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:
  (a) 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.

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Terms Used In Michigan Laws 700.2203

  • Assets: (1) The property comprising the estate of a deceased person, or (2) the property in a trust account.
  • Court: means the probate court or, when applicable, the family division of circuit court. See Michigan Laws 700.1103
  • Decedent: A deceased person.
  • Estate: includes the property of the decedent, trust, or other person whose affairs are subject to this act as the property is originally constituted and as it exists throughout administration. See Michigan Laws 700.1104
  • Intestate: Dying without leaving a will.
  • Litigation: A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.
  • Petition: means a written request to the court for an order after notice. See Michigan Laws 700.1106
  • Testate: To die leaving a will.
  (b) 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.