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Home→Tools→Probate Calculator→Michigan

How Much Does Probate Cost in Michigan?

Use our free calculator to estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Probate costs in Michigan typically include attorney fees (based on reasonable compensation determined by the court), executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs.MCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estate; base $50K set by PA 1 of 2024, adjusted by 2023 COLA factor per MCL 700.1210; 2026 adjusted amounts: $53K affidavit/petition threshold per MCL 700.3983 and 700.3982(1)&(2); $264K real-property indebtedness deduction cap per MCL 700.3982(5) — confirmed via Michigan Treasury COLA notice dated 2026-01-30, Table B); MCL 700.3803 (4-mo creditor claims from publication; 3-yr if no publication); MCL 700.3801 (publication duty); MCR 5.208 (publication mechanics); MCL 700.3719 (PR reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3721 (attorney reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3603 (bond not required in informal probate by default); MCL 600.871 (inventory fee schedule — all tiers verified); MCL 600.880 (filing fee: $150 civil action; $25 for MCL 700.3982 petition); MCL 700.3302 (informal probate); MCL 700.3501 (supervised admin). Verified 2026-05-31 against legislature.mi.gov and michigan.gov/treasury EPIC COLA notice.Verified May 31, 2026 Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. Use the executor fee calculator to estimate executor compensation separately.

Michigan allows estates valued at $53,000 or less to use a Affidavit of Decedent's Successor, which avoids formal probate.MCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estate; base $50K set by PA 1 of 2024, adjusted by 2023 COLA factor per MCL 700.1210; 2026 adjusted amounts: $53K affidavit/petition threshold per MCL 700.3983 and 700.3982(1)&(2); $264K real-property indebtedness deduction cap per MCL 700.3982(5) — confirmed via Michigan Treasury COLA notice dated 2026-01-30, Table B); MCL 700.3803 (4-mo creditor claims from publication; 3-yr if no publication); MCL 700.3801 (publication duty); MCR 5.208 (publication mechanics); MCL 700.3719 (PR reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3721 (attorney reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3603 (bond not required in informal probate by default); MCL 600.871 (inventory fee schedule — all tiers verified); MCL 600.880 (filing fee: $150 civil action; $25 for MCL 700.3982 petition); MCL 700.3302 (informal probate); MCL 700.3501 (supervised admin). Verified 2026-05-31 against legislature.mi.gov and michigan.gov/treasury EPIC COLA notice.Verified May 31, 2026 The waiting period is 28 days after death. Check eligibility with the Michigan probate need checker.

In Michigan, simple estates typically take 5-7 months. Average estates take 7-12 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets can take 12-24 months or longer.MCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estate; base $50K set by PA 1 of 2024, adjusted by 2023 COLA factor per MCL 700.1210; 2026 adjusted amounts: $53K affidavit/petition threshold per MCL 700.3983 and 700.3982(1)&(2); $264K real-property indebtedness deduction cap per MCL 700.3982(5) — confirmed via Michigan Treasury COLA notice dated 2026-01-30, Table B); MCL 700.3803 (4-mo creditor claims from publication; 3-yr if no publication); MCL 700.3801 (publication duty); MCR 5.208 (publication mechanics); MCL 700.3719 (PR reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3721 (attorney reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3603 (bond not required in informal probate by default); MCL 600.871 (inventory fee schedule — all tiers verified); MCL 600.880 (filing fee: $150 civil action; $25 for MCL 700.3982 petition); MCL 700.3302 (informal probate); MCL 700.3501 (supervised admin). Verified 2026-05-31 against legislature.mi.gov and michigan.gov/treasury EPIC COLA notice.Verified May 31, 2026 The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

Michigan uses a "reasonable compensation" standard for probate attorney fees.MCL 700.3721 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 Courts consider factors such as the complexity of the estate, time spent, attorney skill, and local rates. Typical fees range from 2% to 4% of estate value.

Michigan allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.MCL 700.3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Michigan executor fee calculator.

Real property cannot be transferred using the small estate affidavit in Michigan.MCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estate; base $50K set by PA 1 of 2024, adjusted by 2023 COLA factor per MCL 700.1210; 2026 adjusted amounts: $53K affidavit/petition threshold per MCL 700.3983 and 700.3982(1)&(2); $264K real-property indebtedness deduction cap per MCL 700.3982(5) — confirmed via Michigan Treasury COLA notice dated 2026-01-30, Table B); MCL 700.3803 (4-mo creditor claims from publication; 3-yr if no publication); MCL 700.3801 (publication duty); MCR 5.208 (publication mechanics); MCL 700.3719 (PR reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3721 (attorney reasonable compensation); MCL 700.3603 (bond not required in informal probate by default); MCL 600.871 (inventory fee schedule — all tiers verified); MCL 600.880 (filing fee: $150 civil action; $25 for MCL 700.3982 petition); MCL 700.3302 (informal probate); MCL 700.3501 (supervised admin). Verified 2026-05-31 against legislature.mi.gov and michigan.gov/treasury EPIC COLA notice.Verified May 31, 2026 Separate procedures apply.

Probate Costs in Michigan

Understanding probate costs in Michigan is the first step in estate planning. Fees, timelines, and court requirements vary significantly from other states, so a Michigan-specific estimate matters. Compare probate with trust-based planning using the trust vs. will tool.

Attorney fees in Michigan are based on reasonable compensation, typically 2%MCL 700.3721 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 to 4%MCL 700.3721 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 of the estate value. Families can negotiate rates, and courts review fees for reasonableness.

Michigan offers a small estate shortcut for estates valued under $53,000MCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estateVerified May 31, 2026. After a 28 daysMCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estateVerified May 31, 2026 waiting period, heirs can collect assets without opening a probate case.

Simple estates in Michigan typically close in 5 monthsMCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estateVerified May 31, 2026 to 7 monthsMCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estateVerified May 31, 2026. A revocable living trust bypasses probate entirely — assets transfer privately, typically within weeks.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 31, 2026

Legal Sources

  • MCL 700.3721 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
  • MCL 700.3982, 700.3983 (small estate

Data sourced from Michigan statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Michigan Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Michigan probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

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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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