Overview
St. Joseph County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 61,171. The St. Joseph 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 of Authority for testate estates or Letters of Authority 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 Petition and Order for Assignment (Form PC 556).
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 performed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the St. Joseph 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
St. Joseph County Probate Court
Probate matters in St. Joseph County are handled at the St. Joseph County Probate Court.
Address: 920 W Michigan Ave, Three Rivers, MI 49093
Phone: (269) 467-5538 (Probate Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (office may close 12:00–1:00 PM; call ahead to confirm)
The Probate Court is presided over by the Hon. Kevin Kane. The court is located in Three Rivers.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available near the courthouse. Security screening is required for entry into the courthouse.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate (Petition 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 annual adjustment), 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 St. Joseph County Probate Court. Include:
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
- Original Will and Codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing Fee: $175
- Supplemental Testimony to Identify Nonheir Devisees (PC 566) (if applicable)
E-filing may be available; check with the court clerk for current electronic filing options and requirements.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing (if formal) or notice of appointment (if informal) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within specific statutory timeframes (typically 14 days before a hearing).
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in St. Joseph County, such as the Sturgis Journal.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters of Authority. Informal probate is processed administratively by the probate register without a hearing if all paperwork is in order.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors 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
St. Joseph County-Specific Procedures
- Inventory Fee: Michigan courts charge a gross estate 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 must be published in a newspaper of general circulation within St. Joseph County.
Always verify specific local rules with the Probate Register's office before filing.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (St. Joseph County)
- Petition for Probate (Commencing a Civil Action): $175.00
- Electronic Filing System Fee: $25.00 (if applicable)
- Small Estate (Petition for Assignment): $25.00 (plus inventory fee)
- Certified Copies of Letters: $10.00 for certification + $1.00 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: Calculated based on the value of the estate (e.g., $138 for a $50,000 estate; varies by value).
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal): 5-7 months (minimum 4 months for creditor claims)
- Average estates: 7-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
Creditor claim periods (4 months from publication) set the minimum timeline for closing an estate.
Local Resources
St. Joseph County Court Resources
- Court Website: stjosephcountymi.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- State Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral: lrs.michbar.org
- Legal Aid of Western Michigan: (269) 344-8113 — lawestmi.org
Publication
- Sturgis Journal: (269) 651-5407 — sturgisjournal.com
- Wilcox Newspapers: wilcoxnewspapers.com