Overview
Antrim County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 24,536. The Antrim County Probate Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Michigan probate is governed by the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC). The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Form PC 558) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters of Authority for testate estates or Letters of Authority for intestate estates.
Michigan offers simplified procedures for small estates. For decedents dying in 2026, if the estate value is $53,000 or less (adjusted annually for inflation), you may qualify for a small estate assignment (Petition and Order for Assignment). There is also a simplified process for transferring vehicles and watercraft.
Michigan does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives based on a percentage of the estate; fees must be "reasonable" based on services rendered.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Antrim County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Antrim County Probate Court
Probate matters in Antrim County are handled at the Antrim County Courthouse.
Address: 205 E Cayuga St, Bellaire, MI 49615
Phone: 231-533-6681 (Probate Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM)
The Probate Court is presided over by Judge Stacey L. Truesdell. The court handles decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse in downtown Bellaire. The building is accessible to the public during court hours, with security screening at the entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Petition and Order for Assignment: If the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (2026 limit), you may file a simplified petition.
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $27,000 or less (subject to inflation adjustment), assets may be claimed by affidavit after 28 days.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal or informal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (PC 558) with the Antrim County Probate Court. Include:
- Application for Informal Probate (PC 558) or Petition for Formal Probate (PC 559)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee ($187 for informal probate)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
Antrim County accepts filings in person or by mail.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the proceedings to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties using the Notice of Hearing (PC 562) or Notice of Informal Probate (PC 573).
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Antrim County (such as The Antrim Review) if the identity of creditors is unknown.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing on the petition. For informal probate, the register may process the application administratively without a hearing if all paperwork is in order. Upon approval, the court issues Letters of Authority.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish notice to creditors (if not already done) and allow 4 months for claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 91 days of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Notice of Continued Administration if the estate is open longer than a year, or a Sworn Statement to Close Unsupervised Administration to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Antrim County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Methods: Documents may be filed in person or by mail. Check with the court registry for current e-filing availability.
- Inventory Fee: A state-mandated inventory fee (based on the value of the estate) must be paid before the estate can be closed.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in The Antrim Review or Antrim County News.
- Local Forms: The court primarily uses standard Michigan SCAO forms (PC series).
Always check with the probate register for any specific local administrative orders or judge-specific requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Antrim County)
- Probate Petition (Informal or Formal): $187.00 ($175 filing fee + $12 electronic system fee)
- Small Estate Petition (Assignment): $25.00 + Inventory Fee
- Certified copies of Letters: $10.00 for certification + $1.00 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$150 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: Calculated based on estate value (e.g., $188 for a $100k estate)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Checks should be made payable to "Antrim County Probate Court." Credit cards may be accepted via third-party services (fees apply).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal): 5-7 months (minimum 5 months due to creditor period)
- Average estates: 7-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
Creditors have 4 months from the date of publication to file claims, which sets the minimum timeline for closing an estate.
Local Resources
Antrim County Court Resources
- Court Website: antrimcountymi.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- State Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral: lrs.michbar.org
- Legal Services of Northern Michigan: 231-941-0771 — Legal aid for qualifying low-income residents.
Publication
- The Antrim Review: 231-533-8523 — Newspaper of general circulation
- Antrim County News: 231-533-5651