Rochester Hills Probate Records
Rochester Hills probate court records are kept at the Oakland County Probate Court in Pontiac. The city does not operate its own probate court. All estate filings, guardianship petitions, and conservatorship cases for Rochester Hills residents go through Oakland County. The county has online case search tools that let you look up records from home, and the courthouse in Pontiac accepts walk-in visits. This page covers how to find Rochester Hills probate court records, what search tools to use, and what you need to know about filing or requesting copies of probate documents.
Rochester Hills Overview
Oakland County Probate Court for Rochester Hills
The Oakland County Probate Court sits at 1200 N. Telegraph Rd. in Pontiac, MI 48341. It handles all probate matters for Rochester Hills. The court has jurisdiction over estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health cases under MCL 700.1302. Rochester Hills is in the northern part of Oakland County, and the drive to Pontiac takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The court is open Monday through Friday. Call (248) 858-0260 for general questions about cases, fees, or hours.
The 52nd District Court, 3rd Division, serves Rochester Hills for non-probate matters. It handles traffic tickets, small claims, and misdemeanor cases. Probate is not part of the district court's work. All estate and guardianship filings must go through the county court in Pontiac. This is how Michigan's court system works. Probate is always at the county level, regardless of city size.
Search Rochester Hills Probate Records
Oakland County provides the Court Explorer tool for searching court records online. For probate cases, you need a case number. Enter it and Court Explorer pulls up the docket, filing history, party names, and hearing schedule. The tool is free and straightforward. If you already know the case number, this is the quickest way to check the status of a Rochester Hills probate case.
When you do not have a case number, use the MiCOURT Case Search first. MiCOURT lets you search by party name across Michigan courts. Pick Oakland County, select probate court, and type the name. MiCOURT returns matching cases with their numbers. Then take that number to Court Explorer for the full details. This process works well for finding Rochester Hills probate court records tied to a specific person.
Some records are not available online. Sealed cases, adoption files, and certain mental health proceedings are restricted under state law.
The MiCOURT Case Search lets you look up probate cases by name across Oakland County and other Michigan courts.
Use MiCOURT to find case numbers, then check Court Explorer for detailed docket information.
Rochester Hills Estate Probate Process
After a death in Rochester Hills, the estate may need probate at the Oakland County court. Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code, MCL 700.1101, governs the process. There are three main paths available. Formal probate gives the court full oversight. A judge reviews each step and approves major decisions. This is the route for contested estates. Informal probate lets the personal representative manage things with less court involvement. It works when the will is clear and nobody is contesting it. This is the most common choice for Rochester Hills estates.
Estates valued at $15,000 or less after funeral costs can use the small estate affidavit process under MCL 700.3982. No full probate case is needed. The court has the forms. For regular probate, filing fees in Oakland County range from $150 to $210. Inventory fees are separate and follow MCL 600.871, calculated based on estate value. All filings require SCAO-approved forms, available at the SCAO probate forms page.
Guardianship Filings for Rochester Hills
Guardianship and conservatorship cases for Rochester Hills residents go to the Oakland County Probate Court. A guardianship gives one person the right to make decisions for someone who cannot make them on their own. A conservatorship handles money and property. Both require a petition on SCAO forms, a filing fee, and a court hearing. All interested parties must be notified before the hearing takes place.
Filing fees for guardianship cases generally range from $105 to $495. The exact amount depends on the type of case. These records are public unless sealed by the court. You can search for them the same way you search for estate records, using Court Explorer and MiCOURT. The court clerk can help with questions about the filing process and fee amounts.
Note: Rochester Hills residents should allow extra time for travel to Pontiac when they have scheduled court hearings.
How to Get Copies of Rochester Hills Probate Records
Copies are available at the Oakland County Probate Court in Pontiac. Standard copies cost about $1 per page. Certified copies run $10 for the first page and $1 per page after. You can get copies in person or by mail. For mail requests, send the case number, the documents you need, and a check or money order to the court at 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI 48341. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Under MCL 600.855, the court must maintain records and make them available to the public.
Call (248) 858-0260 first to confirm current fees. That way you send the right amount and avoid delays.
Legal Resources for Rochester Hills
Free help with probate matters is available at Michigan Legal Help. The site walks you through common probate tasks step by step. The State Bar of Michigan has a lawyer referral program if you need professional help. The Michigan Courts website has forms, rules, and contact details for all courts in the state. Oakland County legal aid groups may also assist with probate cases for qualifying residents.
Nearby Cities
Residents of these nearby cities also file probate cases through Oakland County or neighboring county courts: