State Rep. Graham Filler’s plan to update Michigan’s laws regarding estates, trusts and wills was signed by the governor today.

The bipartisan legislation recognized the need to modernize end-of-life planning laws, which hadn’t been updated in decades and did not reflect the current cost of living.

“The weight of end-of-life decisions is heavy enough without the added complexity of outdated laws,” Filler said. “I’m glad our laws now reflect the realities of modern life.”

Sponsored by Filler and Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi), Public Acts 1-4 of 2024 make multiple changes to trusts, guardians and advocates, and asset thresholds regarding wills and estates, including:

• Increasing the value of a vehicle for which a surviving spouse or heir can request a title transfer outside of probate court.
• Increasing the amount of a gift a minor can receive without the aid of a guardian or trustee not subject to court approval.
• Increases the value of a watercraft for which a surviving spouse or heir can request a title transfer outside of probate court.

Each of the four bills earned unanimous support in the House and Senate before being signed into law.

“I am immensely grateful to Rep. Breen and Gov. Whitmer for their commitment to bipartisanship,” Filler said. “Working together, we were able to modernize state law and align it with the needs of our communities.”

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