Estates - Probate Court - Tuscola County

Estates & Trusts

Estates

There are many different types of Estates that may be opened in the Probate Court. Formal Estate, which is opened with a petition, goes before the Judge who will make a ruling determining who shall be appointed as Personal Representative. Informal Estate, which is opened with an application and presented to the Register or Deputy Register to determine who shall be appointed as Personal Representative. Small Estate, which is opened and closed in the same day and only issues assets (under $22,000) to the heirs at law.

Other than the initial proceedings, there are also other types of Estate filings that may take place. Petition to Reopen an Estate, which is presented to the Judge to determine if good cause is shown to reopen, normally completed when the Estate was administratively closed due to the fiduciary not fulfilling their duties. Application to Reopen an Estate, which is presented to the Register or Deputy Register to determine if good cause is shown to reopen, normally completed when the Estate was properly closed by Personal Representative and new assets are found. Appointment of Successor Personal Representative, presented to the Court to remove Personal Representative and have a Successor appointed.

Trusts

Trusts are seldom registered with Probate Court but may be by filing a Registration of Trust. This is completed by filing only one form and paying the filing fee. When this is done, it is determined that if at any point throughout the course of the trust's existence, something would need to be changed/updated/deleted within the trust, a Petition to Modify shall be filed with the Tuscola County Probate Court.

Formal Estate

Tuscola County Probate Court

Instructions for appointment of Personal Representative by petition

Please read carefully

Court personnel cannot give legal advice

The forms must be fully and accurately completed. The failure to comply with the below instructions will result in the Court rejecting your petition. Should you be unable to understand or complete the forms as directed below, you should then contact an attorney for assistance.

Public act 386 of 1998, as amended by public act 52 of a 1999, court personnel shall not provide or offer to provide legal advice or legal counsel to a fiduciary or an interested person and shall not complete a form, petition, or document for a fiduciary or interested person.

  1. Filing Procedure
    1. Present the forms which have been typed or printed legibly to the Clerk in the Probate Court, 440 N. State St., Caro, MI 48723. We may be reached by phone at (989) 672-3850.
    2. A hearing date will be set by the Clerk.
    3. It is the responsibility of the petitioner to serve the interested persons, and file the original forms with the court.
  2. Fees

    The court will accept:

    Cash, money orders, or personal checks (w/ driver's license & phone number)

    1. Petition to Appoint Personal Representative -- $150
    2. Electronic Filing System Fee - $25
    3. Letters of Authority -- $12/Certified Copy
    4. Inventory Fee -- TBD by amount of assets

    Other fees that may apply:

    1. Publication fee in a Legal News (when applicable) -- TBD
    2. Any other photo copies -- $1/page
  3. Petition for Probate/Appointment of Personal Representative

    This form must be completely filled out, and signed before the court will accept if for filing.

  4. Testimony to Identify Heirs

    This form must be completely filled out, and then signed in front of a notary or the probate court staff.

  5. Supplemental Testimony

    This form is used only if; 1. There is a will and 2. There are individuals named in the will to receive something who are not heirs.

  6. Notice of Hearing

    Notice of Hearing form shows the date, time, place, and assigned Judge. You, the petitioner, must attend the hearing or your petition will be dismissed; and you will have to begin the process again.

    This form must be filled out completely except for the date and time of hearing, which will be completed by the court staff.

  7. Waiver and Consent

    This form is used if someone wants to waive the notice of hearing, and consent to the petition filed with the court.

  8. Proof of Service

    It is your responsibility to "serve" the parties with a copy of the petition, testimony, and notice of hearing. If you do not complete service, your hearing will have to be adjourned. The Proof of Service form must be completed and returned to the Court at least two (2) days prior to the day of the hearing.

    The interested parties must be served in one of the following manners:

    1. By personal service at least 7 days prior to the date of the hearing
    2. By first class mail at least 14 days prior to the hearing
    3. By publication at least 14 days prior to the date of the hearing if the address or whereabouts of interested persons are unknown. When publishing for unknown whereabouts, you will also be required to file a Declaration of Intent to Give Notice (one per unknown individual).
  9. Hearing

    Your hearing date is a time certain, failure to appear for a scheduled hearing will result in your petition being dismissed; and the loss of your filing fee.

  10. Notice of Appointment

    This form should be completed after your hearing, and filed with the court throughout the course of the estate be administered.

  11. Notice to Creditors

    You are required to publish for creditors on behalf of the deceased. The original form shall be filed with the court. After filing, a copy should be taken to the publication company. The Personal Representative is responsible for the fee associated with the publication.

  12. Inventory

    This form must be completed within 91 days of the appointment of personal representative. This is an inventory fee assessed on the assets. This fee is required to be paid at the time of closing the estate, or on the year anniversary of the estate being open, whichever occurs first.

  13. Sworn Statement to Close

    This form will be used when the personal representative is ready to close the estate. This form must be signed in front of a notary. This form will not be accepted if the inventory fee for the estate has not been paid.

  14. Certificate of Completion

    This form is used to finalize and close the estate. After filing the Sworn Statement to Close, all interested parties have 28 days to file an objection to the closing of the estate. After the 28 days pass, this form shall be submitted to the court for closing of the file.

  15. Account of Fiduciary

    This form is not required to be filed with the court, if you choose to file it with the court there is a $20 filing fee.

    You are required to show all interested parties of the estate the income and disbursements that took place during the administration of the estate. You may use this form, or create your own form to accomplish this requirement.

  16. Copies

    It is your responsibility to make copies of this paperwork for all interested parties. Bring at least one copy of the paperwork with you to the Court when you file your case. If you prefer that the Court make the copies for you, the charge is $1/page.

    NOTE: It is the Personal Representative's responsibility to serve all interested parties copies of all forms filed with the court.

  17. Forms needed when filing Formal Estate
  18. Other forms that must accompany paperwork when filing Formal Estate
    • Original Will (if applicable)
    • Copy of Death Certificate
  19. Forms needed after Appointment of Personal Representative
  20. Other forms that may be needed

Informal Estate

Tuscola County Probate Court

Instructions for appointment of Personal Representative

Please read carefully

Court personnel cannot give legal advice

The forms must be fully and accurately completed. The failure to comply with the below instructions will result in the Court rejecting your petition. Should you be unable to understand or complete the forms as directed below, you should then contact an attorney for assistance.

Public act 386 of 1998, as amended by public act 52 of a 1999, court personnel shall not provide or offer to provide legal advice or legal counsel to a fiduciary or an interested person and shall not complete a form, petition, or document for a fiduciary or interested person.

  1. Filing Procedure

    1. Present the forms which have been typed or printed legibly to the Clerk in the Probate Court, 440 N. State St., Caro, MI 48723. We may be reached by phone at (989) 672-3850.
    2. It is the responsibility of the petitioner to serve the interested persons, and file the original forms with the court.
  2. Fees

    The court will accept:

    Cash, money orders, or personal checks (w/ driver’s license & phone number)

    1. Application to Appoint Personal Representative -- $150
    2. Electronic Filing System Fee - $25
    3. Letters of Authority -- $12/Certified Copy
    4. Inventory Fee -- TBD by amount of assets

    Other fees that may apply:

    1. Publication fee in a Legal News (when applicable) -- TBD
    2. Any other photo copies -- $1/page
  3. Application for Informal Probate/Appointment

    This form must be completely filled out, and signed before the court will accept it for filing.

  4. Testimony to Identify Heirs

    This form must be completely filled out, and then signed in front of a notary or the probate court staff.

  5. Supplemental Testimony

    This form is used only if; 1. There is a will and 2. There are individuals named in the will to receive something who are not heirs.

  6. Renunciation

    This form is used if someone other than the nominated personal representative in the will is going to be appointed as personal representative, or if there is no will but multiple individuals have the same priority to act as personal representative.

