Overview
Hillsdale County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 45,590. The Hillsdale 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) or an Application for Informal Probate (Form PC 558) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters of Authority for testate estates or intestate estates.
Michigan offers simplified procedures for small estates. For decedents dying in 2026, if the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (adjusted annually for inflation), you may be eligible for a simplified small estate assignment.
Michigan does not have statutory attorney fees; fees must be reasonable based on the services performed. Personal representatives are also entitled to reasonable compensation.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Hillsdale 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
Hillsdale County Probate Court
Probate matters in Hillsdale County are handled at the Hillsdale County Courthouse.
Address: 29 N. Howell St., Room 3, Hillsdale, MI 49242
Phone: (517) 437-4643 (Probate Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed for Lunch Noon - 1:00 PM)
The Probate Court is located in Room 3 of the historic county courthouse.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the lot at 29 N. Howell Street and along the streets surrounding the courthouse. The building is accessible to the public during business hours.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Petition and Order: 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 (2026 limit, subject to adjustment), assets may be transferred via affidavit after 28 days.
- 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 (PC 559) or Application for Informal Probate (PC 558) with the Hillsdale County Probate Court. Include:
- Application or Petition (PC 558 or PC 559)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee ($175 plus $25 electronic filing fee)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
Hillsdale County may require e-filing for certain case types; check with the court clerk for current protocols.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing (or 28 days if mailed outside Michigan).
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Hillsdale County (such as the Hillsdale Daily News) if the address of an interested person is unknown.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically a few weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters of Authority.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish a Notice to Creditors (creditors have 4 months to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 91 days
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Notice of Continued Administration if the estate is open longer than one year, or a Sworn Statement to Close Unsupervised Administration when finished
Local Requirements
Hillsdale County-Specific Procedures
- Inventory Fee: Michigan courts charge an inventory fee based on the value of the estate assets. This must be paid before the estate can be closed.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Hillsdale County, such as the Hillsdale Daily News.
- Local Forms: While standard Michigan SCAO forms are used, the court may have specific preferences for how documents are presented.
Always check with the probate register for the most up-to-date local rules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Hillsdale County)
- Petition/Application for Probate: approximately $175 (+ $25 electronic filing fee)
- Small Estate Petition: approximately $25 (+ inventory fee)
- Certified copies of Letters: $10 + $1 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: Calculated based on the value of the estate
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 7-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
Creditors have 4 months from the date of publication to file claims, which sets a minimum duration for most formal estates.
Local Resources
Hillsdale County Court Resources
- Court Website: co.hillsdale.mi.us
- 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 South Central Michigan: (517) 787-1800 — lsscm.org
Publication
- Hillsdale Daily News: (517) 437-7351 — hillsdale.net