Michigan allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Cheboygan County without hiring an attorney. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Michigan are based on reasonable compensation, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Cheboygan County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Probate Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
FirmGaylord, MI
Since 2001 · Serves 10 counties
Northern Michigan firm, opened in Petoskey in 2001, with offices in Gaylord, Petoskey, Alpena, Rogers City, and Southfield. Handles probate of simple and complex decedent estates, guardianships, and conservatorships in the Otsego, Crawford, and Montmorency County probate courts. Drafts wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and special needs trusts.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateConservatorshipGuardianshipand 2 more
- Office
- 101 W Main StreetGaylord, MI 49735
FirmSaginaw, MI
Since 1939 · Serves 17 counties
Saginaw firm founded by Albert A. Smith in 1939, with offices in Saginaw, Frankenmuth and Alma serving Mid-Michigan and the Thumb. Handles probate and trust administration, guardianships and conservatorships, and probate litigation, and drafts wills, living trusts, special needs trusts and Medicaid and long-term-care plans for aging clients.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 5 more
- Office
- 200 St. Andrews RoadSaginaw, MI 48638
FirmBig Rapids, MI
Serves 4 counties
Big Rapids elder law firm with further offices in Cadillac, Gaylord and Traverse City, and homebound appointments on request. Takes families through probate and trust administration after a death, from debts and taxes to transferring title to the heirs, and obtains court approval for guardians and conservators with the required accountings. Medicaid and veterans benefits planning sit beside it.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 3 more
- Office
- 218 Maple Street, Suite ABig Rapids, MI 49307
FirmLansing, MI
Since 1902 · Serves the whole state
Lansing firm tracing its origins to 1902, with a Trusts and Estates group in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland, Southfield and Detroit serving families, family businesses and fiduciaries throughout Michigan. The group handles trust and estate administration and trust and estate litigation, alongside gift tax, business succession, and Medicaid and elder law planning.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 5 more
- Office
- 313 S Washington SquareLansing, MI 48933
FirmLansing, MI
Since 1883 · Serves the whole state
Lansing firm in the Boji Tower, tracing its practice to 1883 and the Michigan member of SCG Legal. Its trusts and estates team works with personal representatives and trustees through probate and trust administration, represents beneficiaries and fiduciaries in estate and trust disputes, and handles guardianship and conservatorship petitions and Medicaid planning.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 8 more
- Office
- 124 W Allegan Street, Suite 1000Lansing, MI 48933
FirmKalamazoo, MI
Serves the whole state
Kalamazoo firm with a Grand Rapids office, handling probate administration in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and across Michigan. Brings and defends will and trust contests and breach of fiduciary duty claims against trustees and personal representatives. Drafts wills, trusts, special needs trusts, and Medicaid plans, with a fixed price quote for estate plans.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationTrust Litigationand 4 more
- Office
- 141 E Michigan Avenue, Suite 602Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
