To best understand Michigan’s probate courts, it is important to understand all of Michigan’s trial courts. Michigan has three trial courts—circuit, district, and probate.
The circuit court is the trial court with the broadest powers in Michigan. In general, the circuit court handles all civil cases with claims of more than $25,000 and all felony criminal cases (cases where the accused, if found guilty, could be sent to prison). The family division of circuit court handles all cases regarding divorce, paternity, adoptions, and personal protection actions.
The district court is often called the people’s court. More people have contact with the district court than any other court. The district court handles most traffic violations, all civil cases with claims up to $25,000, landlord-tenant matters, most traffic tickets, and all misdemeanor criminal cases (generally, cases where the accused, if found guilty, cannot be sentenced to more than one year in jail). In addition, small claims cases are heard by a division of the district court.
The probate courts handle wills, administers probate estates and trusts, appoints guardians and conservators, and orders treatment for mentally ill and developmentally disabled persons. There are 78 probate courts in Michigan. Michigan’s probate judges are elected for six-year terms.
Probate Courts – What types of files are accepted?
Here are some examples of the types of files that the Michigan statute grants the probate courts exclusive jurisdiction:
- Estate administration, settlement, and distribution.
- Declaration of rights involving estates, devisees, heirs, and fiduciaries.
- Construction of a will
- Determination of heirs
- Settlement of a Trust
- Appoint or remove a trustee
- Review the fees of a trustee
- Require, hear, and settle accounts
- Ascertain beneficiaries
- Determine a question that arises in the administration or distribution of a Trust.
Probate Courts – Where do I file?
There are many rules that govern which county is chosen for the filing of the probate proceeding. As a general rule, the residency (or domicile) of the person that is the nature of the filing dictates the county. For example, if the person was a resident of Monroe County at the time of death, the Monroe County Probate Court is the correct county for the proceedings.
Probate Courts – What do I wear?
It is important to appear at the probate court with the correct attitude and appropriate dress to show that you respect the courtroom and that you are taking the matter seriously. That doesn’t mean that you have to wear a suit and tie. However, there is definitely a difference between a pair of slacks with a button-up shirt compared to flip-flops, spandex and tank tops. You want to present the best image you can to the court. The best way to answer the question is to dress as you would for an employment interview or to attend a religious service.
Probate Courts – Is there Security?
An important consideration before entering each of Michigan’s probate courts is the security requirements. You will be subject to building security before you enter the court and must pass through a metal detector. The specific items that are banned are constantly being tweaked. Remember, typical things like mobile phones and nail files are generally barred.
Probate Courts – What if I need an Interpreter?
If English is not your main language and you cannot understand or speak in English, you may be a person with limited English proficiency (LEP person). You can ask the court to give you an interpreter so you can meaningfully participate in court proceedings. Each probate court in Michigan has a language access plan in place to get you the help you need. If you need an interpreter for the deaf, click here.
Probate Courts – How should I prepare for attendance?
For many, appearing in court can be a intimidating. Here are some ideas on how to make the experience in our probate courts less fearful.
- Arrive on time.
- Be Prepared. Understand why you are going to court. Read the petitions and other any other filings. In advance of the hearing, ask your probate lawyer what to expect, where to sit/stand, and when to talk (if at all).
- Come Emotionally Prepared. Often, the stakes are high. Prepare yourself emotionally to accept a successful or an unsuccessful ruling.
- Discuss the Outcome. Following the hearing, discuss what happened with your lawyer and discuss what the future steps are to accomplish your legal goals.
The following is the contact information for all of Michigan’s probate courts:
Alcona County Probate Court
County Building
106 Fifth Street
Harrisville, MI 48740
(989) 724-9490
Register: Pamela Ashford
Email: pr*********@************mi.com
Alger County Probate Court
Courthouse Complex
101 Court Street
Munising, MI 49862
(906) 387-2080
Register: Stacey E. Masters
Email: st***********@*************se.com
Website: www.algercourthouse.com
Allegan County Probate Court
113 Chestnut St.
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-0250
Register: Linda Hays – (269) 686-4633
Email: lh***@***********ty.org
Website: www.allegancounty.org
Alpena County Probate Court
Alpena County Annex Building
719 W. Chisholm Street, Suite 4
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-9650
Register: Lynn Edmonds
Email: fe*****@**********ty.org
Website: www.alpenacounty.org
Antrim County Probate Court
County Building
205 Cayuga
Bellaire, MI 49615
(231) 533-6681
Register: Patricia A. Theobald (231) 533-3628
Email: th*******@**********ty.org
Website: www.antrimcounty.org/probate.asp
Arenac County Probate Court
120 N. Grove Street
Box 666
Standish, MI 48658
(989) 846-6941
Register: June M. Baker
Email: jb****@*************ov.com
Website: www.arenaccounty.gov.com
Baraga County Probate Court
16 N. Third Street
L’Anse, MI 49946
(906) 524-6390/(906) 524-6100 ext. 115
Register: Evelyn E. Welch
Email: pc****@**.net
Barry County Probate Court
206 W. Courts Street, Suite 302
Hastings, MI 49058
(269) 945-1390
Register: Vicky Alspaugh
Email: va*******@*********ty.org
Website: www.barrycounty.org
Bay County Probate Court
1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 715
Bay City, MI 48708
(989) 895-4205
Register: Cathy M. Odney
Email: od****@*******ty.net
Website: www.baycountycourts.com
Benzie County Probate Court
Government Center
448 Court Place
Beulah, MI 49617
(231) 882-9675
Register: Kimberly Nowak
Email: kn****@******co.net
Website: http://www.benzieco.net/
Berrien County Probate Court
811 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 983-7111 ext. 8365
Register: Deborah Seager – Ext. 8312
Email: ds*****@***********ty.org
Website: www.berriencounty.org
Branch County Probate Court
31 Division Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
(517) 279-4318
Register: Marcia Curtis
Website: http://www.co.branch.mi.us/
Calhoun County Probate Court
Calhoun County Justice Center
161 E. Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49014
(269) 969-6794
Register: Cindy Rude – (269) 969-6762
Email: cc****@***********ty.gov
Website: http://courts.co.calhoun.mi.us/
Cass County Probate Court
60296 M-62, Suite 10
Cassopolis, MI 49031
(269) 445-4452
Register: Donna Dodd – (269) 445-4454 Ext. 2
Email: do****@****co.org
Website: www.casscountymi.org
Charlevoix County Probate Court
301 State Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720
(231) 547-7214
Register: Laura Peck
Email: pe***@**************ty.org
Website: www.charlevoixcounty.org
Cheboygan County Probate Court
870 S. Main Street
P.O. Box 70
Cheboygan, MI 49721
(231) 627-8823
Register: Patricia A. Hansen – (231) 627-8875
Email: re*******@*************ty.net
Website: www.cheboygancounty.net
Chippewa County Probate Court
319 Court Street
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
(906) 635-6314
Register: Susan M. Wilds – (906) 635-6315
Email: sw****@***************mi.gov
Website: www.chippewacountymi.gov
Clare County Probate Court
Clare County Building
P.O. Box 96
Harrison, MI 48625
(989) 539-7109
Register: Josette Given
Email: jg****@*****co.net
Website: www.clareco.net
Clinton County Probate Courts
100 E. State Street, Suite 4300
St. Johns, MI 48879
(989) 224-5190
Register: Theresa Nelson
Email: ne*****@************ty.org
Website: www.clinton-county.org
Crawford County Probate Courts
200 W. Michigan Avenue
Grayling, MI 49738
(989) 344-3237
Register: Christina Ventline
Email: cv*******@*******46.org
Website: www.circuit46.org
Delta County Probate Courts
County Building
310 Ludington Street
Escanaba, MI 49829
(906) 789-5114
Register: Regina F. Howell
Email: De************@***oo.com
Dickinson County Probate Courts
