Midland County Probate Records Search
Midland County probate court records have been on file since 1856, giving this central Michigan county a deep archive of estate and guardianship filings. The probate court in Midland is part of the 42nd Circuit and handles all probate matters for the county. Whether you need to look up a specific case, request copies of filed documents, or start a new probate proceeding, this page explains your options. The court has online case management tools and accepts filings in person. Midland County probate court records cover estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health cases.
Midland County Overview
Midland County Probate Court Office
The Midland County Probate Court is at 220 W. Ellsworth St. in Midland. The court has jurisdiction over estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health cases under MCL 700.1302. With records going back to 1856, this court has one of the more extensive collections in central Michigan. Staff can help you check if a case is on file and give you fee information for copies.
Midland County has a population of about 83,000 and a moderate probate caseload. The court has online case management capabilities, which makes it easier to track active cases. All filings must use SCAO-approved forms as required by MCL 600.855.
Searching Midland County Probate Records
You can search for Midland County probate court records in person at the courthouse. The clerk can look up cases by name or case number. Most files are available for viewing during business hours. For historical records dating back to 1856, some files may be stored in archival formats and take longer to access.
The MiCOURT Case Search tool covers Midland County cases online. It is free for basic data and lets you search by party name, case number, or attorney. This is a good place to start before visiting the courthouse. If the online search does not show your case, call (989) 832-6850.
Mail requests go to 220 W. Ellsworth St., Midland, MI 48640. Include the person's name, case number if available, payment for copies, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Copies cost about $1 to $2 per page. Certified copies are $10 for the first page plus $1 for each extra page.
The MiCOURT Case Search portal covers Midland County probate court records and other Michigan courts.
Search by name or case number to find Midland County probate cases through this free statewide tool.
Estate Filings in Midland County
When someone in Midland County dies, their estate may need to go through probate. Informal probate costs about $150 to $190 for straightforward cases. Formal probate runs $170 to $210 or more and involves greater court oversight. Small estates valued at $15,000 or less can use an affidavit under MCL 700.3982 to claim assets without a full court proceeding.
Inventory fees follow MCL 600.871 and depend on estate value. All filings use SCAO forms from the state forms page. The personal representative has duties under MCL 700.1101 including creditor notification, asset inventory, and filing accounts with the court.
Guardianship and Conservatorship Records
Midland County probate court records include all guardianship and conservatorship filings. A guardian makes personal care decisions for someone who cannot manage on their own. A conservator handles money and property. Both require a petition, hearing, and ongoing court reports. Filing costs range from $105 to $495.
You can search existing cases by the name of the ward or guardian. These records are public unless sealed. The Michigan Legal Help site has free guides. The State Bar of Michigan can help you find a local probate attorney.
Note: Midland County has held guardianship and estate records since 1856.
Filing at Midland County Probate Court
All filings at the Midland County Probate Court must use SCAO-approved forms. The court assigns a case number once your documents are accepted. Common forms include PC 558, PC 559, and PC 560. Electronic filing through MiFILE may be available. The Michigan Courts website has general probate information and court rules that apply to Midland County.
Nearby Counties
Courts near Midland County that handle probate filings: