Administrative Closing of Probate Cases

In accordance with MCL 700.3951, MCR 5.144, and MCR 5.206, the Wayne County Probate Court may administratively close a probate file. The Wayne County Probate Court has implemented the following procedures to reopen an administratively closed file: 

• All cases administratively closed on or after July 1, 2011 include an order, per MCR 5.206, that the fiduciary pay $100 for the reimbursement of court costs.

• The $100 court costs are assessed against the fiduciary only, not their attorney. 

• The individual with the outstanding order for costs is prohibited from filing any pleading in any case with the Court until the costs are paid.

• If the case is reopened by the former fiduciary, the filing fee is $175 plus the $100 in court costs. 

·       To reopen an administratively closed decedent’s estate, the fiduciary or any interested person must file an Application/Petition to Reopen Estate (PC607) and pay the filing fee of $175.00 (and $100 in court costs if reopened by the former fiduciary). If the former fiduciary is reappointed, they may be ordered to file any missing documents (e.g. Account, Inventory, Notice of Continued Administration).

·         To reopen an administratively closed guardianship or conservatorship case, the fiduciary or any interested person must file a new Petition to Appoint Guardian or Petition to Appoint Conservator, and pay the filing fee of $175.00 (and $100 in court costs if reopened by the former fiduciary). If the former Guardian or Conservator is reappointed, they may be ordered to file any missing documents (e.g. Annual Report on Condition of Ward, Account).   

 To obtain probate forms, click on the Forms tab.

Rev. 3/17