Overview
Cass County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 51,550. The Cass 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 or PC 559) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters of Authority for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Michigan offers simplified procedures for small estates. For decedents dying in 2026, if the estate value (less liens and encumbrances) is $53,000 or less, you may qualify for a simplified small estate assignment (Petition and Order for Assignment).
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 performed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Cass 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
Cass County Probate Court
Probate matters in Cass County are handled at the Law and Courts Building. The Honorable Carol Montavon Bealor serves as Probate Judge.
Address: 60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-4452 (Probate Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (building hours). Service window: 8:00 AM to Noon and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
The Probate Court is located in the Law and Courts Building. The court handles estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Law and Courts Building. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entry.
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 annual adjustment), a successor may claim assets via affidavit without court involvement.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate (Form PC 558 or PC 559) with the Cass County Probate Court. Include:
- Completed Petition (PC 558 for Informal or PC 559 for Formal)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee ($175)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
Cass County may require or allow e-filing for certain case types; check with the court clerk for current protocols.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing (for formal probate) or notice of appointment (for informal probate) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Cass County (e.g., Leader Publications) if the identity of creditors is unknown.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters of Authority. For informal probate, the register may issue Letters without a hearing if the application is complete.
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 one year, or a Sworn Statement to Close when finished.
Local Requirements
Cass County-Specific Procedures
- Inventory Fee: Michigan courts charge an inventory fee based on the value of the estate assets. This must be paid before the estate can be closed.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in local papers such as Leader Publications (Dowagiac Daily News, etc.) or The Herald-Palladium.
- Local Forms: The court may have specific checklists or cover sheets. Check the "Filing Reference Guide" on the Cass County courts website.
Always check with the probate register for the most current local rules regarding e-filing and remote hearings.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Cass County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $175 ($150 filing fee + $25 electronic system fee)
- Small Estate Petition: approximately $25 filing fee + inventory fee
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $12 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 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. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal): 5-7 months
- Average estates: 7-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The creditor claim period in Michigan is 4 months from the date of publication, which sets a minimum timeline for closing most estates.
Local Resources
Cass County Court Resources
- Court Website: casscourtsmi.org
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- State Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan: (800) 968-1442 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Aid of Western Michigan: (269) 983-6363 — Legal assistance for low-income residents
Publication
- Leader Publications: (269) 683-2100 — Local legal notices
- The Herald-Palladium: (269) 429-2400 — Regional circulation