Michigan Probate Form PC 551

Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Forms and requirements change frequently — verify the current version with your local probate court or an attorney.

Last updated: May 30, 2026

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About Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed

Obtain a court order authorizing examination of a safe-deposit box to locate and remove a decedent's will and/or burial deed.

When you'd use it: When an interested party needs court permission to open a safe-deposit box believed to contain the decedent's will or a deed to a burial plot.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed is published as a PDF by the Michigan courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:

Verified official PDF

Download Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed (PDF) →

Source: courts.michigan.gov

Link last checked: May 30, 2026

How to file Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed in Michigan

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed (PC 551) when when an interested party needs court permission to open a safe-deposit box believed to contain the decedent's will or a deed to a burial plot. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — Michigan probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
  2. Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
  3. Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
  4. Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the Michigan county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).

Working through the Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

Get help with this form

Probate in Michigan

See the full Michigan probate guide for filing deadlines, small-estate options, timelines, costs, and county courthouse details.

Read the Michigan probate guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed (PC 551)?
Obtain a court order authorizing examination of a safe-deposit box to locate and remove a decedent's will and/or burial deed. You'd typically use it when when an interested party needs court permission to open a safe-deposit box believed to contain the decedent's will or a deed to a burial plot.
Where do I file Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed in Michigan?
Probate forms are filed with the probate court or county clerk in the Michigan county where the deceased person lived. Our Michigan probate guide can help you find the right courthouse, filing fees, and local requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to complete Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed?
Many people complete probate forms themselves, especially for smaller or uncontested estates. Complex estates may benefit from professional advice. SwiftProbate is an informational tool that helps you understand and organize the process — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Is Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed available online?
Most Michigan probate forms are published as PDFs by the state courts or the county clerk. You can find the official source linked above.

Other Michigan Probate Forms

Inventory (Decedent Estate)PC 577Testimony to Identify HeirsPC 565County Register's StatementPC 568County Register's StatementPC 568

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate forms and requirements vary by state, county, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Always verify the current form and instructions with your local probate court, and consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. SwiftProbate is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.