Benzie County Probate Court Records
Benzie County probate court records are held at the courthouse in Beulah, a small community in northwest Michigan. The Benzie County Probate Court is part of the 19th Circuit Court and manages estate filings, guardianship petitions, conservatorship cases, and mental health proceedings. If you need to search for a probate case or get copies of filed documents, you can visit the courthouse in person, use the statewide online search tool, or submit a request by mail. This page walks through the process of accessing probate court records in Benzie County, along with useful information about fees, forms, and local resources.
Benzie County Overview
Benzie County Court Information
The Benzie County Probate Court is at 448 Court Place, Beulah, MI 49617. Call (231) 882-9671 for questions about case status, fees, or procedures. The court is open weekdays during standard hours. Under MCL 700.1302, the Benzie County Probate Court holds exclusive jurisdiction over estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health matters. All filings must use SCAO-approved forms as required by MCL 600.855. The clerk's office can provide blank forms or point you to the SCAO website where you can print them yourself.
Benzie County is one of the smallest counties in Michigan by population. The court handles a modest number of cases each year. This often means shorter wait times and more personal attention from the court staff when you visit. Do not let the small size fool you though. The same laws and procedures that apply in Detroit or Grand Rapids apply right here in Beulah.
Searching Benzie County Probate Court Records
There are three ways to search for probate records in Benzie County. First, visit the courthouse and ask the clerk. This is the most complete option. The clerk can look up any case by name or number and let you view the file. Second, try the MiCOURT Case Search tool online. It is free and covers cases across many Michigan counties. Not every Benzie County case may be in the system, but it is a good starting point. Third, call the court at (231) 882-9671 and ask if a specific case is on file.
Copy fees are standard. Expect to pay $1 to $2 per page for regular copies. Certified copies with the court seal cost $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. If your request takes the clerk more than 10 minutes, a $10 search fee may apply. Mail requests should go to 448 Court Place, Beulah, MI 49617 with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Estate Probate Process in Benzie County
When a Benzie County resident dies, their estate may need to go through probate. The Estates and Protected Individuals Code, MCL 700.1101, sets out the rules. Informal probate works for straightforward estates. File form PC 558 with the court and pay the filing fee, which typically runs $150 to $190. The court reviews it and, if approved, issues letters of authority (form PC 560). The personal representative can then manage the estate, pay debts, and distribute assets to heirs.
Formal probate is needed for contested estates or complex situations. It uses form PC 559 and requires court hearings. The filing fee is higher, usually $170 to $210. A judge oversees the process and resolves any disputes. Both types of probate create records that become part of the permanent case file at the Benzie County courthouse.
Small estates under $15,000 (minus funeral costs) can use the affidavit process under MCL 700.3982 instead. No court case is filed. The heir fills out a form and claims the assets directly.
The Benzie County website has contact information for the probate court and other county offices in Beulah.
Check the county site for current courthouse hours and directions.
Benzie County Guardianship Records
Guardianship cases are filed at the Benzie County Probate Court when someone needs a legally appointed decision-maker. The most common cases involve elderly adults who can no longer manage their own care and minors whose parents are unavailable. Form PC 625 starts an adult guardianship case. The court holds a hearing and the judge decides if a guardianship is warranted. Filing fees are $105 to $495 depending on the case type.
Conservatorship cases deal with finances. Form PC 630 is the petition form. Once appointed, the conservator must file regular accountings with the court showing how they manage the protected person's money. These accountings are part of the Benzie County probate court records and can be viewed by the public. The court monitors these cases to make sure the protected person's interests are being served.
Fees for Benzie County Probate
The inventory fee schedule applies to all estates filed in Benzie County. MCL 600.871 sets the rates. For estates under $1,000, the fee is $5 plus 1% of the value over $500. Estates worth $1,000 to $3,000 pay a flat $25. From $10,000 to $25,000, the fee is $68.75 plus half a percent of the amount over $10,000. For estates between $100,000 and $500,000, the fee is $362.50 plus 1/8 of 1% of the amount over $100,000. These fees are set by state law and do not vary from county to county.
Filing fees, copy fees, and inventory fees are all separate. It is a good idea to call ahead and get a total estimate before you start the filing process. The clerk at (231) 882-9671 can walk you through the expected costs for your specific situation.
Note: Always verify current fee amounts before sending payment by mail to the Benzie County Probate Court.
Legal Help and Resources
Free legal help is available at Michigan Legal Help, which has guides and tools for people handling probate without a lawyer. The State Bar of Michigan can connect you with a local probate attorney through its referral service. The Michigan Courts website is the central source for court rules, fee schedules, and SCAO forms. You can get all probate forms from the SCAO probate forms page. Electronic filing through MiFILE may be available for some Benzie County case types.
Nearby Counties
These counties neighbor Benzie County and have their own probate courts: