Overview
Dickinson County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 25,947. The Dickinson 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 of Authority for testate estates or intestate estates.
Small Estates: For decedents who died in 2026, if the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (adjusted annually for inflation), you may qualify for a simplified small estate procedure.
Fees: Michigan has a statutory inventory fee based on the value of the estate, in addition to the standard filing fee.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Dickinson 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
Dickinson County Probate Court
Probate matters in Dickinson County are handled at the Dickinson County Courthouse.
Address: 705 S. Stephenson Ave., Iron Mountain, MI 49801
Phone: (906) 774-1555 (Probate Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Court is located within the main county courthouse building. The court handles decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available in the parking lot adjacent to the courthouse and on surrounding streets. 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:
- Small Estate Petition: If the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (2026 limit), you may file a Petition and Order for Assignment (Form PC 556).
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $27,000 or less (subject to inflation adjustment), you may be able to transfer 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 and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Form PC 559) with the Dickinson County Probate Court. Include:
- Original Will and Codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (Form PC 565)
- Filing fee ($175)
- Supplemental Personal Representative Information (Form PC 616)
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.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Dickinson County, such as The Daily News, to notify unknown creditors.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing. For informal probate, the Probate Register may process the application administratively without a hearing if all paperwork is in order. Once approved, the court issues Letters of Authority.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow 4 months for claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 91 days
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Notice of Continued Administration if the estate is open longer than one year
- File a Sworn Statement to Close Unsupervised Administration to close the estate
Local Requirements
Dickinson County-Specific Procedures
- Inventory Fee: This fee is calculated based on the value of the estate's assets and must be paid before the estate can be closed.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in The Daily News (Iron Mountain).
- Mediation: The court may refer contested matters to mediation.
- Local Forms: While the court primarily uses statewide SCAO forms, always check with the Probate Register for any specific local cover sheets or checklists.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Dickinson County)
- Petition for Probate: $175.00
- Small Estate Petition: $25.00
- Certified Copies of Letters: $12.00 per certified copy
- Inventory Fee: Varies based on estate value (e.g., ~$188 for a $100k estate)
- Publication costs: Approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee; check with the clerk's office for current policies.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal): 5-7 months
- Average estates: 7-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
Creditors have 4 months to file claims after publication, which sets a minimum timeline for closing the estate.
Local Resources
Dickinson County Court Resources
- Court Website: dickinsoncountymi.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- State Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan: (800) 968-1442 — lrs.michbar.org
- Legal Services of Northern Michigan: (906) 786-2303 — lsnm.org
Publication
- The Daily News: (906) 774-2772 — ironmountaindailynews.com