Michigan § 700.2203 - Failure to timely elect; exceptions.

If a surviving spouse fails to make an election within the time specified in section 2202, it is conclusively presumed that an intestate decedent's widow elects her intestate share or that a testate decedent's spouse elects to abide by the terms of the will, except in either of the following instances:

If an election is not made and the principal administration is closed, and if after that administration is closed it appears to the court that assets belonging to the estate are discovered and administration is granted, the election may be made out of the newly discovered assets only upon good cause shown at any time before that administration is closed.

Before the estate is closed, upon petition of the spouse and after notice to all interested persons, the court may permit the spouse to make an election to which the spouse was entitled as though the spouse had done so within the time specified in section 2202, if the court considers it proper on account of litigation connected with the estate or the establishment of further claims against the deceased, or for other cause. The court shall limit the time within which the spouse may make an election under this subdivision.