Michigan Probate Cost Calculator & Fee Guide

Q: How long does probate take in Michigan?

Most Michigan estates take about 7 to 12 months, set by the 4-month creditor claim period after publication (or up to 3 years if no publication).

How probate costs work in Michigan

Probate in Michigan runs through the Probate Court in the county where the person lived — Wayne (Detroit), Oakland, Macomb, Kent (Grand Rapids), Genesee, Washtenaw and the state's 83 counties. Michigan sets no percentage schedule for fees, leans on cheap informal (unsupervised) administration, and adds one thing most states don't: a statutory inventory fee that scales with the estate.

1. Executor fee — reasonable, no %

MCL 700.3719: the personal representative is entitled to reasonable compensation for services — Michigan's EPIC sets no percentage. Reasonableness turns on the time, complexity and responsibility. In practice this often runs about 2% to 4% of the estate.

On a $500,000 estate, 3% is $15,000. Family members serving as PR frequently waive the fee, since it's taxable income while an inheritance is not.

2. Attorney fees — also reasonable

Under MCL 700.3721, attorney compensation is also "reasonable," reviewed by the court — no percentage schedule. A simple estate often runs a few thousand dollars; complex estates more.

3. The probate inventory fee — Michigan's twist

MCL 600.871: a court charge (not compensation) scaled to the estate's value. From $50,000–$100,000 it's $237.50 + 1/4 of 1% over $50,000; from $100,000 through $500,000 it's $362.50 + 1/8 of 1% over $100,000 (so $862.50 at $500,000). It cannot be waived for indigency, and must be paid before the estate closes. Liens on real estate are deducted.

People often mistake this for a "probate percentage," but it's a separate, modest court fee — on a $500,000 estate it's under $900, not thousands.

4. Filing, publication & other costs

Court filing fee — about $175 to commence, plus certified copies.
Publication to creditors — ~$150–$250 (MCL 700.3801); 4-month claim period from publication.
Bond — not required by default (MCL 700.3603).

5. When probate can be simplified in Michigan

Small estate affidavit / petition and assignment — for estates at or below the inflation-adjusted small-estate limit (about $53,000 for 2026, base $50,000), under MCL 700.3983 and MCL 700.3982.
Lady Bird deed, joint tenancy, POD/TOD, living trust — all bypass probate.

Note: Michigan has no estate tax and no inheritance tax — only the federal estate tax (which reaches very few estates) applies.

Cost component	Michigan figure	Source
Executor fee	Reasonable (no %); ~2–4%	700.3719
Attorney fee	Reasonable; court-reviewed	700.3721
Inventory fee	Scaled to estate; ~$863 at $500k	600.871
Small estate limit	~$53,000 for 2026 (base $50k)	700.3983
State estate / inheritance tax	None	Michigan Treasury

Michigan probate cost — frequently asked questions

How much does probate cost in Detroit / Grand Rapids?

The fee rules are statewide; only the county probate court differs. In Wayne County (Detroit), Oakland, Macomb or Kent (Grand Rapids), a straightforward $500,000 informal estate often totals $10,000–$20,000 — mostly the reasonable executor and attorney fees — plus the ~$863 inventory fee and a ~$175 filing fee. Michigan has no state estate tax.

What exactly is the Michigan inventory fee?

It's a court charge under MCL 600.871, scaled to the estate's value — not the executor's or attorney's pay. On a $100,000 estate it's $362.50; on $500,000, $862.50; on $1,000,000, about $1,175. It can't be waived for indigency and must be paid before closing. People confuse it with a "probate percentage," but it's modest and separate.

Did the Michigan small estate limit change?

The base is $50,000, but it's adjusted for inflation, so the 2026 figure is about $53,000 (MCL 700.3982/3983, adjusted under MCL 700.1210). Many older guides still quote the $50,000 base. Estates at or below the current figure can use the small estate affidavit or petition and assignment.

Is the executor fee a set percentage in Michigan?

No. Michigan uses a reasonable-compensation standard (MCL 700.3719) with no statutory percentage. In practice it often lands around 2–4% of the estate, but the court judges it on the actual work, complexity and time — keep a time log to support it.

How long does probate take in Michigan?

Most Michigan estates take about 7–12 months, set by the 4-month creditor claim period after publication (or up to 3 years if no publication).

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Michigan sets no statutory fee percentage; executor and attorney fees are "reasonable" under MCL 700.3719 and 700.3721. The probate inventory fee is set by MCL 600.871 and scales with the estate (liens on real estate are deducted). The small-estate limit is inflation-adjusted (about $53,000 for 2026, base $50,000). Michigan has no state estate or inheritance tax. Confirm current figures with the county Probate Court or a licensed Michigan attorney before acting.