  7. Register’s Statement

    This form is your order. It must be completely filled out, and then presented to the court staff for signature at time of filing.

  8. Acceptance of Appointment

    This form is used to accept the appointment of personal representative. This form should be completed and signed at time of filing.

  9. Letters of Authority

    This form gives you the authority to act on behalf of the deceased. You should complete your name and address, and phone number. The court staff will sign the form at time of filing.

    Please determine if you need only a copy of the letters or a certified copy ($12) before you come to the court. Let the court staff know if a certified copy is being requested so they are able to prepare that document for you at time of filing. Certified copies are good for only 90 days, so please take that into consideration when determining if a certified copy is needed for the administration of the estate.

  10. Notice of Appointment

    This form should be completely filled out before the court will accept it for filing.

  11. Notice to Creditors

    You are required to publish for creditors on behalf of the deceased. The original form shall be filed with the court. After filing, a copy should be taken to the publication company. The Personal Representative is responsible for the fee associated with the publication.

  12. Inventory

    This form must be completed within 91 days of the appointment of personal representative. There is an inventory fee assessed on the assets. This fee is required to be paid at time of closing the estate, or on the year anniversary of the estate being open, whichever occurs first.

  13. Sworn Statement to Close

    This form will be used when the personal representative is ready to close the estate. This form must be signed in front of a notary. This form will not be accepted if the inventory fee for the estate has not been paid.

  14. Certificate of Completion

    This form is used to finalize and close the estate. After filing the Sworn Statement to Close, all interested parties have 28 days to file an objection to the closing of the estate. After the 28 days pass, this form shall be submitted to the court for closing of the file.

  15. Account of Fiduciary

    This form is not required to be filed with the court, if you choose to file it with the court there is a $20 filing fee.

    You are required to show all interested parties of the estate the income and disbursements that took place during the administration of the estate. You may use this form, or create your own form to accomplish this requirement.

  16. Copies

    It is your responsibility to make copies of this paperwork for all interested parties. Bring at least one copy of the paperwork with you to the Court when you file your case. If you prefer that the Court make the copies for you, the charge is $1/page.

    NOTE: It is the Personal Representative’s responsibility to serve all interested parties copies of all forms filed with the court.

  17. Forms needed when filing Informal Estate
  18. Other forms that must accompany paperwork when filing Informal Estate
    • Original Will (if applicable)
    • Copy of Death Certificate
  19. Forms needed after Appointment of Personal Representative
  20. Other forms that may be needed

Small Estate

Tuscola County Probate Court

Instructions for petition and order for assignment

Please read carefully

Court personnel cannot give legal advice

The forms must be fully and accurately completed. The failure to comply with the below instructions will result in the Court rejecting your petition. Should you be unable to understand or complete the forms as directed below, you should then contact an attorney for assistance.

Public act 386 of 1998, as amended by public act 52 of a 1999, court personnel shall not provide or offer to provide legal advice or legal counsel to a fiduciary or an interested person and shall not complete a form, petition, or document for a fiduciary or interested person.

  1. Filing Procedure
    1. Present the forms which have been typed or printed legibly to the Clerk in the Probate Court, 440 N. State St., Caro, MI 48723. We may be reached by phone at (989) 672-3850.
  2. Fees

    The court will accept:

    Cash, money orders, or personal checks (w/ driver’s license & phone number)

    1. Petition and Order for Assignment -- $25
    2. Certified Copy of Order (if needed) -- $12
    3. Copy of Order (if needed) -- $2
    4. Inventory Fee -- TBD by amount of assets

    Other fees that may apply:

    1. Any other photo copies -- $1/page
  3. Petition and Order for Assignment

    This form must be completely filled out, and signed before the court will accept if for filing.