705 S. Stephenson
P.O. Box 609
Iron Mountain, MI 49801
(906) 774-1555
Register: Barb Gerhard
Email: ba**@***************mi.gov
Website: www.dickinsoncountymi.gov
Eaton County Probate Courts
1045 Independence Boulevard
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-4185
Register: Vacant
Deputy Register: Karen O. Harvey / Cheri I. Paton
Website: www.eatoncountycourts.org
Emmet County Probate Courts
200 Division Street
Petoskey, MI 49770
(231) 348-1764
Register: Debbie Niswander
Email: dn********@*********mi.us
Website: www.emmetcounty.org
Genesee County Probate Courts
900 South Saginaw Street, Room 502
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3528
Register: James N. Bauer
Email: jb****@***********mi.us
Website: www.co.genesee.mi.us
Gladwin County Probate Courts
401 W. Cedar Avenue
Gladwin, MI 48624
(989) 426-7451
Register: Kristie J. Simrau
Email: pr*****@*******co.com
Gogebic County Probate Courts
200 N. Moore Street
Bessemer, MI 49911
(906) 667-0421
Register: Wendy Mesich
Email: wm*****@*****ic.org
Website: www.gogebic.org
Grand Traverse County Probate Courts
280 Washington Street, Suite 223
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-6862
Register: Amanda Flowers
Email: pr*****@***********se.org
Website: www.co.grand-traverse.mi.us
Gratiot County Probate Courts
214 E. Center Street
P.O. Box 217
Ithaca, MI 48847
(989) 875-5231
Register: Mary Kay Hunter
Email: pr**********@***********mi.us
Website: www.co.gratiot.mi.us
Hillsdale County Probate Courts
29 N. Howell, Room 4
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 437-4643
Register: Gwen Dunton
Website: www.co.hillsdale.mi.us
Houghton County Probate Courts
401 E. Houghton Avenue, 2nd Floor
Houghton, MI 49931
(906) 482-3120
Register: Tracey Beauchamp
Website: www.houghtoncounty.net
Huron County Probate Courts
250 E. Huron Avenue, Room 206
Bad Axe, MI 48413
(989) 269-9944
Register: Krisie S. Fritz
Email: fr****@*********mi.us
Website: www.co.huron.mi.us
Ingham County Probate Courts
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-6300
Register: George M. Strander
Email: GS*******@****am.org
Website: https://pr.ingham.org
Ionia County Probate Courts
100 Main Street
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-5332
Register: Kim Courtnay – (616) 527-5328
Email: kc*******@*********ty.org
Website: www.ioniacounty.org
Iosco County Probate Courts
422 East Lake Street
P.O. Box 421
Tawas City, MI 48764
(989) 362-3991
Register: Mary Windsor – (989) 984-1037
Email: mw******@*********ty.org
Iron County Probate Courts
2 S. Sixth Street, Suite 10
Crystal Falls, MI 49920
(906) 875-0659
Register: Karen Sue Strahan
Email: ss******@**on.org
Website: www.iron.org
Isabella County Probate Courts
Isabella County Building
300 N. Main Street
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
(989) 772-0911
Register: Laura Plachta – Ext. 276
Email: lp******@************ty.org
Website: www.isabellacounty.org
Jackson County Probate Courts
312 S. Jackson Street
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 788-4290
Register: Bruce W. Crews
Email: KB*******@**************mi.us
Website: www.co.jackson.mi.us
Kalamazoo County Probate Courts
150 E. Crosstown Parkway
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 383-8666
Register: Steven E. Burnham
Email: se****@*******ty.com
Website: http://www.kalcounty.com/courts/probate
Kalkaska County Probate Courts
605 N. Birch Street
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-3330
Register: Lori Garrock
Email: lg******@***********rt.org
Website: www.circuit46.org
Kent County Probate Courts
180 Ottawa Avenue N.W.
Suite 2500
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 632-5440
Register: Susan B. Flakne
Email: su**********@**********mi.gov
Website: www.co.kent.mi.us
Keweenaw County Probate Courts
5095 Fourth Street
Eagle River, MI 49950
(906) 337-1927
Register: Kathy McEvers
Email: ke********@***ty.net
Website: www.keweenawcountyonline.org
Lake County Probate Courts
800 10th Street Ste 300
Baldwin, MI 49304
(231) 745-4614
Register: Jeffrey Nadig
