Overview
Mason County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 29,052. The Mason 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 or PC 561) 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 decedents dying in 2026, if the estate value is $53,000 or less (adjusted annually for inflation), you may qualify for a small estate assignment (Petition and Order for Assignment). There is also a procedure to transfer vehicles and watercraft without probate if the total value is limited.
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 Mason 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
Mason County Probate Court
Probate matters in Mason County are handled at the Mason County Courthouse.
Address: 304 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431-2121
Phone: (231) 843-8666
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM)
The Probate Court is located in the historic Mason County Courthouse in downtown Ludington. The court handles decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available on the streets surrounding the courthouse (Ludington Ave, Delia St, etc.) and in nearby public lots. The building is accessible, with security screening 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 (2026 limit) after funeral and burial expenses, you may file a simplified petition.
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $27,000 or less (indexed for inflation), a sworn statement can be used to collect assets 28 days after death.
- 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 (Form PC 559 or PC 561) with the Mason County Probate Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee ($175)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (Form PC 565)
Check with the court clerk regarding current e-filing availability, as Michigan is transitioning to the MiFILE 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 Mason County (e.g., Ludington Daily News) if the address of an interested person is unknown, for at least 14 days prior to the hearing.
- Creditor Notice: Publish a Notice to Creditors and allow 4 months for claims.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters of Authority. In informal proceedings, the register may issue letters without a hearing if all paperwork is in order.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish Notice to Creditors (if not already done)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 91 days
- 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
Mason 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.
- Local Forms: While most forms are standard SCAO forms, check with the probate register for any county-specific cover sheets or checklists.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in the Ludington Daily News or Mason County Press.
- Hearings: Many probate matters in Mason County are handled informally by the Probate Register without a hearing unless there is a dispute.
Always verify specific filing requirements with the Mason County Probate Register's office.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Mason County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $175 ($150 filing fee + $25 electronic system fee)
- Small Estate Assignment: approximately $25 filing fee + inventory fee
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $12 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: Calculated based on the value of the estate (e.g., roughly $188 for a $100k estate, varies by bracket)
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee; confirm with the clerk.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal): 7-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
Creditors have 4 months to file claims after publication, which sets a minimum timeline for closing the estate.
Local Resources
Mason County Court Resources
- Court Website: masoncounty.net
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- State Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan: (800) 968-1442 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Services of Northern Michigan: (231) 941-0771 — Legal Aid
- Michigan Legal Help: michiganlegalhelp.org
Publication
- Ludington Daily News: (231) 845-5181 — General Circulation
- Mason County Press: (231) 757-3202 — Local News