Overview
Menominee County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 23,000. The Menominee 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 decedents dying in 2026, if the estate value is $53,000 or less (adjusted annually for inflation), you may qualify for a simplified small estate assignment. There is also a procedure for transferring vehicles and wearing apparel/cash of $500 or less without full probate.
Michigan does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "reasonable" based on services performed. The court charges an Inventory Fee based on the value of the estate's assets, which must be paid before the estate can be closed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Menominee 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
Menominee County Probate Court
Probate matters in Menominee County are handled at the Menominee County Courthouse.
Address: 839 10th Avenue, Menominee, MI 49858
Phone: (906) 863-2634
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Court is located on the first floor of the courthouse. The court handles decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse and on surrounding streets. The building is equipped with security screening at the entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Petition and Order: If the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (2026 limit), you may file a Petition and Order for Assignment (PC 556).
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $53,000 or less, a successor may be able to collect assets via a sworn statement 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 and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (PC 559) with the Menominee County Probate Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate (PC 559)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee ($175)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
- Supplemental Testimony to Identify Nonheir Devisees (PC 566) (if testate)
Menominee County participates in the state's MiFILE electronic filing system. Check with the court for mandatory e-filing requirements for attorneys.
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 (or personal service 7 days before).
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Menominee County (such as the EagleHerald) if the address of an interested person is unknown or to notify unknown creditors.
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 (PC 572) appointing the personal representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish a Notice to Creditors (PC 574) and allow 4 months for claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 91 days.
- Pay the Inventory Fee to the court based on the estate's value.
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Notice of Continued Administration if the estate is open longer than one year, or file a Sworn Statement to Close Unsupervised Administration (PC 591) when finished.
Local Requirements
Menominee County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Menominee County utilizes the MiFILE system. Attorneys may be required to file electronically.
- Inventory Fee: This fee is calculated based on the total value of the estate's assets. It must be calculated and paid before the estate can be closed.
- Mediation: The court may refer contested matters to mediation.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in the EagleHerald or Menominee County Journal.
Always check with the probate register for the most current local court rules and administrative orders.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Menominee County)
- Petition for Probate: $175 ($150 filing fee + $25 electronic system fee)
- Small Estate Petition: $25 (plus inventory fee)
- Certified copies of Letters: $12 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: Varies based on estate value (e.g., ~$188 for a $100k estate)
Michigan does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys or executors. Fees must be reasonable and are subject to court review if contested.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (via MiFILE or counter service with a convenience fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal): 5-7 months
- Average estates: 7-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
Creditors have 4 months from the date of publication to file claims, which sets a minimum duration for most formal estates.
Local Resources
Menominee County Court Resources
- Court Website: menomineecounty.com
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- State Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan: (800) 968-1442 — zeekbeek.com/sbm
- Legal Services of Northern Michigan: (906) 786-2303 — lsnm.org
Publication
- EagleHerald: (715) 735-6611 — Daily newspaper serving Menominee and Marinette
- Menominee County Journal: (906) 753-2294 — Weekly newspaper