Probate cost · Michigan
Probate cost in Michigan
What every fee is, who sets it, and what a typical estate actually pays end to end.
Probate in Michigan costs about $23,255 to $36,675 for a $500,000 estate. The Probate Court charges $175 to open the case. Executor and attorney fees are the largest line items, set under § 700.3982. Publication, bond, and appraisal add $580-$4,000.
Fee breakdown
Every probate cost in Michigan, itemized. Amounts vary by county and by estate complexity.
| Court filing fee | $175 | Probate Court filing fee. Add inventory fee scaled to estate value (see MCL 600.871). |
|---|---|---|
| Publication of notice | $80 - $300 | Newspaper notice to creditors, required in most counties. |
| Executor bond | $200 - $2,500 | Often waived by the will. When required, premium is ~0.5% of the estate value. |
| Appraisal | $300 - $1,200 | For real estate, business interests, or unique personal property. |
| Executor fee | $12,500 on $500k | §700.3719: reasonable compensation, no statutory percentage. Practitioners commonly bill 2-3% of the estate. |
| Attorney fee | $10,000 - $20,000 on $500k | Attorney fees are reasonable and typically 2-4% of the probate estate. |
Total by estate size
Estimated total probate cost in Michigan across three common estate sizes. Uses statutory fees where Michigan has them, market ranges where it doesn't.
| $200,000 estate | $9,755 - $17,175 |
|---|---|
| $500,000 estate | $23,255 - $36,675 |
| $1,000,000 estate | $45,755 - $69,175 |
Ranges assume an uncontested estate with one parcel of real property. Contested estates, out-of-state assets, and businesses add cost.
How to reduce probate cost in Michigan
- If the estate is under $25,000, use a small estate affidavit instead of full probate.
- Convert accounts to payable-on-death and beneficiary designations before death. Those assets bypass probate entirely.
- Use a revocable living trust for real estate to avoid the Probate Court probate process.
- Ask the will to waive bond. That saves the $200-$2,500 premium.
- For clean, uncontested estates, use a cost calculator first so you know what to expect before hiring counsel.
Common questions
How much does probate cost in Michigan?
Total probate cost in Michigan for a $500,000 estate typically runs $23,255 to $36,675. A $200,000 estate costs about $9,755-$17,175, a $1M estate $45,755-$69,175. Court filing alone is $175.
Who pays probate fees in Michigan?
The estate pays every probate cost from estate assets before heirs receive anything. Executor and attorney fees, the Probate Court filing fee, publication, and bond premiums all come out of the estate under § 700.3982.
Can I reduce probate cost?
Yes. Using the small estate affidavit skips full probate when the estate is under the state threshold ($25,000 in Michigan). Beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and living trusts also keep assets out of probate entirely.
What is the executor fee in Michigan?
§700.3719: reasonable compensation, no statutory percentage. Practitioners commonly bill 2-3% of the estate.
How long does it take to pay these fees?
Filing and publication are paid at filing. Executor and attorney fees are approved by the Probate Court at the end, typically 10 months after opening the estate.
Where in Michigan
In Michigan, probate fees are paid at the Probate Court in the county where your relative lived at death. These three counties handle the largest caseload.
- County seat
Wayne County
Probate Court - courthouse in Detroit
- County seat
Oakland County
Probate Court - courthouse in Pontiac
- County seat
Macomb County
Probate Court - courthouse in Mount Clemens
Every Michigan county has its own Probate Court clerk. Filing fees and processing time vary by county.
Other tasks in Michigan
Related: Probate in Michigan · Cost calculator · Probate timeline