Getting the Death Certificate When Selling a House in Probate in Michigan [2025 Guide]
City Lights Summary
- You can’t sell a house in probate in Michigan without a certified death certificate.
- Certified death certificates are required to transfer title, close accounts, and verify ownership.
- Most sellers need 5–10 copies to handle probate and financial steps.
- You can order them online, in person, or by mail through the county or state.
- City Lights Home Buyers helps you through the paperwork for free.
What Is a Death Certificate, And Why It Matters When Selling a Home in Probate?
A death certificate is an official government-issued document that confirms the death, date, place, and cause. It’s not just a formality, it’s required to:
- Initiate probate court proceedings
- Transfer real estate to heirs or sell the property
- Access bank accounts, insurance, and mortgage documents
- File for property tax exemptions or hardship extensions
- Notify lenders, creditors, and utility companies
Pro Tip from City Lights Home Buyers: We help you organize all your probate paperwork and walk you through who to notify and when, no legal jargon, just step-by-step help from people who care.
How to Get a Certified Death Certificate in Michigan
Michigan death certificates can be ordered in-person, online, or by mail. Here’s how:
In Person
Visit your local County Clerk’s office
- Fee: $10 for the first copy, $3 for each additional
- Must provide: ID and decedent’s full name/date of death
Online
Use Michigan’s official website or VitalChek.com
- Includes same fees ($10 + $3 per additional copy)
- Expect 2–4 weeks delivery
- Convenience fees may apply
By Mail
Print and send the Michigan Death Certificate Request Form
- Include a photocopy of your ID
- Mail to the County Clerk’s Office or Vital Records Office
- Include a check or money order
Need help? City Lights Home Buyers has worked with dozens of families across Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo, we can help you file the paperwork or request the death certificate on your behalf.
Can You Sell a Probate Property Without a Death Certificate in Michigan?
No. Even if you have full access to the property or are named in the will, Michigan law requires that a certified death certificate be submitted to the probate court to:
- Validate the petition to appoint a personal representative (PR)
- Initiate the sale of the estate’s real property
- Record the deed transfer through the Register of Deeds
Bonus: At City Lights Home Buyers, we help personal representatives and heirs:
- Order the right number of certified death certificates
- Provide a free CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) to understand your home’s value
- Avoid long wait times or errors by verifying your legal steps are in place
When Should You Order the Death Certificate?
Immediately after the death. You’ll want to request at least 5–10 certified copies to:
- File probate court documents
- Deal with mortgage lenders and property insurers
- Cancel utilities, memberships, or government benefits
- Sell real estate or transfer the deed
📢 We’ve got your back – At City Lights Home Buyers, we’ll even cover the cost of your property photos and help you create a timeline for probate milestones so you can stay on track.
Who Can Order a Death Certificate in Michigan?
In Michigan, only specific individuals can request certified copies:
- Spouse
- Child or parent
- Sibling
- Legal representative of the estate
You’ll need:
- Government-issued ID
- Documentation showing your relationship to the deceased (like a birth certificate or legal document)
Real Talk: What If Someone in the Family Is Making It Hard to Sell the House?
You’re not alone. We’ve helped sellers who:
- Were denied access to the house by a sibling
- Got ignored when asking for legal documents
- Were misled by people with secret resentment or greed
🏆 This is where we come in, Our team will:
- Give you a free timeline and probate checklist
- Help you deal with complicated family dynamics
- Work directly with your probate attorney if needed
- Make a fair cash offer (no agent fees, no repairs)
❤️ “Sometimes it just isn’t fair, and you need someone in your corner.” Ryann Brier, City Lights Home Buyers
Let’s Get This Handled – The City Lights Home Buyers Way
We know this process is hard, emotionally and logistically. That’s why we make it simple:
- Fair cash offers within 24 hours
- Free professional photos and market report
- No cleanout or repairs required
- Probate coordination with your attorney or on your behalf
- Compassionate, local team that’s on your side
Seriously – don’t wait for the house to get worse or relationships to get messier.
Call or text Ryann Brier at (616) 773-2296 or Caleb Reits at (616) 723-8007 for help today.