Email: tr**************@********mi.us
Website: www.lakecounty-michigan.com
Lapeer County Probate Courts
255 Clay Street
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 667-0261
Register: David Campbell
Email: dc*******@**********ty.org
Website: http://lapeercountyweb.org/probate_court.htm
Leelanau County Probate Courts
8527 E. Government Center Dr. Ste 203
Suttons Bay, MI 49682-9718
(231) 256-9803
Register: Susan L. Richards
Email: sr*******@************mi.us
Website: www.leelanau.cc
Lenawee County Probate Courts
Rex B. Martin Judicial Building
425 N. Main Street
Adrian, MI 49221
(517) 264-4614
Register: Cheryl Henry
Email: ch**********@********mi.us
Website: www.lenawee.mi.us
Livingston County Probate Courts
204 S. Highlander Way, Suite 2
Howell, MI 48843
(517) 546-3750
Register: James M. Duquet
Email: jd*****@**************mi.us
Website: co.livingston.mi.us
Luce County Probate Courts
County Government Building
407 W. Harrie Street
Newberry, MI 49868
(906) 293-5601
Register: Deborah Strohl
Email: lu*******@**.net
Website: www.lucecountymi.org
Mackinac County Probate Courts
100 S. Marley, Room 15
St. Ignace, MI 49781
(906) 643-7303/ 7319
Register: Geraldine Glenn
Email: pr*****@************ty.net
Website: www.mackinaccounty.net
Macomb County Probate Courts
21850 Dunham Road
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5290
Register: John D. Brennan
Email: Jo***********@*******ov.org
Website: http://www.macombcountymi.gov
Mental Division:
440 N. Rose Street
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5320
Email: De***************@************mi.gov
Manistee County Probate Courts
415 Third Street
Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-3261
Register: Deidre Robison
Email: p5****@************ty.net
Website: www.manisteecountymi.gov
Marquette County Probate Courts
Courthouse Annex
234 W. Baraga Avenue
Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 225-8300
Register: Marcia DeFant – (906) 225-8305
Email: md*****@****ty.org
Website: http://www.co.marquette.mi.us/probate.htm
Mason County Probate Courts
304 E. Ludington Avenue
Ludington, MI 49431
(231) 843-8666
Register: Cathy Hudy
Email: ch***@*********ty.net
Website: http://www.masoncounty.net
Mecosta County Probate Courts
400 Elm Street, Room 109
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 592-0136
Register: Valerie Robbins
Website: www.co.mecosta.mi.us
Menominee County Probate Courts
839 – 10th Avenue
Menominee, MI 49858
(906) 863-2634
Register: Sharon Salfai
Email: Ss*****@*************ty.com
Website: www.menomineecounty.com
Midland County Probate Courts
301 W. Main Street
Midland, MI 48640
(989) 832-6880
Register: Roberta Peless – (989) 832-6883
Email: tp*****@***********mi.us
Website: www.co.midland.mi.us
Missaukee County Probate Courts
111 South Canal
P.O. Box 800
Lake City, MI 49651
(231) 839-2266
Register: Donna L. Beals
Email: pr*****@*******ee.org
Website: www.missaukee.org
Monroe County Probate Courts
106 E. First Street
Monroe, MI 48161
(734) 240-7346
Register: Brenda L. Smith – (734) 240-7351
Email: br**********@******mi.org
Website: www.co.monroe.mi.us
Montcalm County Probate Courts
County Courthouse
625 N. State Street
Stanton, MI 48888
(989) 831-7316
Register: Jennifer Schwandt
Email: js*******@************mi.us
Website: http://www.montcalm.org
Montmorency County Probate Courts
Judicial Annex
P.O. Box 789
12265-M32
Atlanta, MI 49709
(989) 785-8064
Register: Jodi Gordon
Email: jo**@****************te.com
Website: www.montmorencycountymichigan.us
Muskegon County Probate Courts
Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice
990 Terrace Street, 5th Floor
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 724-6241
Register: Craig L. Monette – (231) 724-6224
Email: mo*******@************mi.us
Website: http://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/probatecourt
Newaygo County Probate Court
1092 Newell Street
P.O. Box 885
White Cloud, MI 49349
(231) 689-7270
Register: Amy Beardsley
Website: www.countyofnewaygo.com
Oakland County Probate Courts
