Overview
Ingham County is located in central Michigan and includes Lansing, the state capital, as well as East Lansing, home to Michigan State University. The Ingham County Probate Court handles estate administration and related matters under Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), MCL 700.1101 et seq.
Michigan law provides several probate pathways for Ingham County residents: informal probate (application to the Probate Register, no hearing), formal probate (petition with court hearing), supervised or unsupervised administration, and small estate procedures for estates valued at $25,000 or less after liens and encumbrances. The court is located on West Kalamazoo Street in Lansing.
As the county containing the state capital, Ingham County residents may find it convenient that many state-level probate resources, including the Michigan State Court Administrative Office and the State Bar of Michigan, are also based in Lansing.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Ingham County Probate Court or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Ingham County Probate Court
The Ingham County Probate Court is located in the Veterans Memorial Courthouse in downtown Lansing.
Address: 313 W. Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 483-6300
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The court handles decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health matters. The Probate Register processes informal probate applications and assists with filing questions.
Parking and Access
Metered street parking and public parking lots are available near the courthouse in downtown Lansing. The courthouse is accessible via CATA (Capital Area Transportation Authority) bus routes. Plan for security screening at the entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine the Probate Pathway
Choose the appropriate filing for your situation:
- Informal Probate: Application to the Probate Register for uncontested estates. No hearing needed.
- Formal Probate: Petition to the court when there are disputes or the will's validity is questioned.
- Unsupervised Administration: Personal representative manages the estate independently (default).
- Supervised Administration: Court oversight of all 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 Ingham County Probate Court in person or through MiFILE where available.
Step 3: Notice Requirements
Send Notice of Appointment and Duties to all interested persons. Publish Notice to Creditors once per week for three successive weeks in a newspaper circulated in Ingham County. Creditors have four months from publication to present claims.
Step 4: Inventory and Administration
File an Inventory (PC 577) within 91 days. Manage assets, pay valid debts, file tax returns, and prepare for distribution.
Step 5: Close the Estate
File a Sworn Statement (PC 591) for unsupervised cases or Petition for Complete Estate Settlement (PC 592) for supervised administration.
Local Requirements
Ingham County-Specific Procedures
- MiFILE e-filing may be available for certain probate filings in Ingham County. Check with the court.
- Publication of Notice to Creditors must appear in a newspaper with general circulation in Ingham County for three successive weeks.
- Inventory due within 91 days of appointment per MCL 700.3706.
- Bond requirements follow EPIC. Typically waived in unsupervised administration when the will waives bond.
- 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 personal effects and household items.
These allowances take priority over most creditor claims.
State Government Employee Benefits
Ingham County, as the home of the state capital, has a large population of current and former state employees. Michigan state employee benefits such as retirement pensions and life insurance often have beneficiary designations that transfer outside of probate. Review all beneficiary designations with the relevant state agency or plan administrator.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Ingham County)
- Petition/Application for Probate: approximately $175
- Publication of Notice to Creditors: approximately $80-$150 (varies by newspaper)
- Certified copies of Letters of Authority: approximately $10 each
Contact the court at (517) 483-6300 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
Ingham County Probate Court Resources
- Court Website: cc.ingham.org/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 South Central Michigan: (517) 394-3121 — serves Ingham County
- Michigan Legal Help: Free self-help resources
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 968-0738
- Ingham County Bar Association: Offers attorney referrals
Publication
Newspapers with general circulation in Ingham County include the Lansing State Journal and other local publications. Contact the court clerk for guidance on acceptable newspapers.