Overview
Houghton County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 38,041. The Houghton 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 of Authority for testate estates or intestate estates.
Michigan offers simplified procedures for small estates. For decedents dying in 2026, if the estate value is $50,000 or less (subject to annual adjustment for cost of living), you may qualify for a simplified small estate assignment (Petition and Order for Assignment).
Note that Michigan charges a statutory Inventory Fee based on the value of the estate, which must be paid before the estate can be closed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Houghton 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
Houghton County Probate Court
Probate matters in Houghton County are handled at the Houghton County Courthouse.
Address: 401 E. Houghton Ave, Houghton, MI 49931
Phone: (906) 482-3120
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Court is located on the 2nd floor of the courthouse.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse and along East Houghton Avenue. The building is equipped with security screening at the entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Petition and Order for Assignment (Small Estate): If the estate is valued at $50,000 or less (subject to annual adjustment), you may file a simplified petition to assign assets directly to heirs or those who paid funeral expenses.
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $27,000 or less (subject to annual adjustment), a sworn statement may be used to collect personal property without court involvement.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal or informal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate (PC 559) or Application for Informal Probate (PC 558) with the Houghton County Probate Court. Include:
- Original Will and Codicils (if any)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
- Filing fee ($175 filing fee + $25 electronic filing fee)
- Supplemental Protected Personal Identifying Information (MC 97)
Houghton County utilizes MiFILE for electronic filing.
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.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Houghton County (e.g., The Daily Mining Gazette) one time. Creditors have 4 months from the date of publication to file claims.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters of Authority. Informal probate is typically handled administratively by the probate register without a hearing.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and pay valid claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 91 days of appointment
- Pay the statutory Inventory Fee to the court
- 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 when finished.
Local Requirements
Houghton County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Houghton County uses the state's MiFILE system. Attorneys are generally required to e-file; self-represented litigants may file in person or via mail but are encouraged to use MiFILE.
- Inventory Fee: This fee is calculated based on the total value of the estate's assets. It must be calculated and paid before the estate can be closed.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in The Daily Mining Gazette.
- Local Forms: The court primarily uses standard State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) forms.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Houghton County)
- Petition/Application for Probate: $175.00 (+ $25.00 electronic filing system fee)
- Small Estate Petition (Assignment): $25.00 (+ inventory fee)
- Certified copies of Letters: $10.00 for certification + $1.00 per page
- Inventory Fee: Varies based on estate value (e.g., typically around $188 for a $100k estate)
- Publication costs: approximately $140 depending on the newspaper
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards are accepted for e-filings via MiFILE (subject to processing fees).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal, no disputes): 5-7 months
- Average estates: 7-12 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 timeline for closing most estates.
Local Resources
Houghton County Court Resources
- Court Website: houghtoncounty.net
- 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 — Legal aid for eligible low-income residents
Publication
- The Daily Mining Gazette: (906) 482-1500 — Newspaper of general circulation