Michigan allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Mecosta 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 Mecosta 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.
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
Solo PracticeBig Rapids, MI
Serves 1 county
Big Rapids solo estate planning and probate practice run by M. Katie Pabich, with appointments at the client's home, a local coffee shop or a private room at the Community Library. Guides families through probate and trust administration after a death and obtains guardianships and conservatorships for minors, disabled adults and elderly individuals. Consultations are free.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateConservatorshipGuardianship
- Office
- PO Box 336Big Rapids, MI 49307
FirmGrand Rapids, MI
Since 1994
Grand Rapids and Livonia estate firm started in 1994 by former Navy JAG attorney John Tamboer. For executors it obtains letters of authority and handles the notices and court filings to the end of the case; for successor trustees it handles private trust settlement, retitling and beneficiary notices, and it files small-estate petitions. The first administration consultation is free.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateSpecial Needs PlanningAsset Protection
- Office
- 4251 Cascade Road SEGrand Rapids, MI 49546
FirmDetroit, MI
Since 1854 · Serves 7 counties
Detroit firm, in practice since 1854, with estate offices in Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids and southwest Michigan. Represents personal representatives, trustees and beneficiaries in estate, trust, guardianship and conservatorship administration, will contests, trust litigation, fiduciary tax returns and estate tax audits, including estates over $100 million.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 6 more
- Office
- 150 W Jefferson Avenue, Suite 100Detroit, MI 48226
FirmEast Lansing, MI
Since 2002 · Serves 8 counties
East Lansing elder law and probate firm with offices in Battle Creek, Jackson, Saginaw, Southfield, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Helps fiduciaries with inventories, accountings and creditor claims, and its litigation team handles will and trust contests over undue influence, capacity and breach of fiduciary duty, guardianships and elder financial exploitation.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 6 more
- Office
- 1019 Trowbridge RoadEast Lansing, MI 48823
FirmKalamazoo, MI
Serves 8 counties
Kalamazoo firm with offices in Battle Creek, Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Traverse City. Handles probate and estate administration, trust administration, and guardianship and conservatorship petitions, alongside wills, living trusts, and Medicaid planning. Publishes flat fees, including a set price for an uncontested probate case.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 3 more
- Office
- 3431 Oakland DriveKalamazoo, MI 49008
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.