  4. Order of distribution

    Funds will be distributed as follows:

    1. The person who paid for the funeral, up to the amount that was paid
    2. The spouse, if left over money after reimbursing for funeral or if prepaid funeral
    3. The heirs, if left over money after reimbursing for funeral and no spouse, in equal portions
  5. Forms needed with filing Small Estate
  6. Other forms that must accompany the petition
    • Copy of Death Certificate
    • Copy of Funeral Bill, showing who paid it or the outstanding balance

Petition to Reopen

Tuscola County Probate Court

Instructions for petition to Reopen Estate

Please read carefully

Court personnel cannot give legal advice

The forms must be fully and accurately completed. The failure to comply with the below instructions will result in the Court rejecting your petition. Should you be unable to understand or complete the forms as directed below, you should then contact an attorney for assistance.

Public act 386 of 1998, as amended by public act 52 of a 1999, court personnel shall not provide or offer to provide legal advice or legal counsel to a fiduciary or an interested person and shall not complete a form, petition, or document for a fiduciary or interested person.

  1. Filing Procedure
    1. Present the forms which have been typed or printed legibly to the Clerk in the Probate Court, 440 N. State St., Caro, MI48723. We may be reached by phone at (989) 672-3850.
    2. A hearing date will be set by the Clerk.
    3. It is the responsibility of the petitioner to serve the interested persons, and file the original forms with the court.
  2. Fees

    The court will accept:

    Cash, money orders, or personal checks (w/ driver’s license & phone number)

    1. Petition to Reopen Estate -- $150
    2. Electronic Filing System Fee - $25
    3. Letters of Authority -- $12/Certified Copy
    4. Inventory Fee -- TBD by amount of assets

    Other fees that may apply:

    1. Publication fee in a Legal News (when applicable) -- TBD
    2. Any other photo copies -- $1/page
  3. Petition to Reopen Estate

    This form must be completely filled out, and signed before the court will accept if for filing.

  4. Notice of Hearing

    Notice of Hearing form shows the date, time, place, and assigned Judge. You, the petitioner, must attend the hearing or your petition will be dismissed; and you will have to begin the process again.

    This form must be filled out completely except for the date and time of hearing, which will be completed by the court staff.

  5. Waiver and Consent

    This form is used if someone wants to waive the notice of hearing, and consent to the petition filed with the court.

  6. Proof of Service

    It is your responsibility to "serve" the parties with a copy of the petition, testimony, and notice of hearing. If you do not complete service, your hearing will have to be adjourned. The Proof of Service form must be completed and returned to the Court at least two (2) days prior to the day of the hearing.

    The interested parties must be served in one of the following manners:

    1. By personal service at least 7 days prior to the date of the hearing
    2. By first class mail at least 14 days prior to the hearing
    3. By publication at least 14 days prior to the date of the hearing if the address or whereabouts of interested persons are unknown. When publishing for unknown whereabouts, you will also be required to file a Declaration of Intent to Give Notice (one per unknown individual).
  7. Hearing

    Your hearing date is a time certain, failure to appear for a scheduled hearing will result in your petition being dismissed; and the loss of your filing fee.

  8. Notice of Appointment

    This form should be completed after your hearing, and filed with the court throughout the course of the estate be administered.

  9. Notice to Creditors

    You are required to publish for creditors on behalf of the deceased. The original form shall be filed with the court. After filing, a copy should be taken to the publication company. The Personal Representative is responsible for the fee associated with the publication. – Note: This may have been done the first time the estate was open, so may not need to be done this time.

  10. Inventory

    This form must be completed within 91 days of the appointment of personal representative. This is an inventory fee assessed on the assets. This fee is required to be paid at the time of closing the estate, or on the year anniversary of the estate being open, whichever occurs first.

  11. Sworn Statement to Close

    This form will be used when the personal representative is ready to close the estate. This form must be signed in front of a notary. This form will not be accepted if the inventory fee for the estate has not been paid.

  12. Certificate of Completion

    This form is used to finalize and close the estate. After filing the Sworn Statement to Close, all interested parties have 28 days to file an objection to the closing of the estate. After the 28 days pass, this form shall be submitted to the court for closing of the file.