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Dept. 457
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0260
Register: Jill Koney Daly
(248) 858-0282
Email: da***@****ov.com
Website: www.oakgov.com/probate
Oceana County Probate Court
100 S. State Street, Suite M-10
Hart, MI 49420
(231) 873-3666
Register: Betty Carter
Email: oc***********@*****il.com
Ogemaw County Probate Court
Ogemaw County Building
806 W. Houghton Avenue, Room 203
West Branch, MI 48661
(989) 345-0145
Register: Tina Casanova
Email: tc*******@*********rt.com
Website: www.ogemawcountymi.gov/probate
Ontonagon County Probate Court
725 Greenland Road
Ontonagon, MI 49953
(906) 884-4117
Register: Lori Seigneurie
Email: on******@******ts.com
Osceola County Probate Court
410 W. Upton
Reed City, MI 49677
(231) 832-6125
Register: Dorianne Hansen
Email: os********@*************et.com
Website: www.osceola-county.org
Oscoda County Probate Courts
Courthouse Annex
P.O. Box 399
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-1107
Register: Cynthia L. Masterson
Email: pr*******@**re.com
Website: www.oscodacountyprobatecourt.com
Otsego County Probate Courts
800 Livingston Boulevard, Suite 1C
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0204
Register: Julie Chudzinski
Email: jc*********@*******46.org
Website: www.circuit46.org
Ottawa County Probate Courts
12120 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460
(616) 786-4110
Register: Penni A. DeWitt
Email: pd*****@**********mi.us
Website: http://www.miottawa.org/CourtsLE/Probate
Presque County Probate Courts
151 E. Huron Avenue PO Box 110
Rogers City, MI 49779
(989) 734-3268
Register: Jennifer Warwick
Email: wa******@******ty.org
Website: www.presqueislecounty.org
Roscommon County Probate Court
500 Lake Street
Roscommon, MI 48653
(989) 275-5221
Register: James Deamud
Email: pr**********@*************ty.net
Website: www.roscommoncounty.net
Saginaw County Probate Court
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5320
Register: Terry Kluck Beagle
Email: tb*****@***********ty.com
Website: www.saginawcounty.com
St. Clair County Probate Court
201 McMorran Boulevard, Room 2700
Port Huron, MI 48060
(810) 985-2066
Register: Kelly Strozescki
Email: ks********@***********ty.org
Website: www.stclaircounty.org
St. Joseph County Probate Court
125 W. Main Street
P.O. Box 190
Centreville, MI 49032
(269) 467-5538
Register: Julie Baker
Email: ba****@**************mi.org
Website: http://www.stjosephcountymi.org/probate/
Sanilac County Probate Court
60 W. Sanilac Avenue, Room 106
Sandusky, MI 48471
(810) 648-3221
Register: Sandra J. Schlaud
Email: ss******@*****er.net
Website: www.sanilaccounty.net
Schoolcraft County Probate Court
Schoolcraft County Courthouse
300 Walnut Street, Room 129
Manistique, MI 49854
(906) 341-3641
Register: Marnie Hoezee
Email: pr*************@***************ty.us
Website: www.schoolcraftcounty.net
Shiawassee County Probate Court
County Courts Building
110 E. Mack Street
Corunna, MI 48817
(989) 743-2211
Register: Amanda Shattuck
Email: as*******@********ee.net
Website: www.shiawassee.net
Tuscola County Probate Court
440 N. State Street
Caro, MI 48723
(989) 672-3850
Register: Jane Diegel
Email: jd*****@***********ty.org
Website: www.tuscolacounty.org
Van Buren County Probate Court
212 Paw Paw Street, Suite 220
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-8225
Register: Barbara A. Dundon
Email: du*****@**co.org
Website: www.vbco.org
Washtenaw County Probate Courts
101 E. Huron Street
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
(734) 222-3072/(734) 222-2903
Register: Molly Shikora
Email: sc******@********aw.org
Website: www.washtenawtrialcourt.org
Wayne County Probate Courts
1305 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
2 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 224-5706
Register: April K. Maycock
Website: www.wcpc.us
Wexford County Probate Court
437 E. Division Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
(231) 779-9510
Register: Brenda Kay Stoll
Email: pr*****@***********ty.org
Website: www.wexfordcounty.org