In Michigan, the Certificate of Trust is governed primarily by the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), specifically MCL 700.7913.

​This document acts as a “shorthand” version of your trust. It proves to banks or the Register of Deeds that your trust exists and that you have the authority to act, without revealing private details like who gets your money or how much you have.

​Required Elements (MCL 700.7913)

​To be legally valid in Michigan, your Certificate of Trust must include:

  • ​The Trust Name & Date: The exact name of the trust and the date it was signed.
  • ​Trustee Info: The name and address of every currently acting trustee.
  • ​Revocability: A statement on whether the trust is revocable or irrevocable, and who has the power to revoke it.
  • ​Co-Trustee Authority: If there is more than one trustee, you must state whether they can act independently or if they must all sign together.
  • ​Trustee Powers: A description of the powers relevant to the transaction (e.g., the power to sell real estate or open bank accounts).
  • ​Accuracy Statement: A formal statement that the trust has not been revoked or amended in a way that makes the certificate incorrect.

​Michigan Certificate of Trust (Drafting Template)

​Note: In Michigan, this must be in the form of an affidavit. It must be signed in the presence of a notary.

​CERTIFICATE OF TRUST

(Pursuant to MCL 700.7913)

​1. Existence of Trust: The [Name of Trust, e.g., John Doe Revocable Living Trust] was executed on [Date].

2. Settlor(s): The Settlor(s) of the trust is/are [Your Name(s)].

3. Current Trustee(s): The currently acting Trustee(s) is/are:

  • ​[Name], [Address] 4. Revocability: The trust is REVOCABLE. The person(s) holding the power to revoke the trust is/are [Name(s)]. 5. Powers of Trustee: The Trustee(s) has/have the power to [e.g., sell, convey, pledge, mortgage, lease, or otherwise manage real and personal property]. (Optional: Attach “Exhibit A” with a list of powers from the full Trust Agreement). 6. Tax Identification Number: The Tax ID number for the trust is [The Settlor’s SSN OR a separate EIN]. 7. Title to Assets: Assets held by the trust should be titled as: [Name of Trustee], Trustee of the [Name of Trust] dated [Date]. 8. Authority of Co-Trustees: [Select: Any one Trustee may act independently / OR / All Trustees must act jointly]. 9. Reliance: This Certificate is being provided in lieu of the full Trust Agreement. There are no amendments or revocations that negate the representations made herein.

​Signature: __________________________ (Trustee)

Date: _________________

​[Notary Block Required]

​Important Michigan Tips

  • ​Real Estate: If you are using this certificate to transfer property in Michigan, you must include the legal description of the real estate (found on your deed) within the document or as an attachment (MCL 565.432).
  • ​The “Stick” Clause: Michigan law (MCL 700.7913[8]) protects you: if a bank demands to see your entire trust after you’ve provided a valid Certificate, they can be held liable for legal fees and damages if their demand wasn’t legally required.
  • ​Recordation: If you are funding the trust with a house, you will record this Certificate along with the new deed at your local County Register of Deeds.

​Would you like me to help you draft the “Trustee Powers” section or the “Legal Description” format for a specific Michigan property?