Overview
Lenawee County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 97,746. The Lenawee 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 simplified procedures for small estates. For 2026, if the estate value (net of liens) is $53,000 or less, you may qualify for a simplified assignment of property or transfer by affidavit.
Michigan does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives based on a percentage of the estate; fees must be "reasonable" based on services rendered.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Lenawee 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
Lenawee County Probate Court
Probate matters in Lenawee County are handled at the Rex B. Martin Judicial Building.
Address: 425 N. Main St., 2nd Floor, Adrian, MI 49221
Phone: 517-264-4614 (Probate Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Probate Judge: Hon. Catherine A. Sala
The Probate Court is located on the second floor of the Judicial Building.
Parking and Access
Parking is available immediately adjacent to the building, in the parking lot south of the building, or in the Judicial parking lot north of the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Transfer by Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (2026 limit), you may be able to transfer assets via affidavit without court involvement.
- Petition for Assignment: For small estates under the threshold, you can file a petition to have assets assigned directly to heirs or to pay funeral expenses.
- 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 (PC 559) with the Lenawee 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 system fee)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
Lenawee County participates in the MiFILE (TrueFiling) 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 in a newspaper of general circulation in Lenawee County (e.g., The Daily Telegram) if addresses are unknown or to notify creditors.
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
Lenawee County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Lenawee County uses the state's MiFILE system for electronic filing.
- Inventory Fee: An inventory fee must be paid to the court within one year of appointment or before closing the estate, calculated based on the estate's value.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in The Daily Telegram.
- Mediation: The court may refer contested matters to mediation.
Always check with the probate register for the most current local court rules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Lenawee County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $175
- Electronic Filing System Fee: approximately $25
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $12 per certified copy
- Inventory Fee: Variable (based on estate value)
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Small Estate Petition: approximately $25 plus inventory fee
Michigan law allows for "reasonable" attorney and personal representative fees; there is no statutory percentage.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (convenience fees may apply).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years
Creditors have 4 months from the date of publication to file claims.
Local Resources
Lenawee County Court Resources
- Court Website: lenawee.mi.us
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- Michigan Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Lenawee County Bar Association: Contact local attorneys directly
- Legal Services of South Central Michigan: (517) 263-1270 — Legal aid for low-income residents
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: michbar.org
Publication
- The Daily Telegram: (517) 265-5111 — Newspaper of general circulation