Overview
Leelanau County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 22,871. The Leelanau 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 Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Michigan offers a simplified procedure for small estates. For decedents dying in 2026, if the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (adjusted annually for inflation; $51,000 for 2025 deaths), you may file a Petition and Order for Assignment (Form PC 556). This process is faster and less expensive than formal probate.
Michigan does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives based on a percentage of the estate. Instead, fees must be "reasonable" based on the time spent, the complexity of the work, and the results achieved.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Leelanau 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
Leelanau County Probate Court
Probate matters in Leelanau County are handled at the Leelanau County Government Center.
Address: 8527 E. Government Center Dr., Ste. 203, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Phone: (231) 256-8236
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Court is located in Suite 203 of the Government Center. The court handles decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings. The Honorable Steven Paciorka serves as Probate Court Judge.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available at the Leelanau County Government Center. The building is accessible to the public during business hours, and security screening may be required upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate (Petition and Order for Assignment): If the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (for 2026 deaths), you may file a simplified petition to assign assets directly to heirs or creditors.
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $27,000 or less (adjusted annually), a successor can present a sworn affidavit to holders of personal property (like banks) to collect assets without court involvement.
- 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 Leelanau County Probate Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate (PC 559)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee ($175 plus $25 electronic filing fee if applicable)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
Leelanau County may require or allow e-filing for certain case types; check with the court registry for current protocols.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing (if formal) or notice of appointment (if informal) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within specific statutory timeframes (typically 14 days before a hearing).
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Leelanau County, such as the Leelanau Enterprise, to notify unknown creditors.
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. For informal probate, the register may issue Letters without a hearing if the application is complete.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow 4 months for claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 91 days of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses
- 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
Leelanau 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 is typically published in the Leelanau Enterprise.
- Local Forms: While Leelanau County uses standard Michigan SCAO forms, always check with the probate register for any county-specific cover sheets or procedural checklists.
The court encourages the use of "Informal Probate" for uncontested estates, which is handled administratively by the Probate Register rather than by the Judge.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Leelanau County)
- Petition for Probate (Commencing a Civil Action): approximately $175 (plus $25 electronic filing fee if applicable)
- Small Estate Petition (Petition and Order for Assignment): approximately $25 filing fee + $13 for certified copy
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $10 + $1 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: Calculated based on the value of the estate (e.g., ~$188 for a $100k estate)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
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 to file claims after publication, which sets a minimum duration for most estates.
Local Resources
Leelanau County Court Resources
- Court Website: leelanau.gov
- 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: (231) 941-0771 — Provides legal assistance to eligible low-income residents.
Publication
- Leelanau Enterprise: (231) 256-9827 — leelanaunews.com