Overview
Sanilac County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 40,300. The Sanilac County Probate Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death. The Honorable Gregory S. Ross serves as Judge of Probate.
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 a simplified procedure for small estates called the Petition and Order for Assignment (Form PC 556). For decedents dying in 2026, this is available if the estate's gross value (less liens and encumbrances) does not exceed $50,000 (adjusted annually for inflation).
Michigan does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable and are often based on hourly rates or a percentage of the estate, subject to court approval if contested.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Sanilac 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
Sanilac County Probate Court
Probate matters in Sanilac County are handled at the Sanilac County Courthouse.
Address: 60 West Sanilac, Room 213, 2nd Floor, Sandusky, MI 48471
Phone: (810) 648-3221 (Probate Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed for lunch Noon - 1:00 PM)
The Probate Court is located on the second floor of the courthouse. The court handles decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the lots surrounding the courthouse and on nearby streets. The building is accessible, with elevator access to the second floor. Public transportation is available through the Sanilac Transportation Corporation (STC), which offers county-wide curb-to-curb service (call ahead to schedule).
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Petition and Order for Assignment (Small Estate): If the estate is valued at $50,000 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 (2026 limit), a successor may claim assets using a sworn 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 and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Form PC 559) with the Sanilac 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)
Sanilac County participates in MiFILE, Michigan's electronic filing system. Check the court's website or MiFILE portal for mandatory e-filing requirements for attorneys and optional use for self-represented litigants.
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 Sanilac County (e.g., Sanilac County News) for 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
- 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
Sanilac County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Sanilac County utilizes MiFILE for electronic filing. Attorneys are typically required to e-file, while pro se litigants may file in paper or electronically.
- Inventory Fee: A statutory inventory fee is due within one year of the personal representative's appointment or before closing the estate, calculated based on the estate's value.
- Case Type: Most standard probate cases are filed as "Unsupervised Administration," but "Supervised Administration" is available if court oversight is needed.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Sanilac County, such as the Sanilac County News or Tribune Recorder Leader.
Always check with the probate register for the most current local administrative orders.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Sanilac County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $175
- Small Estate (Petition & Order for Assignment): $25 + inventory fee
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $12 per letter
- Certified Copies: $10 + $1 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: Varies based on estate value (e.g., $138 for a $50,000 estate)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (service fees may apply).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 5-7 months
- Average estates: 7-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
Michigan law requires estates to be open for at least 5 months to allow for the creditor claim period and notice requirements.
Local Resources
Sanilac County Court Resources
- Court Website: Sanilac County Probate Court
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- Michigan Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral: lrs.michbar.org
- Legal Services of Eastern Michigan: (800) 322-4512 — lsem-mi.org
Publication
- Sanilac County News: (810) 648-4000 — sanilaccountynews.mihomepaper.com
- Tribune Recorder Leader: (810) 648-3520 — tribunerecorderleader.com