Overview
Monroe County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 156,045. The Monroe 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), MCL 700.1101 et seq. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate (Form PC 559) or Application for Informal Probate (Form PC 558) 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 cost of living), you may qualify for a small estate assignment (Petition and Order for Assignment, PC 556).
Michigan does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "reasonable" based on services rendered.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Monroe 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
Monroe County Probate Court
Probate matters in Monroe County are handled at the Monroe County Probate Court.
Address: 106 E. First St., Monroe, MI 48161
Phone: (734) 240-7346
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM for lunch)
The Probate Court handles decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings.
Parking and Access
Parking is available in lots near the courthouse and at street meters. It is recommended to avoid metered parking if you are attending a hearing, as you may not be able to leave to feed the meter. The court does not validate parking.
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), you may file a simplified petition.
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $27,000 or less (subject to COLA), a successor may claim assets via affidavit 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 (PC 559) or Application for Informal Probate (PC 558) with the Monroe County Probate Court. Include:
- Original Will and Codicils (if any)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
- Filing fee ($175)
- Supplemental Testimony to Identify Nonheir Devisees (if applicable)
Monroe County utilizes MiFILE for electronic filing. Attorneys are generally required to e-file.
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 Monroe County (e.g., The Monroe News) 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, 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 a Notice to Creditors (if not already done) 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
Monroe County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Monroe County uses the state's MiFILE system. Attorneys are required to file electronically.
- Inventory Fee: A statutory inventory fee must be paid based on the value of the estate assets. This fee is calculated and paid after the inventory is filed.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in The Monroe News.
- Case Access: Case records can often be searched online via the county's court record system.
Always check the latest Local Court Rules (LCR) for specific filing requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Monroe County)
- Petition for Probate / Application: $175
- Small Estate Petition (Assignment): $25 + Inventory Fee
- Certified copies of Letters: $12 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $200-$500 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: Varies by estate value (e.g., $138 for a $100k estate; calculated as a percentage/tier).
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (service fees may apply).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal, no disputes): 7-12 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, which sets a minimum duration for most estates.
Local Resources
Monroe County Court Resources
- Court Website: co.monroe.mi.us/696/Probate-Court
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- State Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Monroe County Bar Association: (734) 242-3434 — Local attorney information
- Legal Services of South Central Michigan: (734) 241-8310 — Legal aid for qualifying residents
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral: lrs.michbar.org
Publication
- The Monroe News: (734) 242-1100 — General circulation newspaper for notices