Michigan § 556.311 - Authority of agent; estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests.

Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 556.311 — Authority of agent; estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 556.311. Authority of agent; estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests.

Sec. 211.

(1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests authorizes the agent to do all of the following:

(a) Accept, receive, receipt for, sell, assign, pledge, or exchange a share in or payment from an estate, trust, or other beneficial interest.

(b) Demand or obtain money or another thing of value to which the principal is, may become, or claims to be, entitled by reason of an estate, trust, or other beneficial interest, by litigation or otherwise.

(c) Exercise for the benefit of the principal a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal.

(d) Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to ascertain the meaning, validity, or effect of a deed, will, declaration of trust, or other instrument or transaction affecting the interest of the principal.

(e) Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to remove, substitute, or surcharge a fiduciary.

(f) Conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything received for an authorized purpose.

(g) Transfer an interest of the principal in real property, stocks and bonds, accounts with financial institutions or securities intermediaries, insurance, annuities, and other property to the trustee of a revocable trust created by the principal as settlor.

(2) As used in this section, "estate, trust, or other beneficial interest" means a trust, probate estate, guardianship, conservatorship, escrow, or custodianship or a fund from which the principal is, may become, or claims to be entitled to a share or payment.

Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 556.311

What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 556.311 cover?

Section 556.311 ("Authority of agent; estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Michigan § 556.311?

A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 556.311" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Michigan law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.

How does Michigan § 556.311 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.