In its simplest form, supervised administration is begun by a formal proceeding and ends with an order of complete estate settlement which approves estate distribution. A supervised personal representative is responsible to the court and the court may direct the personal representative concerning the estate. However, except as otherwise ordered by the Court, a supervised personal representative has the same powers as a personal representative who is not supervised. The one notable exception to this is that a supervised personal representative shall not make a distribution of the estate without prior court order. This would include any partial distributions.
Supervised administration is commenced by filing a petition rather than an application.
Such a petition may be joined with a petition in a formal testacy or formal appointment proceeding. Such a petition may be filed at any time during estate administration. Whether the decedent left a will and its validity. The personal representative's priority and qualifications to serve. A determination of heirs is required as a part of this process by MCL 700.3402.