Overview
Genesee County is located in east-central Michigan and includes the city of Flint, the county seat. The Genesee County Probate Court handles all estate matters under Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), MCL 700.1101 et seq.
Michigan law provides several probate pathways for Genesee County residents: informal probate (application to the Probate Register, no hearing needed), formal probate (petition with court hearing), supervised or unsupervised administration, and small estate procedures for estates valued at $25,000 or less. The court is located on South Saginaw Street in Flint.
Genesee County's Probate Court serves the greater Flint metropolitan area and surrounding communities including Burton, Grand Blanc, Davison, and Fenton.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Genesee County Probate Court or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Genesee County Probate Court
The Genesee County Probate Court is located in the Genesee County Courthouse in downtown Flint.
Address: 900 S. Saginaw Street, Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 257-3612
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The court handles decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health matters. The Probate Register is available for informal probate applications and general filing questions.
Parking and Access
Free and metered parking is available near the courthouse in downtown Flint. The courthouse is accessible via the Flint Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) bus routes. Plan for security screening at the building entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine the Probate Pathway
Select the appropriate filing for your situation:
- Informal Probate: Application to the Probate Register for uncontested estates. No hearing required.
- Formal Probate: Petition to the court for disputed estates or when a hearing is needed.
- Unsupervised Administration: The personal representative manages the estate independently (default).
- Supervised Administration: Court oversight of all estate actions and distributions.
- Small Estate Affidavit: For estates $25,000 or less after liens, available 28 days after death.
Step 2: Prepare and File
Gather required documents:
- Application for Informal Probate (PC 558) or Petition for Probate (PC 556)
- Original will (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $175)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
- Acceptance of Appointment (PC 572)
File at the Genesee County Probate Court in person or through MiFILE where available.
Step 3: Provide Notice
Send Notice of Appointment and Duties to interested persons. Publish Notice to Creditors once per week for three successive weeks in a newspaper circulated in Genesee County. Creditors have four months to present claims.
Step 4: Inventory and Administration
File an Inventory within 91 days. Pay debts, manage assets, file taxes, and prepare for distribution.
Step 5: Close the Estate
File a Sworn Statement (PC 591) for unsupervised administration or Petition for Complete Estate Settlement (PC 592) for supervised cases.
Local Requirements
Genesee County-Specific Procedures
- MiFILE e-filing may be available for certain probate filings. Confirm with the court.
- Publication of Notice to Creditors must appear in a newspaper with general circulation in Genesee County for three successive weeks.
- Inventory due within 91 days of appointment.
- Bond requirements follow EPIC guidelines. Bond is generally waived for unsupervised administration when the will includes a waiver.
- Letters of Authority issued upon appointment.
Family Protections Under EPIC
- Homestead Allowance: Approximately $24,000 for the surviving spouse.
- Family Allowance: Up to approximately $28,000 for the surviving spouse and minor children.
- Exempt Property: Approximately $15,000 in household items and personal effects.
These allowances take priority over creditor claims.
Administration in Genesee County
The default is unsupervised administration. The personal representative has broad authority without needing court approval for individual transactions, unless supervised administration is requested or ordered.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Genesee County)
- Petition/Application for Probate: approximately $175
- Publication of Notice to Creditors: approximately $75-$150 (varies by newspaper)
- Certified copies of Letters of Authority: approximately $10 each
Contact the court at (810) 257-3612 for the current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
Contact the court for accepted payment methods.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (unsupervised, no disputes): 7-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years
The minimum timeline includes three weeks of publication plus four months for creditor claims.
Local Resources
Genesee County Probate Court Resources
- Court Website: 7thcircuitcourt.com/probate
- MiFILE E-Filing: mifile.courts.michigan.gov
- Michigan Probate Forms: courts.michigan.gov/forms
- Michigan Legal Help: michiganlegalhelp.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Legal Services of Eastern Michigan: (810) 234-2621 — serves Genesee County
- Michigan Legal Help: Free self-help resources
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 968-0738
- Genesee County Bar Association: Offers attorney referrals
Publication
Newspapers with general circulation in Genesee County include the Flint Journal and other local publications. Contact the court clerk for guidance on acceptable newspapers.