Overview
Keweenaw County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 2,161. The Keweenaw 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 (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 probate for small estates. For decedents dying in 2026, if the estate value is $53,000 or less, you may file a Petition and Order for Assignment (Form PC 556). There is also a Transfer by Affidavit process for estates worth $53,000 or less (2026 limit), which does not require court filing.
Michigan law allows for reasonable attorney and personal representative fees. There is no statutory percentage fee; fees must be reasonable based on services rendered.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Keweenaw 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
Keweenaw County Probate Court
Probate matters in Keweenaw County are handled at the Keweenaw County Courthouse.
Address: 5095 Fourth Street, Eagle River, MI 49950
Phone: (906) 337-1927 (Probate Register)
Fax: (906) 337-2253
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Court is located within the historic Keweenaw County Courthouse in Eagle River. The court is presided over by Hon. Keith W. DeForge and handles estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available around the courthouse square in Eagle River. 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 for Assignment): If the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (2026 limit) after funeral and burial expenses.
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $53,000 or less (2026 limit), 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) with the Keweenaw County Probate Court. Include:
- Completed Petition (PC 559)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- $175 filing fee
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
Keweenaw County participates in the MiFILE electronic filing system.
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 to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Keweenaw County (typically once, with a 4-month claim period)
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 Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish Notice to Creditors (claims period is 4 months from publication)
- 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 final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Keweenaw County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Keweenaw County uses MiFILE for electronic filing.
- Inventory Fee: An inventory fee is due within 1 year of appointment, calculated based on the estate's value.
- Hearings: Hearings are typically held at the courthouse in Eagle River; check with the register for remote options.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Keweenaw County for one insertion (creditor notice).
Follow Michigan Court Rules (MCR) and standard SCAO forms for all filings.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Keweenaw County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $175
- Small Estate Petition: approximately $25
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $12 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$150 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory fee: Varies based on the value of the estate
Michigan does not have a statutory percentage fee schedule; fees must be "reasonable".
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, or money orders (credit cards via MiFILE). MiFILE charges a transaction fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 7-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Creditor claim period is 4 months, which sets the minimum timeline for closing an estate.
Local Resources
Keweenaw County Court Resources
- Court Website: keweenawcountyonline.org
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- Michigan Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan: (800) 968-1442 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Services of Northern Michigan: (906) 786-2303 — Legal Aid
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: lrs.michbar.org
Publication
- The Daily Mining Gazette: (906) 482-1500 — General Circulation
- Keweenaw Report: (906) 482-7700 — Local News