The Probate Pro has the great privilege of appearing before probate courts throughout the state of Michigan.  Berrien County Probate Court is one of the most enjoyable courts to practice in. The Berrien County Probate Court has experienced and knowledgeable judges that understand probate law. They are staffed by friendly and experienced personnel.

Fun Facts about Berrien County

The County was named in honor of John M. Berrien of Georgia, an Attorney General in President Andrew Jackson’s cabinet. Berrien County prominently appears in the earliest recordings of history in the Northwest Territory. Father Marquette, French Missionary, entered the St. Joseph River mouth in 1669, and French explorer LaSalle built Fort Miami at the present site of St. Joseph City in 1679. More recently, model Kate Upton was born in this county! Currently, the population is 156,813.

Mission of the Probate Court

The mission of the Berrien County Probate Court is to secure the sound and efficient resolution of matters within an accessible and person-centered venue where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

The Berrien County Probate Court is a court of statutory jurisdiction, primarily concerned with the protection of incapacitated or mentally ill individuals and their assets, and the proper transfer of assets at death.

Maps and Directions

The Berrien County Probate Court is located in the trial court at 811 Port Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Berrien County Probate Court Judges

The Court is staffed by two experienced and knowledgeable judges that understand and excel in probate law.

  • The Honorable Mabel Johnson Mayfield was appointed to the Berrien County Probate Bench by Governor John Engler in January of 2000 and has been subsequently elected to that position. Judge Mayfield currently serves as Presiding Judge of the Family Division for Berrien County. Judge Mayfield received her bachelor’s degree in economics from Purdue University and her J.D. degree from Valparaiso University School of Law.
  • The Honorable Brian S. Berger was appointed to the Berrien County Trial Court by Governor Rick Snyder on November 13, 2015. Judge Berger is currently serving as the Chief Judge Pro-Tem of the Berrien County Trial Court. Judge Berger received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a J.D. from the University of Detroit School of Law.

Hours and Operations

The Probate Court’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. The Berrien County Probate Court is closed during most major holidays.

Security Requirements

An important consideration before entering the Court are the security requirements. You will be subject to building security before you enter the court and must pass through a metal detector. Weapons and cellphones are never permitted in the courthouse. The list of prohibited items seems obvious and include weapons, explosives, cutting instruments of any kind including knives, scissors or anything with a sharp or cutting edge, and chemical or aerosol sprays. They reserve the right to confiscate any item they feel will compromise the security and integrity of courtroom proceedings.

Berrien County Probate Website

For many probate related issues, there is no need to venture all the way to the courthouse. You can do it from the warm, cozy confines of your home. The Court has a wonderful website. The website has tons of valuable information including probate forms that can be downloaded free of charge. Yes, free court approved probate forms!

A probate record or file search can be done online if you have the case number or file name.

Online Resources

Probate Lawyer Near Me for the Berrien County Probate Court

The Probate Pro is grateful to be able to practice law in the Berrien County Probate Court. The Probate Pro is here to help you navigate this journey by focusing on your goals.  If you have any questions concerning any aspect of the law, let me know. My direct line is 248-399-3300 or toll free: 877-YOUR-FIRM.

Let our exceptional legal team help you . . .