  13. Account of Fiduciary

    This form is not required to be filed with the court, if you choose to file it with the court there is a $20 filing fee.

    You are required to show all interested parties of the estate the income and disbursements that took place during the administration of the estate. You may use this form, or create your own form to accomplish this requirement.

  14. Copies

    It is your responsibility to make copies of this paperwork for all interested parties. Bring at least one copy of the paperwork with you to the Court when you file your case. If you prefer that the Court make the copies for you, the charge is $1/page.

    NOTE: It is the Personal Representative’s responsibility to serve all interested parties copies of all forms filed with the court.

  15. Forms needed when filing Formal Estate
  16. Forms needed after Appointment of Personal Representative
  17. Other forms that may be needed

Application to Reopen

Tuscola County Probate Court

Instructions for Application to Reopen Estate

Please read carefully

Court personnel cannot give legal advice

The forms must be fully and accurately completed. The failure to comply with the below instructions will result in the Court rejecting your petition. Should you be unable to understand or complete the forms as directed below, you should then contact an attorney for assistance.

Public act 386 of 1998, as amended by public act 52 of a 1999, court personnel shall not provide or offer to provide legal advice or legal counsel to a fiduciary or an interested person and shall not complete a form, petition, or document for a fiduciary or interested person.

  1. Filing Procedure
    1. Present the forms which have been typed or printed legibly to the Clerk in the Probate Court, 440 N. State St., Caro, MI 48723. We may be reached by phone at (989) 672-3850.
    2. It is the responsibility of the petitioner to serve the interested persons, and file the original forms with the court.
  2. Fees

    The court will accept:

    Cash, money orders, or personal checks (w/ driver’s license & phone number)

    1. Application to Reopen Estate -- $150
    2. Electronic Filing System Fee - $25
    3. Letters of Authority -- $12/Certified Copy
    4. Inventory Fee -- TBD by amount of assets

    Other fees that may apply:

    1. Publication fee in a Legal News (when applicable -- TBD
    2. Any other photo copies -- $1/page
  3. Application to Reopen Estate

    This form must be completely filled out, and signed before the court will accept it for filing.

  4. Renunciation

    This form is used if someone other than the nominated personal representative in the will is going to be appointed as personal representative, or if there is no will but multiple individuals have the same priority to act as personal representative.

  5. Register’s Statement

    This form is your order. It must be completely filled out, and then presented to the court staff for signature at time of filing.

  6. Acceptance of Appointment

    This form is used to accept the appointment of personal representative. This form should be completed and signed at time of filing.

  7. Letters of Authority

    This form gives you the authority to act on behalf of the deceased. You should complete your name and address, and phone number. The court staff will sign the form at time of filing.

    Please determine if you need only a copy of the letters or a certified copy ($12) before you come to the court. Let the court staff know if a certified copy is being requested so they are able to prepare that document for you at time of filing. Certified copies are good for only 90 days, so please take that into consideration when determining if a certified copy is needed for the administration of the estate.

  8. Notice of Appointment

    This form should be completely filled out before the court will accept it for filing.

  9. Notice to Creditors

    You are required to publish for creditors on behalf of the deceased. The original form shall be filed with the court. After filing, a copy should be taken to the publication company. The Personal Representative is responsible for the fee associated with the publication. – Note: This may have been done the first time the estate was open, so may not need to be done this time.

  10. Inventory

    This form must be completed within 91 days of the appointment of personal representative. There is an inventory fee assessed on the assets. This fee is required to be paid at time of closing the estate, or on the year anniversary of the estate being open, whichever occurs first.

  11. Sworn Statement to Close

    This form will be used when the personal representative is ready to close the estate. This form must be signed in front of a notary. This form will not be accepted if the inventory fee for the estate has not been paid.

  12. Certificate of Completion

    This form is used to finalize and close the estate. After filing the Sworn Statement to Close, all interested parties have 28 days to file an objection to the closing of the estate. After the 28 days pass, this form shall be submitted to the court for closing of the file.

