Overview
Van Buren County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 76,129. The Van Buren 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.
For estates valued at $53,000 or less (2026 threshold), a simplified process using the Petition and Order for Assignment (Form PC 556) is available. This "small estate" procedure is faster and less expensive than full probate.
Michigan law allows for reasonable attorney fees and personal representative fees, 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 Van Buren 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
Van Buren County Probate Court
Probate matters in Van Buren County are handled at the Van Buren County Courthouse.
Address: 212 E Paw Paw Street, Suite 220, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Phone: (269) 657-8225 (Probate Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (verify hours with the court)
The Probate Court is located in the county courthouse complex in Paw Paw. It handles wills, estates, trusts, and guardianships.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the courthouse parking lot and on adjacent streets. Allow extra time for security screening upon entry.
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 $53,000 or less (for decedents dying in 2026), you may file a Petition and Order for Assignment to transfer assets without full probate.
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $27,000 or less (adjusted annually), a successor can present a sworn affidavit to holders of personal property to collect assets 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 Van Buren County Probate Court. Include:
- Completed Petition (PC 559)
- Original Will and Codicils (if any)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- $175 filing fee + $12 electronic filing system fee
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
Van Buren County participates in MiFILE, allowing for electronic filing of probate documents.
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 Van Buren County for three successive weeks
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 Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish a Notice to Creditors. Creditors have 4 months from the date of publication to file claims.
- 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 final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Van Buren County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: The court utilizes MiFILE for electronic filing. Check with the court clerk for specific mandatory e-filing rules for attorneys vs. self-represented litigants.
- Case Information Sheet: A Case Information Sheet may be required when opening a new file to provide contact details for all parties.
- Mediation: The court may refer contested probate matters to mediation to resolve disputes outside of trial.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Van Buren County for three successive weeks.
Van Buren County requires all filing fees to be paid at the time of filing. Credit cards are accepted with a service fee.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Van Buren County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $175
- Electronic Filing System Fee: approximately $12
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $12 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Small Estate Petition: $25 + Inventory Fee (varies by estate value)
Michigan does not have a statutory percentage fee schedule; fees must be "reasonable" based on services rendered.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards. A service fee applies to credit/debit card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 7-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The 4-month creditor claim period and tax clearance requirements often dictate the minimum timeline.
Local Resources
Van Buren County Court Resources
- Court Website: vanburencountymi.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help - Probate
- SCAO Approved Probate Forms: SCAO Approved Probate Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan: (800) 968-1442 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Aid of Western Michigan: (269) 344-8113 — Provides free legal assistance to low-income residents.
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: lrs.michbar.org
Publication
- The Courier-Leader: (269) 657-3072 — Paw Paw based newspaper of general circulation.
- South Haven Tribune: (269) 637-1104 — Serves the western part of the county.