How Do I File Probate in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the Probate Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
Probate documents in Grand Traverse County can be filed in person at the Probate Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationCan You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Probate Court is realistic for your situation.
Court provides links to the Michigan SCAO statewide court forms and a "1-01-24 Updated estate requirements" document. Documents requiring no fee may be emailed or faxed to the court.
Get the Grand Traverse County probate forms →For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Grand Traverse County Self-Filing Assessment.
In-Person Filing
The Probate Court is located at 280 Washington Street, Suite 223, Traverse City, MI 49684. Phone: 231-922-6862. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Before You Go
Accepted payment
Check, Money order. Checks or money orders must be made payable to "Probate Court." Cash should not be mailed.
What to Bring
To file at the Probate Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Court Resources
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Probate Court website.
Court information verified June 2, 2026 · Source
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Probate Court in Grand Traverse County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($150). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Grand Traverse County uses the standard Michigan probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
Michigan allows informal (unsupervised) probate, which many families handle themselves for simple estates. The Probate Court in Grand Traverse County does not require attorney representation. Use the Michigan self-filing assessment to see if your estate qualifies.
Yes. The Probate Court in Grand Traverse County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
Probate Court
Grand Traverse County
280 Washington Street, Suite 223
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone:
231-922-6862Fax:
231-922-4458
Email:
probate@gtcountymi.govHours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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