Overview
Livingston County is located in southeastern Michigan between Detroit and Lansing. The county includes the city of Howell (the county seat), Brighton, and Hartland. The Livingston 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 Livingston County residents: informal probate (application to the Probate Register, no hearing needed), formal probate (petition with court hearing), supervised or unsupervised administration, and small estate procedures for estates valued at $25,000 or less after liens. The court is located on South Highlander Way in Howell.
Livingston County has experienced significant residential growth as a suburban community between the Detroit and Lansing metropolitan areas. The county's mix of suburban neighborhoods, farmland, and lake communities means the Probate Court handles a variety of estate types.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Livingston County Probate Court or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Livingston County Probate Court
The Livingston County Probate Court is located in the Livingston County Courthouse Complex in Howell.
Address: 204 S. Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843
Phone: (517) 546-3750
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
Free parking is available at the courthouse complex in Howell. The courthouse is located near downtown Howell. Plan for security screening at the entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine the Probate Pathway
Choose the appropriate filing:
- Informal Probate: Application to the Probate Register for uncontested estates. No hearing required.
- Formal Probate: Petition to the court for disputed estates or when a hearing is needed.
- Unsupervised Administration: Personal representative manages the estate independently (default).
- Supervised Administration: Court oversight of all estate 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 Livingston 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 with general circulation in Livingston County. Creditors have four months to present claims.
Step 4: Inventory and Administration
File an Inventory (PC 577) within 91 days. Manage estate 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
Livingston County-Specific Procedures
- MiFILE e-filing may be available for certain probate filings. Confirm with the court.
- Publication of Notice to Creditors must appear in a newspaper with general circulation in Livingston County for three successive weeks.
- Inventory due within 91 days of appointment per MCL 700.3706.
- Bond requirements follow EPIC guidelines. Typically waived for 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.
Real Property Considerations
Livingston County includes lake communities and rural properties that may require special attention during probate. Verify property ownership and legal descriptions with the Livingston County Register of Deeds. Properties with shared lake access, private roads, or conservation easements may have additional considerations for the personal representative.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Livingston County)
- Petition/Application for Probate: approximately $175
- Publication of Notice to Creditors: approximately $75-$150 (varies by newspaper)
- Certified copies of Letters of Authority: approximately $10 each
Contact the court at (517) 546-3750 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
Livingston County Probate Court Resources
- Court Website: livgov.com/courts/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
- Michigan Legal Help: Free self-help resources for probate
- Legal Services of South Central Michigan: serves Livingston County residents
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 968-0738
- Livingston County Bar Association: Offers attorney referrals
Publication
Newspapers with general circulation in Livingston County include the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and other local publications. Contact the court clerk for guidance on acceptable newspapers.