Overview
Shiawassee County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 68,000. The Shiawassee 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 a simplified procedure for small estates. For decedents dying in 2026, if the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (adjusted annually for cost of living), you may file a Petition and Order for Assignment (Form PC 556).
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 flat fee agreed upon by the parties.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Shiawassee 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
Shiawassee County Probate Court
Probate matters in Shiawassee County are handled at the District Court Building.
Address: 110 E. Mack St., Corunna, MI 48817
Phone: (989) 743-2211 (Probate Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Probate Court is located on the 2nd Floor of the District Court Building.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the District Court Building. 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: If the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (for 2026 deaths), you may file a Petition for Assignment.
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $27,000 or less (indexed for inflation), 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 and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (PC 559) with the Shiawassee 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)
Note: Shiawassee County Probate Court currently requires filings to be made in person or by mail; e-filing is not yet available for probate matters.
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 Shiawassee County (such as The Argus-Press) for one time if the address of an interested person is unknown.
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 notice to creditors (4-month claim period)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 91 days
- Pay valid creditor claims
- 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 to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Shiawassee County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Method: Filings must be submitted in person or via mail. The court does not accept email filings.
- Inventory Fee: A statutory inventory fee based on the value of the estate must be paid before the estate can be closed.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in The Argus-Press.
- Case Evaluation: The court may order case evaluation for contested matters.
Always check with the probate register for the most current local rules and administrative orders.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Shiawassee County)
- Petition to Open Estate: approximately $175
- Small Estate Petition (Assignment): approximately $25 (plus 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 assets
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
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
The creditor claim period in Michigan is 4 months from the date of publication, which sets a minimum duration for most estates.
Local Resources
Shiawassee County Court Resources
- Court Website: shiawassee.net/probate-court/
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- Michigan Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Shiawassee County Bar Association: Contact local court for referral list
- Legal Services of South Central Michigan: (888) 783-8190 — Low-income legal assistance
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral: lrs.michbar.org
Publication
- The Argus-Press: (989) 725-5136 — argus-press.com