What to do after a death in Michigan

Quick facts

• Good to know: A licensed funeral director must oversee final disposition in Michigan.

• Tip: Michigan has some of the strongest prepaid funeral contract protections in the country.

Getting started in Michigan

• Michigan requires a licensed funeral director to oversee final disposition, including certifying the death certificate.

• The Michigan Board of Mortuary Science regulates funeral homes and handles consumer complaints.

• While a funeral director must be involved, families can still participate meaningfully in caring for their loved one.

Good to know: Take your time making decisions. You can ask the funeral home questions and request an itemized price list before committing to anything.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

• Contact the attending physician or hospice nurse if one was involved.

• For unexpected deaths, call 911. Emergency services will guide you through next steps.

• There’s no rush to move your loved one right away.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will come to pronounce death and begin necessary paperwork.

• Hospice can help coordinate with a funeral home of your choice.

• You can spend time with your loved one before they’re moved.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death. This is required in Michigan.

• The medical examiner may be notified depending on the circumstances.

• Once death is pronounced, contact a funeral home to arrange next steps.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will guide you through immediate paperwork.

• You can spend time with your loved one. There’s no rush to leave.

• The hospital will ask which funeral home to contact. You can take time to decide.

Cremation in Michigan

• Michigan requires a 48-hour waiting period after death before cremation can occur.

• All cremations must be arranged through a licensed funeral director who obtains the required permits.

• Next of kin or the designated agent must sign a cremation authorization form.

• A casket isn’t required for cremation. A basic combustible container is acceptable.

• The funeral home must accept a casket or urn you purchase elsewhere.

Burial in Michigan

• Home burial on private property is allowed in Michigan for properties less than 1 acre outside city limits.

• You must survey the property and file a plat with the county clerk to establish a family burial ground.

• Local zoning approval and a health department permit are required before burial.

• A burial transit permit is required at the place of disposition.

• The family burial ground must be for family members and descendants only.

Paperwork in Michigan

• The death certificate must be filed within 72 hours of death.

• The medical certification portion must be completed within 48 hours by the attending physician.

• Michigan is the only state requiring a funeral director to certify the death certificate.

• Certified copies cost $26 for the first copy, $12 for additional copies ordered at the same time.

• Plan to order 8–10 certified copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters.

Consumer rights in Michigan

• You have the right to an itemized General Price List before making any decisions.

• Funeral homes must accept caskets and urns purchased elsewhere without extra fees.

• Embalming isn’t required by Michigan law.

• Michigan’s Prepaid Funeral Act requires 100% of prepaid funds be held in trust by a third party.

• File complaints with LARA’s Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing bureau at 517-241-7000.