Probate in Ottawa County runs through the Probate Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Ottawa County, settling their estate runs through the Probate Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
Ottawa County
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
Probate Court relocated to Grand Haven courthouse in September 2024. Family Division remains at Fillmore Street, West Olive. Mental health line: 616-738-4128 / mentalhealth.probate@miottawa.org. Court Administrator: Susan M. Franklin (sfranklin@miottawa.org). Probate Register: Johanna Wallace (jwallace@miottawa.org). Fax filings require a cover sheet.
Verified July 3, 2026 · Source
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Ottawa County, probate runs through the Probate Court at 414 Washington Ave, Room 200, Grand Haven.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Michigan intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Michigan estates take 7 months to 12 months to move through this process. The 4 monthsMCL 700.3803Verified Sep 8, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What probate costs in Ottawa County, Michigan comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Probate Court at 414 Washington Ave, Room 200, Grand Haven.
Michigan charges $150MCL § 600.880(1)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
The Probate Court accepts e-filing (https://mifile.courts.michigan.gov/). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Michigan are negotiated, typically 1.7%MCR 5.313(A) (attorney entitled to reasonable compensation; MRPC 1.5(a) factors); MCL 700.3721 (court reviews reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.7%MCR 5.313(A) (attorney entitled to reasonable compensation; MRPC 1.5(a) factors); MCL 700.3721 (court reviews reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is based on reasonable pay for time and effort — the states that do set a schedule pay 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Michigan requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
Probate in Michigan typically runs 7 months to 12 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
Probate documents in Ottawa 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.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
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 InformationNot every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Probate Court is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Ottawa County Self-Filing Assessment.
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.
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the Register of Deeds.
Deeds and other real property documents for Ottawa County are recorded with the Register of Deeds, led by County Clerk/Register of Deeds Justin F. Roebuck, at 12220 Fillmore Street, Room 146, West Olive, MI 49460. Phone: (616) 994-4510. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm.
The Register of Deeds charges $30 flat, regardless of page count.
Ottawa County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile, CSC, ePN, Indecomm.
Recording Office Record
Ottawa County · County Clerk/Register of Deeds · Justin F. Roebuck
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Flat fee (any length) | $30 |
MCL 600.2567(1)(a); MCL 600.2567a
Verified September 6, 2026 · Source
Michigan allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Ottawa 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 — typically 1.7%MCR 5.313(A) (attorney entitled to reasonable compensation; MRPC 1.5(a) factors); MCL 700.3721 (court reviews reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.7%MCR 5.313(A) (attorney entitled to reasonable compensation; MRPC 1.5(a) factors); MCL 700.3721 (court reviews reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Ottawa 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.
FirmHolland, MI
Holland law firm serving West Michigan with estate planning, probate, trust administration, and elder law services in Ottawa and Allegan Counties.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawMedicaid PlanningProbate Administration
FirmGrand Rapids, MI
Small practice based in Grand Rapids specializing exclusively in estate planning, probate, trust administration, guardianships, and conservatorships.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationConservatorshipGuardianshipProbate Administration
FirmGrand Rapids, MI
Over 85 years of combined experience as Grand Rapids Probate and Estate Planning Attorneys. Represents clients in preparing wills and trusts and administering estates throughout West Michigan. Flat-rate/fixed-fee pricing for estate planning.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmGrand Rapids, MI
Helping people in Grand Rapids with estate and probate matters for nearly 20 years, offering estate planning, probate guidance, and litigation services. Named Best Law Firm in West Michigan by Grand Rapids Magazine two consecutive years.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationProbate Administration
FirmGrand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids elder law and estate firm with West Michigan offices in Holland, Norton Shores, and Portage. Handles probate and trust administration, wills and trusts, and Medicaid crisis planning for families already facing nursing-home costs. Offers a free consultation.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawMedicaid Planningand 2 more
FirmGrand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids firm on Ottawa Avenue, with offices in Kalamazoo and Detroit, serving Kent and Ottawa County families. Its Private Client group handles estate planning, probate, and will and trust disputes, including fiduciary tax questions that arise during administration. Attorneys in the group have led the Kent County Bar Association probate and estate section.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationTax Planningand 2 more
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.
Data sourced from Michigan statutes and official state code. How we research.
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Living trust assets, and accounts with a named beneficiary or surviving joint owner. These skip probate; some states charge the court fee only on what remains.
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Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
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Step-by-step tools for families in Ottawa County, Michigan.
Get a personalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
Get a personalized plan for settling a trust after the grantor passes away. Covers beneficiary notification, asset transfers, creditor handling, taxes, and distributions.
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