Michigan Probate Costs: Court Fees, Inventory Fees, and Records

Michigan probate costs depend on the filing path, estate value, certified copy needs, publication, title work, and professional help. The probate court can confirm payment methods and local copy charges.

This article focuses on court and record costs. Attorney fees, tax work, real estate work, appraisals, and disputes can change the total.

For the guide version, see Michigan probate costs and court fees.

Michigan Court Filing Fees

Michigan Courts publishes probate court fee tables. The February 2025 table lists these statewide probate court fees for decedent estate cases:

The table says the petition filing fee does not include the estate inventory fee.

Inventory Fee

Michigan decedent estates can have an inventory fee based on estate value. Michigan Courts identifies the inventory fee as tied to MCL 600.871 and the value of estate assets.

That means the lowest filing fee may not be the total court cost. Check whether the estate must file an inventory and whether the inventory fee applies.

Small-Estate Costs

A small-estate assignment under MCL 700.3982 still uses a probate court filing. The petition and order for assignment path may save time when it fits, but it is not free.

The successor affidavit under MCL 700.3983 often avoids opening a full estate. A bank, transfer agent, or title issue may still create copy, notary, certified death certificate, or court-order costs.

For the forms, compare Michigan probate forms and the Michigan small-estate affidavit guide.

Death Certificate Costs

Michigan MDHHS lists a $34 basic search fee for a certified copy of a Michigan vital record.

Many families order several copies because banks, title companies, vehicle title transfers, insurance companies, and court filings may ask for one.

Online orders through the authorized vendor can add rush or processing fees.

Vehicle and Real Estate Costs

Vehicle title transfers use Michigan Secretary of State title rules. Fees can vary by transaction, registration choice, lien status, and whether the vehicle needs a duplicate title.

Real estate may require county recording fees, certified death records, transfer tax review, and title work. MCL 207.526 lists state real estate transfer tax exemptions, but a county register of deeds may still require review before recording.

Use Transfer Property After Death in Michigan for the asset-by-asset transfer path.

Professional Fees

Michigan probate can involve attorney fees, tax preparation, appraisal, real estate, and accounting work. Ask for a written fee agreement and separate court fees, professional fees, publication costs, title costs, and copy costs.

Professional help may be useful when the estate has real estate, family conflict, creditor disputes, business assets, tax issues, or unclear title. If the personal representative expects payment for fiduciary work, compare court costs with Michigan executor compensation.

Cost Checklist

Track:

• Probate court filing fee
• Inventory fee
• Publication cost
• Certified death certificates
• Certified court copies
• Vehicle title or duplicate title fees
• Register of deeds recording costs
• Appraisals or valuation work
• Attorney and tax professional fees

For tax issues, see the Michigan estate tax and inheritance tax guide.

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Sources:

• Title: Probate Court Fee Tables. Publisher: Michigan Courts. Publication Date: February 2025. URL: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/court-administration/resources/pfee.pdf
• Title: MCL 700.3982, Court order distributing small estates. Publisher: Michigan Legislature. Publication Date: Michigan Compiled Laws current through PA 9 of 2026. URL: https://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-700-3982
• Title: MCL 700.3983, Collection of personal property by sworn statement. Publisher: Michigan Legislature. Publication Date: Michigan Compiled Laws current through PA 9 of 2026. URL: https://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-700-3983
• Title: Fees. Publisher: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Publication Date: not listed. URL: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords/additonal-information/fees_1
• Title: MCL 207.526, Written instruments and transfers of property exempt from tax. Publisher: Michigan Legislature. Publication Date: Michigan Compiled Laws current through PA 9 of 2026. URL: https://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-207-526

This article provides general Michigan probate cost information. Verify current fees with the county probate court, Michigan Courts, MDHHS, Secretary of State, and county register of deeds before filing.