Michigan allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Lake 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 Lake County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Trial Court - Probate Division, 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.
FirmMuskegon, MI
Since 1949 · Serves 7 counties
Muskegon firm with a Grand Haven office, handling probate court matters throughout West Michigan and serving clients in Muskegon, Mason, Oceana, Newaygo, Kent, Lake and Ottawa Counties. Its trust and estate administration team opens probate estates, publishes creditor notices, and prepares small-estate affidavits, accountings and federal estate tax returns; it also handles guardianships.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 6 more
- Office
- 601 Terrace StreetMuskegon, MI 49440
FirmLudington, MI
Since 1994 · Serves 4 counties
Ludington firm covering Mason, Lake, Oceana and Manistee Counties. Tracy Thompson, who has handled probate cases every year since 1996, prepares the papers to appoint a personal representative, uses small-estate procedures where they fit, and guides the estate through collecting assets, paying creditors and taxes, and distribution. Also files Medicaid applications for nursing-home care.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawMedicaid Planning
- Office
- 111 E Court StreetLudington, MI 49431
FirmGrand Rapids, MI
Serves 4 counties
Grand Rapids elder law and estate firm with offices in Portage, Holland and Norton Shores. Guides executors through probate, from notifying heirs and creditors and inventorying assets to paying claims, distributing the estate and accounting to the court, and handles trust administration and Medicaid crisis planning. Offers a free consultation.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 2 more
- Office
- 4965 E Beltline Avenue NEGrand Rapids, MI 49525
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.
