Overview
Chippewa County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 36,000. The Chippewa 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 559) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
For decedents dying in 2026, estates valued at $53,000 or less may qualify for a simplified "Petition and Order for Assignment" (Small Estate) procedure.
Michigan charges an Inventory Fee (often called a "gross estate fee") based on the value of the estate's assets. This fee must be paid before the estate can be closed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Chippewa 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
Chippewa County Probate Court
Probate matters in Chippewa County are handled at the Chippewa County Courthouse.
Address: 319 Court Street, Garden Level (Basement), Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Phone: (906) 635-6314 (Probate Register)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Court is located in the historic Chippewa County Courthouse in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. The court handles decedent estates, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available on the streets surrounding the courthouse and in nearby municipal lots. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Petition and Order for Assignment (Small Estate): If the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (2026 limit), you may file Form PC 556 to assign assets directly to heirs or those who paid funeral expenses.
- Transfer by Affidavit: For very small estates (personal property only) under the statutory threshold (approx. $27,000 adjusted for inflation), a successor may claim assets via sworn affidavit.
- 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 559) with the Chippewa County Probate Court. Include:
- Completed Petition (Form PC 559)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- $175 filing fee
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (Form PC 565)
Chippewa County may accept filings by mail or in person. Check with the Probate Register regarding e-filing availability.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing (if formal) or notice of appointment (if informal) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 14 days.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Chippewa County (such as The Evening News) one time.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
If filing a formal petition, the court will schedule a hearing, typically 3 to 4 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters of Authority. (For informal probate, the Registrar may issue Letters without a hearing if all paperwork is in order).
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish Notice to Creditors (Form PC 574) and allow 4 months for claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 91 days
- Pay the Inventory Fee to the court
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Notice of Continued Administration (if open >1 year) or a Sworn Statement to Close
Local Requirements
Chippewa County-Specific Procedures
- Inventory Fee: Michigan law requires an inventory fee based on the estate's value. This must be calculated and paid to the probate court.
- Testimony to Identify Heirs: A specific form (PC 565) must be filed to establish the legal heirs of the decedent.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Chippewa County, such as The Evening News.
- Judge: Matters are typically heard by the Hon. Eric G. Blubaugh.
Always check with the Probate Register for the most current local court rules and filing requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Chippewa County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $175
- Electronic Filing System Fee: approximately $25 (if applicable)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $12 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$150 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: Varies based on the value of the estate (statutory schedule)
Michigan does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "reasonable" based on services rendered.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee; verify with the clerk.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal, no disputes): 7-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Creditors have 4 months from the date of publication to file claims, which sets a minimum duration for the process.
Local Resources
Chippewa County Court Resources
- Court Website: chippewacountymi.gov
- 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 Services of Northern Michigan: (906) 632-3361 — Legal Aid
- Chippewa County Bar Association: Contact local court for roster
Publication
- The Evening News: (906) 632-2235 — Sault Ste. Marie
- Detroit Legal News: (313) 412-6500 — Statewide notices