Michigan allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Otsego 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 an Otsego 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
FirmGaylord, MI
Since 1976 · Serves 1 county
Gaylord firm on North Otsego Avenue serving Northern Michigan since 1976. Handles formal and informal probate, trust administration, inventories and property transfers, creditor claims, and heir and beneficiary disputes, plus guardianships and conservatorships. Estate plans include wills, powers of attorney, trusts, and Ladybird deeds.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 5 more
- Office
- 145 N Otsego AvenueGaylord, MI 49735
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
FirmCharlevoix, MI
Serves 22 counties
Elder law firm with offices in Charlevoix, Traverse City and East Jordan, serving 20 Northern Michigan counties and handling estate administration on Mackinac, Beaver and Drummond Islands. Handles probate and trust administration, trust disputes and will or trust contests, and conservatorship and guardianship matters, alongside Medicaid and veterans benefits planning.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 6 more
- Office
- 103 W Belvedere AvenueCharlevoix, MI 49720
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
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.
