Michigan probate guide

Probate process in Michigan

Michigan probate runs in the county Probate Court under EPIC. The filing fee to open an estate is $175. Two small-estate tracks exist: transfer by affidavit for estates of $27,000 or less (inflation-adjusted) and the Petition and Order for Assignment for estates of $53,000 or less. Michigan does NOT have a true TOD deed for real estate — the common-law Lady Bird (enhanced life estate) deed is used instead.

Michigan probate at a glance

Court
Probate Court (county)
Typical timeline
26–52 weeks
Filing fee
$150–$175
Small-estate threshold
$27,000
TOD deed allowed?
No
Bond required by default?
No
Statute
Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 700.1101 et seq. (Estates and Protected Individuals Code)

Source: www.courts.michigan.gov. Fees and thresholds change — verify with your county court before filing.

How Michigan probate works, step by step

  1. 1File application or petition for probate in county Probate Court
  2. 2Court issues letters of authority to personal representative
  3. 3Publish notice to creditors; four-month claim period runs
  4. 4File inventory within 91 days and pay the inventory fee
  5. 5File sworn statement to close estate or petition for complete settlement

Probate by county in Michigan

Filing fees, court contacts, and process detail for 3 Michigan counties:

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This page is informational and is not legal advice. Probate procedure varies by county and changes over time. Consult a licensed Michigan probate attorney for advice specific to your situation.