  13. Account of Fiduciary

    This form is not required to be filed with the court, if you choose to file it with the court there is a $20 filing fee.

    You are required to show all interested parties of the estate the income and disbursements that took place during the administration of the estate. You may use this form, or create your own form to accomplish this requirement.

  14. Copies

    It is your responsibility to make copies of this paperwork for all interested parties. Bring at least one copy of the paperwork with you to the Court when you file your case. If you prefer that the Court make the copies for you, the charge is $1/page.

    NOTE: It is the Personal Representative’s responsibility to serve all interested parties copies of all forms filed with the court.

  15. Forms needed when filing Informal Estate
  16. Forms needed after Appointment of Personal Representative
  17. Other forms that may be needed

Request to Appoint Successor Personal Representative

Tuscola County Probate Court

Instructions for Request for Appointment of Successor Personal Representative – When Estate is not Closed

Please read carefully

Court personnel cannot give legal advice

The forms must be fully and accurately completed. The failure to comply with the below instructions will result in the Court rejecting your petition. Should you be unable to understand or complete the forms as directed below, you should then contact an attorney for assistance.

Public act 386 of 1998, as amended by public act 52 of a 1999, court personnel shall not provide or offer to provide legal advice or legal counsel to a fiduciary or an interested person and shall not complete a form, petition, or document for a fiduciary or interested person.

  1. Filing Procedure
    1. Present the forms which have been typed or printed legibly to the Clerk in the Probate Court, 440 N. State St., Caro, MI 48723. We may be reached by phone at (989) 672-3850.
    2. A hearing date will be set by the Clerk.
    3. It is the responsibility of the petitioner to serve the interested persons, and file the original forms with the court.
  2. Fees

    The court will accept:

    Cash, money orders, or personal checks (w/ driver’s license & phone number)

    1. Petition for Appt. of Successor Personal Representative -- $20
    2. Electronic Filing System Fee - $25
    3. Letters of Authority -- $12/Certified Copy
    4. Inventory Fee -- TBD by amount of assets

    Other fees that may apply:

    1. Publication fee in a Legal News (when applicable) -- TBD
    2. Any other photo copies -- $1/page
  3. Application for Appointment of Successor Personal Representative

    This form must be completely filled out, and signed before the court will accept if for filing.

  4. Notice of Hearing

    Notice of Hearing form shows the date, time, place, and assigned Judge. You, the petitioner, must attend the hearing or your petition will be dismissed; and you will have to begin the process again.

    This form must be filled out completely except for the date and time of hearing, which will be completed by the court staff.

  5. Waiver and Consent

    This form is used if someone wants to waive the notice of hearing, and consent to the petition filed with the court.

  6. Proof of Service

    It is your responsibility to “serve” the parties with a copy of the petition, testimony, and notice of hearing. If you do not complete service, your hearing will have to be adjourned. The Proof of Service form must be completed and returned to the Court at least two (2) days prior to the day of the hearing.

    The interested parties must be served in one of the following manners:

    1. By personal service at least 7 days prior to the date of the hearing
    2. By first class mail at least 14 days prior to the hearing
    3. By publication at least 14 days prior to the date of the hearing if the address or whereabouts of interested persons are unknown. When publishing for unknown whereabouts, you will also be required to file a Declaration of Intent to Give Notice (one per unknown individual).
  7. Hearing

    Your hearing date is a time certain, failure to appear for a scheduled hearing will result in your petition being dismissed; and the loss of your filing fee.

  8. Notice of Appointment

    This form should be completed after your hearing, and filed with the court throughout the course of the estate be administered.

  9. Notice to Creditors

    You are required to publish for creditors on behalf of the deceased. The original form shall be filed with the court. After filing, a copy should be taken to the publication company. The Personal Representative is responsible for the fee associated with the publication. – Note: This may have been done by the first personal representative, so may not need to be done this time.

  10. Inventory

    This form must be completed within 91 days of the appointment of personal representative. This is an inventory fee assessed on the assets. This fee is required to be paid at the time of closing the estate, or on the year anniversary of the estate being open, whichever occurs first.

  11. Sworn Statement to Close

    This form will be used when the personal representative is ready to close the estate. This form must be signed in front of a notary. This form will not be accepted if the inventory fee for the estate has not been paid.

  12. Certificate of Completion

    This form is used to finalize and close the estate. After filing the Sworn Statement to Close, all interested parties have 28 days to file an objection to the closing of the estate. After the 28 days pass, this form shall be submitted to the court for closing of the file.

  13. Account of Fiduciary

    This form is not required to be filed with the court, if you choose to file it with the court there is a $20 filing fee.

    You are required to show all interested parties of the estate the income and disbursements that took place during the administration of the estate. You may use this form, or create your own form to accomplish this requirement.

  14. Copies

    It is your responsibility to make copies of this paperwork for all interested parties. Bring at least one copy of the paperwork with you to the Court when you file your case. If you prefer that the Court make the copies for you, the charge is $1/page.

    NOTE: It is the Personal Representative’s responsibility to serve all interested parties copies of all forms filed with the court.

  15. Forms needed when filing Formal Estate
  16. Forms needed after Appointment of Successor Personal Representative
  17. Other forms that may be needed

Registration of Trust

Tuscola County Probate Court

Instructions for Registration of Trust

Please read carefully

Court personnel cannot give legal advice

The forms must be fully and accurately completed. The failure to comply with the below instructions will result in the Court rejecting your petition. Should you be unable to understand or complete the forms as directed below, you should then contact an attorney for assistance.

Public act 386 of 1998, as amended by public act 52 of a 1999, court personnel shall not provide or offer to provide legal advice or legal counsel to a fiduciary or an interested person and shall not complete a form, petition, or document for a fiduciary or interested person.

  1. Filing Procedure
    • Present the forms which have been typed or printed legibly to the Clerk in the Probate Court, 440 N. State St., Caro, MI 48723. We may be reached by phone at (989) 672-3850.
  2. Fees

    The court will accept:

    Cash, money orders, or personal checks (w/ driver’s license & phone number)

    • Registration of Trust -- $25
    • Electronic Filing System Fee - $25
  3. Forms needed when filing Formal Estate

Modifications to Trusts

Tuscola County Probate Court

Instructions for Modifications to Trusts

Please read carefully

Court personnel cannot give legal advice

The forms must be fully and accurately completed. The failure to comply with the below instructions will result in the Court rejecting your petition. Should you be unable to understand or complete the forms as directed below, you should then contact an attorney for assistance.

Public act 386 of 1998, as amended by public act 52 of a 1999, court personnel shall not provide or offer to provide legal advice or legal counsel to a fiduciary or an interested person and shall not complete a form, petition, or document for a fiduciary or interested person.

  1. Filing Procedure
    1. Present the forms which have been typed or printed legibly to the Clerk in the Probate Court, 440 N. State St., Caro, MI 48723. We may be reached by phone at (989) 672-3850.
    2. A hearing date will be set by the Clerk.
    3. It is the responsibility of the petitioner to serve the interested persons, and file the original forms with the court.
  2. Fees

    The court will accept:

    Cash, money orders, or personal checks (w/ driver’s license & phone number)

    1. Petition to Amend Trust -- $150
    2. Electronic Filing System Fee - $25

    Other fees that may apply:

    1. Publication fee in a Legal News (when applicable) -- TBD
    2. Any other photo copies -- $1/page
  3. To start a Trust Proceeding

    MCL 700.7208 states that a proceeding is initiated by filing a petition in the court and giving notice to interested person.

  4. Forms needed to start a Trust Proceeding
  5. Other forms that must accompany paperwork when filing Formal Estate
    • Copy of Trust
Tuscola County