Mariposa
Signature
Ceremonies

• ✦Michigan residents: Apply at the County Clerk's office in the county where you reside. Valid anywhere in the state.
• ✦Out-of-state: Apply at the County Clerk's office in the Michigan county where the ceremony will take place.

• ✦Valid Photo ID: Driver's license or state ID showing your current address.
• ✦Birth Certificate: Government-issued certified copy. A passport may substitute but you'll still need parents' full names and birthplaces.
• ✦Social Security Number: Physical card not required — just the number.

• ✦Waiting Period: Mandatory 3-day wait. Some counties allow a waiver for an extra fee.
• ✦Expiration: License valid for 33 days — you must marry within that window.
• ✦Fees: Generally $20 for Michigan residents · $30 for out-of-state applicants.

• ✦Officiant: Must be a magistrate, judge, mayor, or ordained member of the clergy — like Jennifer R. Heller of Mariposa Signature! 🦋
• ✦Witnesses: Two witnesses must be present, each at least 18 years of age.

Steps to Take

• 1.Locate Heirs: Spouse inherits first, followed by children, parents, siblings, and so on.
• 2.Initiate Probate: File a petition in the county where the deceased lived.
• 3.Identify Assets: Locate and value all assets owned solely by the deceased.
• 4.Pay Debts & Taxes: Outstanding debts, funeral expenses, and taxes must be paid first.
• 5.Distribute Assets: Remaining property distributed per Michigan intestacy laws.
• 6.Small Estate Exception: Estates worth $53,000 or less (2025/2026) may qualify for a simplified "Transfer by Affidavit" process.

How Assets Are Distributed

• ✦Married, No Children/Parents: Spouse inherits everything.
• ✦Married with Shared Children: Spouse receives first $293,000 plus ½ of remaining estate (2025).
• ✦Married, Children from Another Relationship: Spouse receives first $195,000 plus ½ of remaining estate (2025).
• ✦No Spouse, With Children: Children inherit entire estate equally.
• ✦No Spouse, No Children: Assets go to parents, then siblings, or more distant relatives.
• ✦No Heirs Found: Estate escheats to the State of Michigan.

Important Considerations

• ✦120-Hour Rule: A beneficiary must survive the deceased by at least 120 hours to inherit.
• ✦Non-Probate Assets: Life insurance, retirement accounts, and jointly owned property pass directly — bypassing probate.
• ✦File Promptly: Probate should be opened within three years of the date of death.

• ✦ Michigan Legal Help (MLH): State-approved free resource with a Do-It-Yourself Will tool for a Michigan Statutory Will — free and designed for self-represented individuals.
• ✦ Michigan Legislature Statutory Will Form: A blank statutory will form is available within the "Planning for Your Peace of Mind" publication on the Michigan Legislature website.
• ✦ FreeWill: A free online, self-guided process to create a last will and testament tailored to Michigan laws.
• ✦ Legal Services of Eastern Michigan / Lakeshore Legal Aid: Free in-depth legal services for low-income residents, seniors, and domestic violence victims. Visit LSEM or Lakeshore Legal Aid.

• ✦ eForms Michigan Template: Free Michigan prenuptial agreement template downloadable as PDF or Word document.
• ✦ DocHub Template: Fill out a Michigan prenup template online with financial statements included.
• ✦ DocuSign Template: Free, customizable prenuptial agreement template from DocuSign.
• ⚠️ Important: For a prenup to be valid in Michigan it must be voluntary, fully disclosed, and fair. Using a free template without legal review carries a high risk that a court could invalidate it. Many attorneys offer free consultations.

For qualified individuals — generally income-restricted.

• ✦ Michigan Legal Help: michiganlegalhelp.org — Find free legal information and potential legal aid in your specific area.
• ✦ Counsel & Advocacy Law Line (CALL): Free legal advice for seniors and low-income individuals. Call 1-888-783-8190.

For help with income tax preparation and filing for newly weds or families of the deceased.

For pre-approvals on new homes — a trusted resource for newlyweds starting their next chapter together.

Plan your perfect honeymoon or destination getaway with Annette Martin at Epiphanie Travel Agency LLC.