Find Troy Probate Court Records

Oakland County Probate Court and Troy

The Oakland County Probate Court is at 1200 N. Telegraph Rd. in Pontiac, MI 48341. This is where Troy residents file probate cases. The court handles estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings under MCL 700.1302. The phone number is (248) 858-0260. Staff can answer questions about filing requirements, fees, and how to check on a case. The court is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

Troy is in the southern part of Oakland County. It is one of the most populated cities in the county. That means a large share of Oakland County probate cases come from Troy residents. Whether you are opening an estate after a death, setting up a guardianship for an aging parent, or dealing with a trust dispute, the Pontiac courthouse is where it all gets filed. The 52nd District Court, 4th Division, handles other legal matters in Troy, but probate is strictly a county-level function.

Search Troy Probate Records with Court Explorer

Oakland County runs the Court Explorer system for case searches. This tool works best when you have a case number. Type in the number and it pulls up the full docket, party names, hearing dates, and case status. For probate cases, Court Explorer shows the register of actions, which lists every filing and court event tied to the case. It is free to use and updates regularly.

The catch is that Court Explorer needs a case number for probate searches. If you only have a name, it will not help much. That is where MiCOURT comes in. MiCOURT is the statewide case search run by the Michigan courts. You can search by party name, select Oakland County, and filter to probate cases. Once you find the right case and grab the number, switch over to Court Explorer for the full details. This two-step approach works well for Troy probate court records.

Troy Estate Probate Filings

When someone in Troy passes away, their estate may go through probate at the Oakland County court. Michigan offers three ways to handle this. Formal probate has full court oversight. A judge reviews each major step. This is the path for contested wills or complicated estates with lots of assets. Informal probate is lighter. The personal representative files an application and then manages the estate with less court involvement. Most Troy estates use informal probate because it is faster and costs less.

Small estates worth $15,000 or less, not counting funeral costs, can avoid probate altogether. MCL 700.3982 allows heirs to use a simple affidavit to claim the assets. The Oakland County Probate Court has the forms for this. If the estate is just above the threshold, informal probate is usually the next best option. Filing fees in Oakland County run from about $150 to $210 depending on the type of proceeding.

The inventory fee follows the schedule in MCL 600.871. The court collects this fee when you file the estate inventory. It is based on the total value of the estate and is separate from the filing fee.

Guardianship Records in Troy

Guardianship cases for Troy residents go through Oakland County. A guardianship petition must be filed on SCAO-approved forms, which are available at the SCAO probate forms page. The court sets a hearing and notifies all interested parties. Fees vary based on the type of guardianship. A guardianship for a minor costs less to file than one for an incapacitated adult, in most cases.

Conservatorship cases follow a similar process but deal with financial matters. The court appoints someone to manage money and property for a person who cannot do it themselves. Both types of records are kept on file at the Oakland County Probate Court. You can look them up the same way you would estate records. Use MiCOURT to find the case number, then check Court Explorer for details. Sealed cases are the exception. Adoption files and some mental health records are not open to the public.

How to Get Copies of Troy Probate Court Records

Visit the Oakland County Probate Court in Pontiac for the quickest service. Standard copies cost about $1 per page. Certified copies are $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Bring the case number to speed things up. If you do not have it, the clerk can search by name, but it takes longer.

You can also request copies by mail. Send your request to Oakland County Probate Court, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI 48341. Include the case details, the specific documents you need, and payment. Under MCL 600.855, courts must maintain records and make them available following state rules. The court processes mail requests in the order they are received. Allow a couple of weeks for delivery. Phone calls to (248) 858-0260 can confirm fees and case availability before you send anything.

Note: Fee amounts may change, so always confirm with the court before mailing payment.

Legal Help for Troy Probate Matters

The Michigan Legal Help website has free self-help guides for probate cases. It covers opening estates, filing for guardianship, and more. If you need a lawyer, the State Bar of Michigan offers a referral service. The Michigan Courts website lists court rules, forms, and contact details for the Oakland County Probate Court and every other probate court in the state.

Oakland County also has legal aid organizations that serve low-income residents. These groups can sometimes help with probate matters at no cost or reduced cost. Ask the court clerk for a list of local legal aid options when you visit.

Nearby Cities

Other cities near Troy that use Oakland County or neighboring county probate courts:

• Sterling Heights
• Southfield
• Rochester Hills
• Farmington Hills
• Warren