List of Forms

This list of forms is designed to give you an overview of probate proceedings and it is for information purposes. It is not a substitute for legal advice. Lapeer Probate Court staff cannot tell you what to do and forms to use. If you need legal advice and/or help with understanding the forms, you should speak with an attorney.

Forms

Informal Probate Proceedings

An estate can be opened informally or formally. The informal process begins by filing an Application, along with the other required paperwork by an interested person. If the application is granted, a Personal Representative will be appointed by the Probate Register and Letters of Authority will be issued. A hearing is not required. The following documentation is necessary to open the estate:

PC 558 - Application for Informal Probate and/or appointment of Personal Representative
MC 97 - Protected Personal Identifying Information
PC 565 – Testimony to Identify Heirs
PC 568 – Registers Statement
PC 571 – Acceptance of Appointment
MC 97a – Addendum to Protected Personal Identifying Information
PC 572 – Letters of Authority for Personal Representative
PC 573 – Notice of Appointment and Duties of Personal Representative
Copy of the decedent’s death certificate
Original Will (if applicable)

The following forms may be necessary based upon your particular situation.

PC 566 – Supplemental Testimony to Identify Non-Heir Devisee
PC 567 – Renunciation of Right to Appt., Nomination of Personal Rep., and Waiver of Notice
PC 557 – Notice of Intent to Request Informal Appt of Personal Representative
PC 563a -Publication of Notice
PC 564 - Proof of Service
PC 606 – Appearance of Parent – Required if an interested person is a minor

Formal Probate Proceedings

Formal proceedings begin with the filing of a Petition, along with the necessary documentation. The matter will be schedule for a hearing before the Probate Court Judge. If granted, the Judge will issue an Order of Formal Proceedings, which may appoint the Personal Representative, determine heirs, and admit the decedent’s will. The following documentation is necessary to open the estate:

PC 559 – Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative
MC 97 – Protected Personal Identifying Information
PC 565 – Testimony to Identify Heirs
PC 569 – Order of Formal Proceedings
PC 571 – Acceptance of Appointment
PC 572 - Letters of Authority for Personal Representative
MC 97a – Addendum to Protected Personal Identifying Information
PC 573 – Notice of Appointment and Duties of Personal Representative
Notice of Hearing
Proof of Service
Copy of decedent’s death certificate
Original Will (if applicable)

The following forms may be necessary based on your particular situation.

PC 566 – Supplemental Testimony to Identify Non-Heir Devisee
PC 567 – Renunciation of Right to Appt., Nomination of Personal Rep., and Waiver of Notice
PC 561 - Waiver and Consent
PC 570 – Bond of Fiduciary (Applicable if ordered by the Judge)
PC 563a – Publication of Notice

FEES: for either type of proceeding the filing fee is $175.00. This fee is not refundable. Certified copies of the Letters of Authority are $11.00 each. There will also be an Inventory Fee due based on the value of the estate, which is due one year after the appointment of the personal representative, or at the time you file to close the estate, whichever occurs first. Cash, check, or money orders or are accepted. Credit cards are also accepted through a 3^rd party vendor. Refer to ON LINE services for processing credit card. All paperwork must be completed in ink and must be legible. The Court may refuse paperwork that is not in compliance with court rule.

Administering the Estate

Once appointed, the Personal Representative has many responsibilities and duties to comply with in order to properly administer the estate. The Court cannot tell you how to accomplish the administration. You may need to seek legal advice if you have questions about the process. As part of the estate administration process, the following forms may be needed:

PC 577 – Inventory
PC 574 – Notice to Creditors
PC 578 – Personal Representative’s Notice to Friend of the Court
PC 584 – Account of Fiduciary
PC 587 – Notice of Continued Administration – Must be filed annually and served on all interested parties if the estate is not closed within one year.

Closing the Estate

There are different ways to close an estate and the following are forms that may be used depending on your situation.

PC 591 - Sworn Statement
PC 590 – Sworn Statement – Summary Proceedings
PC 592 – Certificate of Completion
PC 593 – Petition for Complete Estate Settlement
PC 596 - Schedule of Distributions & Payment of Claims
PC 584 – Account of Fiduciary
PC 595 – Order for Complete Estate settlement