Michigan Probate Form PC 559

Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative

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

Working through the Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative? 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

About Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative

To initiate probate proceedings and request appointment of a personal representative for a decedent's estate in Michigan probate court.

When you'd use it: File this petition when seeking to open probate for a decedent's estate, whether the decedent died testate or intestate, and to request formal appointment of an executor or administrator.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative 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 for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (PDF) →

Source: courts.michigan.gov

Link last checked: May 30, 2026

How to file Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative in Michigan

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (PC 559) when file this petition when seeking to open probate for a decedent's estate, whether the decedent died testate or intestate, and to request formal appointment of an executor or administrator. 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 for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative 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 for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative 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 for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative? 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 for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (PC 559)?
To initiate probate proceedings and request appointment of a personal representative for a decedent's estate in Michigan probate court. You'd typically use it when file this petition when seeking to open probate for a decedent's estate, whether the decedent died testate or intestate, and to request formal appointment of an executor or administrator.
Where do I file Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative 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 for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative?
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 for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative 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

Need help with Michigan probate?

  • Personalized to your assets, heirs, and jurisdiction
  • Deadlines calculated from your date of death
  • Track progress and store documents in one place
Get step-by-step help

Free — no credit card required

Informational guidance only — not legal advice

Find the other Michigan probate forms you'll need →

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.