Keweenaw County Probate Court Records
Keweenaw County probate court records are held at the courthouse in Eagle River, Michigan. Keweenaw is the least populated county in Michigan, sitting at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula. The Keweenaw County Probate Court is part of the 12th Circuit and handles estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health cases. The court has a Will Book covering 1866 to 1938, which is available on FamilySearch. If you need to search for a probate case or get copies of old wills and estate filings, this page explains how to access Keweenaw County probate court records.
Keweenaw County Overview
Keweenaw County Probate Court Details
The Keweenaw County Probate Court is at 5095 Fourth St. in Eagle River. It shares the 12th Circuit with Houghton and Baraga counties. The court has jurisdiction over all probate matters under MCL 700.1302. With a population of just over 2,000 people, Keweenaw County has the lightest caseload of any probate court in Michigan. New filings are rare, which means the court staff often has more time for individual requests. Most of the historical records here are tied to the copper mining families that settled the peninsula in the 1800s.
The Will Book from 1866 to 1938 is one of the most notable records in Keweenaw County. It has been digitized and is available on FamilySearch for free online viewing. This is a valuable resource for genealogy researchers. All current filings follow the same rules as every other Michigan county. SCAO-approved forms are required under MCL 600.855. The Estates and Protected Individuals Code (MCL 700.1101) governs all proceedings.
How to Search Keweenaw County Probate Records
The MiCOURT Case Search tool is the main online option for Keweenaw County probate court records. Select Keweenaw County, choose Probate, and type in a name or case number. Results show filing dates, case types, parties, and docket entries. It is free. Given the small population, there are far fewer cases to search through here than in most counties. Not all cases may be in MiCOURT, particularly older ones.
For records not in the online system, call (906) 337-1927. The clerk can tell you if a case exists and how to get copies. In-person visits to the courthouse in Eagle River are the most direct way to access files. This is a remote area, so plan your trip. Mail requests are accepted at 5095 Fourth St., Eagle River, MI 49950. Include the person's name, case number if you have it, and payment for copies.
The Keweenaw County website has contact information for the probate court and other county offices in Eagle River.
Visit the site for hours, phone numbers, and information about county services.
Keweenaw County Estate Filings
Estate cases in Keweenaw County follow Michigan law. Informal probate uses Form PC 558. Formal probate uses Form PC 559. Small estates under $15,000 can use an affidavit under MCL 700.3982. Filing fees range from about $150 to $210. The inventory fee is set by MCL 600.871 based on estate value. Because Keweenaw County has such a small population, new estate filings are infrequent. But the historical records going back to the 1860s are significant for researchers.
Copy fees are standard. Plain copies cost $1 to $2 per page. Certified copies are about $10 for the first page and $1 for additional pages. All forms are at the SCAO probate forms page.
Historical Records and Genealogy
Keweenaw County's Will Book from 1866 to 1938 is a key resource for anyone researching family history in the Upper Peninsula. The copper mines brought immigrants from Finland, Cornwall, Italy, and other places to this area. Many of their wills and estate records are in the Keweenaw County probate court files. FamilySearch has digitized the Will Book and it can be viewed online for free. For records not on FamilySearch, contact the courthouse or try the Archives of Michigan in Lansing.
The Michigan Courts website has broader information about court records across the state. The State Bar of Michigan can connect you with a probate attorney if you need legal help. Michigan Legal Help has free self-help guides for handling probate matters without a lawyer.
Note: Keweenaw County's Will Book (1866-1938) is digitized on FamilySearch and free to view online.
Guardianship Records in Keweenaw County
Keweenaw County probate court records include guardianship and conservatorship filings. These are rare given the tiny population. Case files include petitions, medical reports, bonds, and court orders. Form PC 625 starts an adult guardianship. Form PC 630 starts a conservatorship. Both are on the SCAO forms page. The clerk can help you with any filing questions.
Nearby Counties
These Upper Peninsula counties are near Keweenaw: