Overview
Gogebic County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 14,380. The Gogebic County Probate Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death. The Honorable Anna R. Talaska serves as Probate Court Judge.
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.
Michigan offers simplified procedures for small estates. For decedents dying in 2026, if the estate value is $53,000 or less (adjusted annually for inflation), you may qualify for a small estate assignment (Petition and Order for Assignment). There is also a procedure for transferring vehicles and wearing apparel to a surviving spouse or heirs without full probate.
Note that Michigan charges a probate inventory fee based on the value of the estate assets. This fee must be paid before the estate can be closed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Gogebic 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
Gogebic County Probate Court
Probate matters in Gogebic County are handled at the Gogebic County Courthouse.
Address: 200 N. Moore St., Bessemer, MI 49911
Phone: (906) 667-0421 (Probate Registrar)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM CST
The Probate Court is located within the main county courthouse building. The court handles estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. Marietta Appner serves as Probate Registrar. Note that Gogebic County is in the Central Time Zone, unlike most of Michigan.
Parking and Access
Free street parking is generally available around the courthouse square and on nearby streets in Bessemer. There is also a public parking lot available for courthouse visitors. Security screening may be required 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.
- 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 Gogebic County Probate Court. Include:
- Completed Petition (PC 559)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee ($175)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (Form PC 565)
The court may accept filings by mail or in person. Check with the Probate Registrar for current e-filing availability.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing (or application) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties using Form PC 562 (Notice of Hearing).
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Gogebic County (such as The Daily Globe) if the identity of creditors is unknown.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing. For informal probate (administrative), the Probate Registrar may review and approve the application 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:
- Publish notice to creditors (if not already done) and allow 4 months for claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 91 days.
- Pay the Inventory Fee to the court based on the estate value.
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Notice of Continued Administration if the estate is open longer than a year, or a Sworn Statement to Close when finished.
Local Requirements
Gogebic County-Specific Procedures
- Time Zone: Be aware that court hours and deadlines operate on Central Standard Time (CST).
- Inventory Fee: This fee is calculated based on the value of assets and must be paid before the estate can be closed.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in The Daily Globe (Ironwood).
- Local Forms: While the court uses standard Michigan SCAO forms, always check with the Probate Registrar for any specific local cover sheets or checklists.
The court encourages calling the Probate Registrar at (906) 667-0421 for specific procedural questions regarding filings.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Gogebic County)
- Probate Petition (Commencement of Estate): $175
- Small Estate Petition (Assignment): $25 + Inventory Fee
- Certified copies of Letters: $10 + $1 per page
- Inventory Fee: Sliding scale based on estate value (e.g., ~$100 for a $100k estate; check current schedule).
- Publication costs: Approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper.
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee; confirm with the clerk before visiting.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal): 5-7 months (minimum 5 months due to creditor period).
- 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.
Local Resources
Gogebic County Court Resources
- Court Website: gogebic.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- Michigan Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral: lrs.michbar.org
- Legal Services of Northern Michigan: (906) 786-2303 — Provides legal aid to eligible low-income residents.
Publication
- The Daily Globe: (906) 932-2211 — Newspaper of general circulation for probate notices in Gogebic County.