Overview
Wexford County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 34,460. The Wexford 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 decedents who died in 2026, estates valued at $53,000 or less may qualify for simplified small estate procedures. This threshold is adjusted annually for inflation.
Michigan does not impose a specific statutory attorney fee schedule; fees must be reasonable and are often based on hourly rates or a percentage of the estate as agreed upon. Executors (Personal Representatives) are also entitled to reasonable compensation.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Wexford 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
Wexford County Probate Court
Probate matters in Wexford County are handled at the Wexford County Courthouse.
Address: 437 East Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9510 (Probate Register)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The Probate Court is located within the historic county courthouse in Cadillac. The court handles decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings. The Honorable Edward D. Van Alst serves as Judge of Probate.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse and along East Division Street. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the building; cell phones and electronic devices may be restricted in courtrooms.
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 and Order for Assignment (PC 556) for a simplified process.
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $53,000 or less with no real property, a successor may claim assets using a sworn affidavit after 28 days.
- 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 (PC 559) with the Wexford County Probate Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (PC 559)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee ($175)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
E-filing may be available for certain case types; check with the Probate Register for current protocols.
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 Wexford County (such as the Cadillac News) if the address of an interested person is unknown, or to notify unknown 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) to start the 4-month claim period
- 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
Wexford County-Specific Procedures
- Inventory Fee: A statutory inventory fee based on the value of the estate must be paid before the estate can be closed.
- Case Management: Wexford County typically processes informal probates administratively through the Probate Register without a hearing, unless there is a dispute.
- Local Forms: While standard Michigan SCAO forms are used, the court may require a specific case information sheet upon filing.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in the Cadillac News.
Always check with the Probate Register at (231) 779-9510 for the most current local filing requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Wexford County)
- Petition for Probate: $175 ($150 filing fee + $25 electronic system fee)
- Small Estate Petition: $25 (plus inventory fee)
- Certified copies of Letters: $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 an additional convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal): 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 the minimum timeline for closing an estate.
Local Resources
Wexford County Court Resources
- Court Website: wexfordcounty.org
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- State Probate Forms: Michigan Courts SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral: lrs.michbar.org
- Legal Services of Northern Michigan: (231) 941-0771 — Provides legal assistance to eligible low-income residents.
Publication
- Cadillac News: (231) 775-6565 — Newspaper of general circulation for probate notices.