Overview
Clinton County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 80,050. The Clinton 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 (PC 559) or Application for Informal Probate (PC 558) 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.
Michigan offers simplified procedures for small estates. For 2026, if the estate value is $53,000 or less, you may qualify for a small estate assignment or transfer by affidavit, which bypasses full probate administration.
Note that Michigan charges an Inventory Fee based on the total value of the estate's assets, which must be paid before the estate can be closed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Clinton 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
Clinton County Probate Court
Probate matters in Clinton County are handled at the Clinton County Courthouse.
Address: 100 E. State Street, Suite 4300, St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5190 (Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Probate Court is located in the county seat of St. Johns. It shares the building with other county offices and courts.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in lots surrounding the courthouse and on nearby streets in downtown St. Johns. Security screening is required upon entering the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Petition: If the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (2026 limit), you may file a Petition and Order for Assignment (PC 556).
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $53,000 or less, personal property may sometimes be transferred via affidavit (PC 598) 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 an Application for Informal Probate (PC 558) or Petition for Probate (PC 559) with the Clinton County Probate Court. Include:
- Completed Application or Petition
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- $175 filing fee
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
Clinton County utilizes MiFILE for electronic filing, which is mandatory for attorneys and available for self-represented litigants.
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 within 14 days.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Clinton County (such as the Clinton County News) to alert unknown creditors.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 3 to 4 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters of Authority. (Informal probate typically does not require a hearing).
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish notice to creditors and allow 4 months for claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 91 days
- 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 open longer than a year, or a Sworn Statement to Close to conclude the estate
Local Requirements
Clinton County-Specific Procedures
- MiFILE E-Filing: Clinton County uses the state's MiFILE system. Attorneys are required to e-file; pro se litigants may choose to e-file or file in person.
- Inventory Fee: An inventory fee must be paid to the probate court. This fee is calculated based on the value of the estate assets.
- Case Management: The court actively monitors deadlines. Failure to file the Inventory or Accountings on time may result in a Notice of Deficiency or suspension of the Personal Representative.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Clinton County, such as the Clinton County News.
Always check with the court clerk for the most current local administrative orders.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Clinton County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $175
- Small Estate Petition: approximately $25 plus inventory fee
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $12 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: Varies based on estate value (e.g., ~$188 for a $100k estate)
Michigan law allows for reasonable attorney fees and personal representative fees, which are typically paid from the estate assets.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (credit cards typically require a convenience fee, especially via MiFILE).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 7-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
The creditor claim period in Michigan is 4 months, which sets the minimum duration for most full probate estates.
Local Resources
Clinton County Court Resources
- Court Website: clinton-county.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 Services of South Central Michigan: (517) 394-3121 — Legal Aid
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: lrs.michbar.org
Publication
- Clinton County News: (989) 224-2361 — General circulation
- Lansing State Journal: (517) 377-1000 — Regional circulation