Overview
Washtenaw County is located in southeastern Michigan and includes Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, as well as Ypsilanti and surrounding communities. The Washtenaw County Probate Court handles estate administration and related matters under Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), MCL 700.1101 et seq.
Michigan law provides several probate pathways for Washtenaw County residents: informal probate (application to the Probate Register, no hearing), formal probate (petition with court hearing), supervised or unsupervised administration, and small estate procedures for estates valued at $25,000 or less after liens. The court is located on East Huron Street in downtown Ann Arbor.
Washtenaw County's strong academic and professional community means the Probate Court handles a variety of estate types, including those involving intellectual property, retirement accounts, and multi-state assets.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Washtenaw County Probate Court or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Washtenaw County Probate Court
The Washtenaw County Probate Court is located in the Washtenaw County Courthouse in downtown Ann Arbor.
Address: 101 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 222-3288
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Court handles decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and related matters. The Probate Register can process informal probate applications and answer filing questions.
Parking and Access
The Ann Arbor courthouse is accessible by AAATA (TheRide) bus routes. Street parking is metered in downtown Ann Arbor. Several public parking structures are located within walking distance. Allow time for security screening at the entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine the Probate Pathway
Choose the appropriate filing:
- Informal Probate: Application to the Probate Register for uncontested estates. No hearing needed.
- Formal Probate: Petition to the court for disputed estates. Hearing required.
- Unsupervised Administration: Personal representative manages the estate independently (default).
- Supervised Administration: Court oversight of all estate actions.
- Small Estate Affidavit: For estates $25,000 or less after liens, available 28 days after death.
Step 2: Prepare and File
Gather required documents:
- Application for Informal Probate (PC 558) or Petition for Probate (PC 556)
- Original will (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $175)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
- Acceptance of Appointment (PC 572)
File at the Washtenaw County Probate Court in person or through MiFILE where available.
Step 3: Notice Requirements
Send Notice of Appointment and Duties to all interested persons. Publish Notice to Creditors once per week for three successive weeks in a newspaper with general circulation in Washtenaw County. Creditors have four months to present claims.
Step 4: Inventory and Administration
File an Inventory (PC 577) within 91 days. Manage estate assets, pay valid debts, file tax returns, and prepare for distribution.
Step 5: Close the Estate
File a Sworn Statement (PC 591) for unsupervised cases or Petition for Complete Estate Settlement (PC 592) for supervised administration.
Local Requirements
Washtenaw County-Specific Procedures
- MiFILE e-filing may be available for certain probate filings. Confirm accepted filing types with the court.
- Publication of Notice to Creditors must appear in a newspaper with general circulation in Washtenaw County for three successive weeks.
- Inventory due within 91 days of appointment.
- Bond requirements follow EPIC guidelines. Typically waived in unsupervised administration when the will includes a waiver.
- Letters of Authority issued upon appointment of the personal representative.
Family Protections Under EPIC
- Homestead Allowance: Approximately $24,000 for the surviving spouse.
- Family Allowance: Up to approximately $28,000 for the surviving spouse and minor children.
- Exempt Property: Approximately $15,000 in personal effects and household items.
These allowances have priority over most creditor claims.
Special Considerations for Washtenaw County
Estates in Washtenaw County may involve assets tied to the University of Michigan or other academic institutions, such as retirement accounts (TIAA-CREF), deferred compensation, or intellectual property. These assets may have beneficiary designations that transfer outside of probate. Review all beneficiary designations carefully as part of estate administration.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Washtenaw County)
- Petition/Application for Probate: approximately $175
- Publication of Notice to Creditors: approximately $80-$175 (varies by newspaper)
- Certified copies of Letters of Authority: approximately $10 each
Contact the court at (734) 222-3288 for the current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
Contact the court for accepted payment methods and any processing fees.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (unsupervised, no disputes): 7-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years
The minimum timeline includes three weeks of creditor publication plus four months for claims.
Local Resources
Washtenaw County Probate Court Resources
- Court Website: washtenawprobate.org or washtenaw.org/probate
- MiFILE E-Filing: mifile.courts.michigan.gov
- Michigan Probate Forms: courts.michigan.gov/forms
- Michigan Legal Help: michiganlegalhelp.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Michigan Legal Help: Free self-help probate resources
- Legal Services of South Central Michigan: (734) 665-6181 — serves Washtenaw County
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 968-0738
- Washtenaw County Bar Association: Offers attorney referrals
Publication
Newspapers with general circulation in Washtenaw County include the Ann Arbor News and other local publications. Contact the court clerk for guidance on acceptable newspapers.