recover forgotten or abandoned assets left behind by a deceased relative, such as old bank accounts, insurance payouts, and stock dividends.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how heirs in Michigan can search for and claim unclaimed assets through official state channels. This site is not a government office, not an application portal, and not affiliated with any agency. Instead, it’s meant to help you understand the usual process so you can take your next steps with the proper Michigan authorities.

Understanding Unclaimed Property in Michigan

What counts as “unclaimed” assets?

In Michigan, unclaimed property typically refers to money or financial assets that a business, financial institution, or agency has been holding for someone who cannot be located. When the owner does not contact the holder for a certain period of time (often called a dormancy period), the property is turned over to the State of Michigan for safekeeping.

Common examples of unclaimed property include:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
• Uncashed checks (payroll, vendor, refund checks)
• Utility or apartment security deposits
• Life insurance benefits and annuities
• Stocks, dividends, mutual funds, or bonds
• Safe deposit box contents (after proper procedures)
• Overpayments to businesses or government entities

The state holds these funds for the rightful owner or their heirs. For a deceased person, that usually means the estate or qualifying heirs can file a claim.

Who Can Claim a Deceased Relative’s Property in Michigan?

Michigan has specific rules about who is allowed to claim unclaimed property on behalf of a deceased person. Generally, one of the following will apply:

1. Personal representative or executor

If the deceased person’s estate is going through probate in Michigan, the personal representative (executor) appointed by the probate court usually has the strongest standing to claim property.

They may be able to file as:

• Personal Representative of the Estate of [Decedent’s Name]
• Executor under a will (if named and accepted by the court)

The personal representative typically must provide proof of appointment, such as Letters of Authority from the probate court.

2. Heirs when there is no probate or it is closed

If the estate is small, never opened, or the probate case is already closed, Michigan may allow direct claims by certain heirs, such as:

• Surviving spouse
• Children or grandchildren
• Parents, siblings, or other next of kin

The state usually follows Michigan’s intestate succession rules (how property passes when there is no will) to decide who is entitled. You may be asked to provide family relationship documentation and possibly an affidavit.

3. Other legal representatives

In some situations, others may qualify:

• Attorney-in-fact or agent (if allowed and properly documented)
• Trustee (if the funds belong to a trust)
• Guardian or conservator (if claiming for a minor or legally incapacitated heir)

If your situation is complicated or involves disputes among family members, many people choose to consult a Michigan probate or estate attorney for advice.

Step-by-Step: How to Search for Unclaimed Property in Michigan

You do not need to hire a third-party service to search for unclaimed property. Many people handle this step on their own.

A typical Michigan process looks like this:

1. Go to the official Michigan unclaimed property website

   • Search for “Michigan Unclaimed Property” along with “state of Michigan” in a search engine.
   • Look for a website ending in “.gov” and identify it as the official Michigan government site.

2. Use the name search tool

   • Enter the deceased relative’s full legal name.
   • Try variations: with and without middle initial, nicknames, maiden names, and former married names if applicable.
   • Use last known city or address in Michigan if the search allows filters.

3. Review the search results

   • You may see multiple entries under the same or similar names.
   • Check for matching addresses, employers, or company names to confirm whether a listing likely belongs to your relative.

4. Select “Claim” or similar

   • For each listing that matches, there is usually a button or link to start a claim.
   • The system may ask if you are the original owner or an heir/personal representative. Choose the option that applies.

5. Create an account or note your claim ID

   • The official site may require you to create a user account or it may simply give you a claim number and instructions to upload or mail documents.

At this stage, you are not applying through HowToGetAssistance.org. You are using the official Michigan government system for unclaimed property.

Documents You May Need to Claim as an Heir in Michigan

To protect against fraud, Michigan generally requires proof that:

1. Your relative is the rightful owner, and
2. You have legal standing to claim on their behalf.

Here are common documents heirs are often asked to provide. Not every case will require all of these, but many claims involve several of them.

Basic identity verification

For you (the person filing the claim):

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement)

Proof that the property belonged to the deceased

You may need:

• Decedent’s full legal name and Social Security Number (last 4 digits)
• Proof of last known address of the deceased (old utility bills, tax forms, bank statements, or official letters)
• Account statements or policies if you have them (bank, insurance, brokerage)
• Any business correspondence linking the deceased to the holder listed in the claim

Proof of death

Almost all heir claims will require:

• Certified death certificate of the deceased person

Proof of your legal authority or relationship

This depends on your role:

• If you are the personal representative (executor):

  • Letters of Authority or other court documents from a Michigan probate court showing you have authority to act for the estate

• If you are an heir and no estate is open:

  • Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, adoption papers)
  • If required, a small estate affidavit or similar document allowed under Michigan law
  • Possibly a family tree or heirship affidavit if there are multiple heirs

• If there is a will:

  • A copy of the will may be requested, although the state typically focuses on court appointments and heirship rules.

Quick Reference: Common Documents for Heir Claims in Michigan

Requirements can vary depending on the details of the claim. When in doubt, contact the Michigan Unclaimed Property office directly for clarification.

How to File an Heir Claim with Michigan’s Unclaimed Property Office

Once you’ve identified unclaimed property that appears to belong to your deceased relative, the next step is to submit a claim through Michigan’s official process.

1. Start your claim online (when available)

Most people:

1. Go to the official Michigan unclaimed property website (look for the “.gov” address).
2. Use the search results page to select each property to claim.
3. Confirm whether you are filing as an heir, personal representative, or other authorized person.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the claim and note your claim number.

2. Submit supporting documents

Michigan usually allows you to:

• Upload scanned or photographed documents securely online, or
• Mail copies to the address indicated on the official instructions.

Be sure that:

• Your documents are clear and readable.
• Names and addresses on your documents match or reasonably connect to what appears in the unclaimed property listing.
• You include any cover sheet or claim form required by the state with your claim number clearly visible.

3. Track your claim

You may be able to:

• Log into your online account on the state’s unclaimed property site to check status, or
• Call the Michigan Unclaimed Property office using the phone number listed on the official site.

Processing times can vary based on:

• How complex your claim is
• Whether probate paperwork is involved
• Whether the state needs extra documents or clarification

What Happens After You Submit an Heir Claim?

Once your claim is submitted and documents are received, the Michigan unclaimed property staff will generally:

1. Review your paperwork

   • Confirm the deceased’s identity matches the property records
   • Confirm your legal authority or relationship
   • Check that documents are complete and properly certified if needed

2. Request additional information if needed

   • You may receive a letter, email, or online notification asking for additional documents or clarifications.
   • Responding promptly can help avoid delays.

3. Approve, partially approve, or deny the claim

   • Approved: The state issues payment (often by check) to the estate or to you in your legal capacity.
   • Partially approved: Some items may be paid while others remain pending or denied.
   • Denied: If the state concludes you are not the rightful claimant or the documentation is insufficient, the claim can be denied.

4. Issue payment

   • Payment is usually made to the estate, to the personal representative, or directly to the heir—depending on how the claim was set up and what the law allows.

The state does not usually pay interest on unclaimed property for the years it was held, but policies can vary by type of asset. If this matters to you, ask the Michigan Unclaimed Property office for clarification.

Common Reasons Heir Claims Get Delayed or Denied in Michigan

Many issues can be avoided with careful preparation. Some reasons claims run into trouble include:

• Missing or incomplete documents

  • No death certificate
  • No proof of authority as personal representative
  • Missing proof of family relationship

• Name mismatches and inconsistencies

  • Spelling errors, nicknames, or changed last names not explained with documentation
  • No supporting paperwork to connect former names to current names

• Conflicting heirs or disputes

  • Multiple family members filing competing claims
  • Disagreements about who should act as personal representative

• Out-of-state probate issues

  • Estate handled in another state without clear authority recognized in Michigan
  • Lack of authenticated court documents if required

• Expired or insufficient Letters of Authority

  • If your Letters of Authority have expired or are limited, the state may ask for updated court orders or additional proof.

If your claim is denied, the denial letter usually explains the reason and may describe what is needed to correct the issue or file again.

If You Need to Appeal or Fix a Problem

Michigan may allow you to:

• Submit additional documents if your claim was denied for incomplete proof
• Re-file the claim with corrected or updated documentation
• Request clarification from the unclaimed property office about what is missing

If you disagree with a decision or your case is particularly complex, many people consider:

• Contacting a Michigan probate or estate attorney for legal advice
• Reaching out to the probate court if the issue relates to authority of the personal representative or disputes among heirs

How formal the appeal or review process is may depend on why the claim was denied and whether additional evidence can be provided.

Special Situations for Michigan Heir Claims

Small estates or no probate opened

If your deceased relative left a small estate and no probate was ever opened, Michigan law sometimes allows use of small estate procedures or affidavits.

In these cases, the state might accept:

• A small estate affidavit authorized under Michigan law
• Documentation proving you are next of kin and there is no active probate case

The exact rules can be technical, so verifying with the Michigan Unclaimed Property office or a Michigan probate attorney can help you understand what’s allowed.

Multiple heirs

If several siblings, children, or other relatives share rights to an estate:

• The state may require signatures or consents from all heirs, or
• The state may prefer working with a court-appointed personal representative to avoid conflicts.

When families cannot agree, the issue sometimes goes to probate court rather than being resolved solely by the unclaimed property office.

Property that belongs to a trust

If the deceased placed assets into a trust, and the trust is named as the owner:

• The trustee (not the individual heirs) usually has authority to claim.
• The state may request trust documents showing:
  • The name of the trust
  • The trustee’s name and powers
  • The connection between the deceased and the trust

Avoiding Scams and Making Sure You’re Using Official Michigan Channels

Unclaimed property can attract scammers who pretend to help you for high fees or try to steal your personal information. Some third-party “finders” may be legitimate, but it’s important to protect yourself.

Here are ways to stay safe:

• ✅ Use official websites

  • Look for the “.gov” domain and clear references to the State of Michigan.
  • If you’re unsure, you can call a publicly listed phone number for the Michigan Department of Treasury or unclaimed property office to verify.

• ✅ Be cautious about fees

  • You do not have to pay a percentage of the claim to search for or file a claim with the state.
  • Some people choose to hire a professional, but this is optional, and you can often handle the process yourself.

• ✅ Protect your personal information

  • Do not share your Social Security Number, bank details, or ID images with any company or person unless you are sure they are legitimate and necessary for the claim.
  • Avoid clicking links in suspicious emails claiming you have “free money” waiting. Instead, search for the Michigan unclaimed property office independently.

• ✅ Verify mailings and offers

  • If you receive a letter claiming you’re owed unclaimed property, you can:
    • Contact the Michigan unclaimed property office directly using a number you look up yourself, not one only on the letter.
    • Search your name on the official state website to confirm if a claim appears there.

If anything feels off, taking a moment to verify the contact information and website can help you avoid fraud.

Alternatives if You Don’t Qualify or There’s No Property Listed

Sometimes, an heir searching for unclaimed property in Michigan will find that:

• No assets are listed under their relative’s name, or
• They do not meet the state’s requirements to claim.

In those cases, you might consider:

• Checking other states

  • If your relative lived, worked, or held accounts in other states, those states may also have unclaimed property databases.
  • Search each state where they had known addresses, jobs, or bank accounts.

• Following up with specific companies

  • Contact former employers, insurance companies, or financial institutions directly if you believe there are still benefits not turned over to the state. They may have their own claim processes.

• Consulting a probate attorney

  • If your difficulty stems from disputes between heirs, unclear estate documents, or questions about authority, a Michigan probate or estate attorney can help explain your options within Michigan law.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process claims or resolve legal disputes, but understanding these common paths may help you identify your next step with official offices or qualified professionals.

By learning how Michigan’s heir claims process for unclaimed assets typically works, you can more confidently gather the right documents, contact the correct state office, and move forward through official Michigan government channels to see whether your deceased relative left behind property that the state is holding for their heirs.