MCL 600.880 · checked 2026-10-20
Probate court fees in Michigan
Michigan charges a flat $150 to open an estate, whatever its size (filing fee to commence a probate court proceeding $150).
- 1$100,000 estate $150
- 2Fee basis Flat fee
- 3Small-estate fee Not listed
- 4Schedule MCL 600.880
Fee to open an estate, by value
| Estate value | Fee | How it is worked out |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $150 | Filing fee to commence a probate court proceeding $150 |
| $50,000 | $150 | Filing fee to commence a probate court proceeding $150 |
| $100,000 | $150 | Filing fee to commence a probate court proceeding $150 |
| $250,000 | $150 | Filing fee to commence a probate court proceeding $150 |
| $500,000 | $150 | Filing fee to commence a probate court proceeding $150 |
| $1,000,000 | $150 | Filing fee to commence a probate court proceeding $150 |
The fee is the same at every value, so a small estate pays as much as a large one to open full administration. At $100,000, 8 of the 18 fee schedules on this site charge less and 9 charge more.
Other charges in the schedule
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Commencing a proceeding in probate court | $150 |
| Proceeding under MCL 700.3982 (court assignment of a small estate) | $25 |
The $25 fee is for the court assignment under MCL 700.3982; the successor's affidavit under MCL 700.3983 is presented to asset holders rather than filed.
Source: Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.880 (probate court filing fees), last checked 2026-10-20. Courts can add copy, certification and publication costs that are not in this schedule.
The small-estate route and its cost
Michigan's simplified procedure is the affidavit of decedent's successor for delivery of assets (MCL 700.3983), for estates within $50,000 as adjusted for inflation. It is not filed with the court, so there is no court filing fee for the affidavit itself. Check the Michigan limit or see how long probate takes there.
What the court fee does not cover
The schedule above is only the court's own charge. Publishing notice to creditors in a newspaper, certified copies of letters, a fiduciary bond where the court requires one, appraisals and recording fees for real estate are billed separately by whoever provides them. Those notices also start Michigan's creditor claim period of 4 months (MCL 700.3803(1)), which usually decides how soon the estate can close. Most courts can waive or defer fees for a petitioner who cannot pay; the clerk's office has the request form.
Related: probate court fees compared · what probate is · all fee schedules.
Court fees only, read from the official schedule on 2026-10-20. Not legal advice; Probate Clock does not refer anyone to lawyers. Fee waivers are usually available to people who cannot pay — ask the court clerk.