Michigan allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Dickinson 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 Dickinson 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.
FirmMarquette, MI
Serves 7 counties
Marquette firm with a by-appointment office in Hancock, serving clients across the Upper Peninsula for more than 100 years. Administers and settles estates through probate and trust administration, and plans long-term care Medicaid eligibility and special needs trusts. Estate plans include wills, trusts, and planning for family camps and cottages.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 3 more
- Office
- 128 W Spring StreetMarquette, MI 49855
FirmIron Mountain, MI
Since 1978 · Serves 3 counties
Iron Mountain firm founded in 1978 by attorney Peter Ryan, serving Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Northeastern Wisconsin. Assists personal representatives through probate and trust administration, from valuing the estate and locating beneficiaries to paying taxes and debts and transferring assets, and handles nursing home, Medicaid and spend-down planning.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 5 more
- Office
- 307 East C StreetIron Mountain, MI 49801
FirmIshpeming, MI
Serves 15 counties
Ishpeming firm near the Marquette County Probate Court whose attorneys practice in all 15 Upper Peninsula counties. Handles probate and trust administration, guardianships and conservatorships, and will and trust disputes, and plans for nursing home care, Medicaid applications and special needs trusts. James Steward was the first Certified Elder Law Attorney in the Upper Peninsula.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 7 more
- Office
- 205 South Main StreetIshpeming, MI 49849
Solo PracticeSault Ste. Marie, MI
Since 1985 · Serves 5 counties
Sault Ste. Marie and Marquette office serving Michigan's Upper Peninsula since 1985. Guides executors through probate, prepares formal accountings of estates and trusts, and litigates will contests, undue influence claims, removal of trustees and executors, surcharge actions, creditor claims and probate appeals. Wills and trusts, bankruptcy and real estate round out the practice.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 4 more
- Office
- 402 Ashmun StreetSault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
FirmHoughton, MI
Serves 3 counties
Upper Peninsula firm with offices in Houghton and Marquette serving Houghton, Keweenaw and Marquette Counties, including Calumet, Hancock, Negaunee and Ishpeming. Advises executors on their duties and represents the estate in court when a will or other probate document is challenged, alongside wills, trusts, living wills and special needs trusts.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateCriminal DefenseFamily Lawand 2 more
- Office
- 400 E Houghton AveHoughton, MI 49931
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
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.
