Estate Planning & Probate in Wayne County, Michigan
Most Wayne County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Probate Court.
The Probate Process in Wayne County
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 Wayne County, probate runs through the Probate Court at 2 Woodward Avenue, Room 1307, Detroit.
Full Wayne Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Probate Court
Wayne County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Register of Deeds
Wayne County · Register of Deeds · Bernard J. Youngblood
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$30 flat, regardless of page count.
Full recording details →Verified September 6, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Probate Court
Filing accepted in person Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding court closures and holidays); by mail; by email as a single PDF (8.5" x 11" maximum); by fax (complete documents only); or via the courthouse drop box. Submissions must include the WCPC99 Petitioner Filing Coversheet and use SCAO-approved forms where applicable. Protected personal identifying information must be submitted separately on form MC 97 or MC 97a rather than on the primary documents.
Michigan Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Wayne County.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
