Overview
Iosco County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 25,300. The Iosco 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) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters of Authority for both testate and intestate estates.
Michigan offers simplified procedures for small estates. For decedents dying in 2026, if the estate value (net of liens) is $53,000 or less, you may be able to use a simplified small estate assignment. There is also a "Transfer by Affidavit" process for estates valued at $51,000 or less (adjusted annually) when no real property is involved.
Michigan does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "reasonable" based on services rendered.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Iosco 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
Iosco County Probate Court
Probate matters in Iosco County are handled at the Iosco County Courthouse.
Address: 422 W. Lake St., Tawas City, MI 48763
Phone: (989) 362-3991 (Probate Register)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Probate Judge: Hon. Christopher P. Martin (Probate & Presiding Family Court Judge)
The Probate Court is located in the main county building in Tawas City. The court handles decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse and along Lake Street. 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 $53,000 or less (2026 limit), you may file a simplified petition.
- Transfer by Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $51,000 or less (2026 limit) and includes no real property, you may be able to collect assets 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 and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Form PC 559) with the Iosco County Probate Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate (PC 559)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee ($175)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
E-filing is not currently mandatory for all case types; check with the court registry for the latest digital submission options.
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
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Iosco County (such as the Iosco County News-Herald) if the address of an interested person is unknown
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 3 to 4 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 notice to creditors (claims period is 4 months)
- 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
Iosco County-Specific Procedures
- Inventory Fee: Michigan courts charge a gross estate inventory fee based on the value of assets. This must be paid before the estate can be closed.
- Bond requirements: The court may require a surety bond, especially for out-of-state personal representatives or if the will does not waive it.
- Local court rules: Iosco County generally follows standard Michigan SCAO forms and procedures.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Iosco County, such as the Iosco County News-Herald.
Always check with the Probate Register for any recent changes to local filing requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Iosco County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $175
- Small Estate Petition: approximately $25 plus inventory fee
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $12 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: Varies based on estate value (e.g., ~$188 for a $100k estate)
Michigan does not set statutory percentage fees for attorneys or executors; fees must be reasonable.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee (often via a third-party service like AllPaid).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 5-7 months
- Average estates: 7-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
Creditor claim periods (4 months) and inventory due dates (91 days) set the minimum pace for administration.
Local Resources
Iosco County Court Resources
- Court Website: iosco.net
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- Michigan Probate Forms: Michigan Courts
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan: (800) 968-1442 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Services of Eastern Michigan: (800) 322-4512 — Legal Aid
- Michigan Legal Help: michiganlegalhelp.org
Publication
- Iosco County News-Herald: (989) 362-3456 — General circulation newspaper
- Oscoda Press: (989) 739-2050 — Local newspaper