Estates

INFORMAL PROBATE

THESE ARE THE BASIC FORMS FOR COMMENCEMENT PROBATING AN INFORMAL ESTATE. YOU MAY NOT NEED EVERY FORM ENCLOSED OR YOU MAY NEED ADDITIONAL FORMS DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES INVOLVED IN THE ESTATE.

FEES

· THE INITIAL FILING FEE OF $175.00 IS DUE AT THE TIME OF FILING BASED UPON THE PROBATE COURT FEE SCHEDULE.

· AN INVENTORY FEE, BASED ON THE ASSETS OF THE ESTATE, MUST BE PAID TO THE COURT PRIOR TO DISTRIBUTION AND CLOSING OF THE ESTATE.

· CERTIFIED LETTERS OF AUTHORITY ARE $12.00 EACH ACCORDING TO THE PROBATE COURT FEE SCHEDULE.

· COPIES OF THE REGISTER’S STATEMENT ARE $1.00 EACH ACCORDING TO THE PROBATE COURT FEE SCHEDULE

· THERE MAY ALSO BE ESTATE OR OTHER TAXES DUE TO THE STATE OF MICHIGAN OR TO THE IRS, WHICH ARE NOT HANDLED THROUGH THIS OFFICE.

PLEASE NOTE THE COURT IS NOT ALLOWED TO GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR HELP YOU FILL OUT THESE FORMS. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONSULT AN ATTORNEY.

STANDARD FORMS FOR COMMENCEMENT OF INFORMAL PROBATE

· Application for Informal Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Testate/Intestate) (PC 558)

· Protected Personal Identifying Information (MC 97)

· Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)

· Supplemental Testimony to Identify Nonheir Devisees, Testate Estate (PC 566)

· Notice of Intent to Request Informal Appointment of Personal Representative (PC 557)

· Proof of Service (PC 564)

· Renunciation of Right to Appointment, Nomination of Personal Representative and Waiver of Notice (PC 567)

· Acceptance of Appointment (PC 571)

· Addendum to Protected Personal Identifying Information (MC 97a)

· Register’s Statement (PC 568)

· Letters of Authority for Personal Representative (PC 572)

· Inventory (PC 577)

EPIC FORMS

These forms and additional SCAO approved forms are available and can be viewed, printed, and completed at www.michiganlegalhelp.org

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT FILIING

· The original Last Will & Testament and any Codicils (if applicable)

· Death Certificate