Filing Procedures -
Decedents Estate - Application
Checklist

1. Gather the following documents:
   Death Certificate
   Will of decedent, if applicable ( the original will must be submitted via mail to the court within 14 days of submitting the electronic copy of the will)
2. Fill out the following forms:
   1. PC558, Application for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Testate/Intestate)
      Video instructions for filling out the application
   2. PC 617, Declaration of Intent to Give Notice by Publication. Complete a seperate form PC 617 for each person to be notified by publiation
      Video instructions for filling out the declaration
   3. MC 505, Contact Information. This must be completed with the email and phone number of the petitioner and filed in order to schedule a hearing.
      Video instructions for filing out form mc 505
   4. MC 97, Protected Personal Identifying Information
      Video Instructions for Filing out Form MC 97
   5. PC565, Testimony, Interested Persons
      Video instructions for filing out form mc 565
   6. PC566, Supplemental Testimony, Interested Persons, Testate Estate (use only if decedent died with a will and named nonheirs as devisees)
      Video instructions for filling out form PC566
   7. PC571, Acceptance of Appointment
      Video instructions for filing out form PC 571
   8. MC 97a, Addendum to Protected Personal Identifying Information
      Video instructions for filing out form MC 97a
   9. PC557, Notice of Intent to Request Informal Appointment of Personal Representative (use if person seeking appointment does not have highest priority for appointment) and PC564 Proof of Service:
      • Person nominated in will
      • Surviving spouse if receiving assets under will
      • Other persons receiving assets under will
      • Surviving spouse
      • Other heirs of the decedent

      Video instructions for filling out form PC 557
      Video Instructions for filling out form PC 564
      Important Note: You MUST use these forms; you cannot draft your own document.
      

3. Click here to find out how you can file your application.
   
   
4. Submit your completed documents to the Court in the following order (as one PDF if submitting electronically):
1. WCPC99, Petitioner Filing Coversheet
2. MC 505, Contact Information
3. PC558, Application for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Testate/Intestate)
   - Note: Addresses of all interested persons must be listed on petition. If missing addresses for any interested persons with greater\equal priority to be appointed personal representative, you must arrange for publication. Click here for more information.
4. PC 617, Declaration of Intent to Give Notice by Publication
5. PC 557, Notice of Intent to Request Informal Appointment of Personal Representative and PC564 Proof of Service (only if applicable)
6. PC565, Testimony, Interested Persons
7. PC566, Supplemental Testimony, Interested Persons, Testate Estate (may not be required in every case)
8. PC571, Acceptance of Appointment
9. Copy of Death Certificate (or alternative documentation of death) will all Protected Personal Identifying Information redacted pursuant to MCR 5.302
10. Copy of Will (if applicable) with all Protected Personal Identifying Information redacted pursuant to MCR 5.302
11. MC 97, Protected Personal Identifying Information with decedent’s information
12. MC 97a, Addendum to Protected Personal Identifying Information with nominated personal representative’s information
13. Death Certificate or alternative documentation of death (unredacted version)
14. Will of decedent (only if applicable) (unredacted version) – if you are submitting the filing electronically, the original will MUST be delivered to the court within 14 days of emailing your documents. Deliver the ORIGINAL, unredacted Will via drop box or mail to:
    
    • Wayne County Probate Court
      Attn: Probate Counter
      1305 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
      Detroit, Mich. 48226

5. Filing Fee

   i. $175 Filing Fee
   ii. $12 Certified Letter of Autority Fee
   iii. If you file electronically or by fax, you will receive a notification to pay with the amount of your total fees, once your filing has been accepted.
   iv. Fees can be paid:
   
   1) electronically via ePayment online or
   2) via mail by CHECK (no out-of-state checks)or MONEY ORDER
   3) Make checks payable to: “Wayne County Probate Court”
   4) Mail checks/money order along with a letter with your case # referencing what the payment is for to:
   

   Wayne County Probate Court
   

   1305 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
   

   2 Woodward Ave.
   

   Detroit, MI. 48226
   
   v. A fee waiver request can be submitted together with your petition. Click here to learn about the fee waiver process.
   NOTE: Once accepted for filing refunds will not be given.
6. Letters of Authority

   i. Once your paperwork is processed and you have paid the $12 fee you will be sent Letters of Authority
   ii. They will be sent via email with an electronic certification
   iii. If you did not provide an email address they will be mailed to you