State Rep. Doug Wozniak yesterday secured unanimous support in the House Judiciary Committee for two probate reform bills aimed at improving clarity, flexibility, and consistency in Michigan trust law.

House Bills 4408 and 4523 make targeted updates to state law to better guide trustees, beneficiaries, and courts in the administration of trusts, particularly in more complex cases.

“These are practical, technical fixes that help Michigan families and legal professionals navigate the probate process with more clarity and fewer complications,” said Wozniak (R-Shelby Township). “We’re making sure the law keeps up with how trusts are actually used today, while reinforcing important safeguards and the role of the courts.”

HB 4523 updates the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC) to clarify that while trust documents generally govern how a trust is administered, they cannot override certain core powers of the probate court. This includes the authority to appoint an individual to enforce specific types of trusts. The bill also makes additional technical improvements related to trustee duties and beneficiary rights.

HB 4408 amends the Powers of Appointment Act of 1967 to expand and clarify a trustee’s ability to manage and distribute trust assets. The bill ensures trustees can more effectively transfer assets into a second trust under appropriate conditions and clarifies how powers of appointment may be exercised, including when those actions become legally binding.

Attorneys who specialize in probate and estate planning have indicated these updates will help reduce ambiguity when complex trusts are litigated, leading to more predictable outcomes and fewer disputes for families.

Both bills now move to the full House for consideration.