Search Monroe County Probate Records
Monroe County probate court records stretch back to 1817, making this one of the oldest collections in Michigan. The probate court in Monroe is part of the 38th Circuit and handles a full range of filings including estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health cases. You can search for Monroe County probate records online through the MiCOURT portal, in person at the courthouse, or by mail. The court also operates special programs like the Mental Health Recovery Court and Veterans Treatment Court. This page covers all the ways to access probate court records in Monroe County.
Monroe County Overview
Monroe County Probate Court Office
The Monroe County Probate Court is at 106 E. First St. in Monroe. The court has jurisdiction over estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions, name changes, and mental health cases. Under MCL 700.1302, the probate court holds exclusive authority over most of these case types. With records going back more than 200 years, Monroe County has one of the longest-running probate archives in the state.
Monroe County sits in the far southeast corner of Michigan, along the Ohio border. The county has a population of about 155,000 and processes a steady volume of probate cases. The court has two circuit court locations and two district court divisions in addition to the probate court. All probate filings must use SCAO-approved forms per MCL 600.855.
How to Search Monroe County Probate Records
Monroe County probate records are searchable online through the MiCOURT Case Search portal. This free statewide tool lets you search by party name, case number, or attorney. It covers basic case information including filing dates, case status, and docket entries. This is the easiest way to start a search from home.
In-person searches work well too. Visit the courthouse at 106 E. First St. in Monroe. The clerk can pull up cases by name or case number. Most records are available for viewing at the counter. For historical records going back to 1817, some files may be stored in archival formats. Call ahead at (734) 240-7300 if you need a very old record.
Mail requests are accepted at 106 E. First St., Monroe, MI 48161. Include the person's name, case number if known, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Certified copies cost $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Standard copies follow typical county rates.
The Monroe County government website has details about the probate court and local services.
Check the county site for court hours and contact details for the Monroe County Probate Court.
Estate Cases in Monroe County
When someone in Monroe County dies, their estate may need to go through probate. Michigan offers informal probate at about $150 to $190, formal probate at $170 to $210 or more, and the small estate affidavit process under MCL 700.3982 for estates under $15,000. The small estate path is the fastest and cheapest option. The court can provide the right form for each process.
Inventory fees follow MCL 600.871 and are based on the total value of the estate. All filings must use SCAO forms from the state forms page. The personal representative has duties under MCL 700.1101. Each document filed becomes part of the Monroe County probate court record.
Special Court Programs
Monroe County Probate Court operates two specialty programs. The Mental Health Recovery Court provides structured treatment and supervision for people with mental health issues who are involved in the court system. The Veterans Treatment Court serves military veterans who come before the probate court with mental health or substance use cases. Both programs are designed to provide support and reduce repeat court involvement.
These specialty courts create their own set of records within the probate court system. Access to some of these records may be restricted due to the sensitive nature of mental health and treatment information. Contact the court for details on what is available.
The MiCOURT portal lets you search Monroe County probate court records online for free.
Use MiCOURT to look up cases by name or case number before visiting the Monroe County courthouse.
Guardianship Records in Monroe County
Guardianship and conservatorship filings are part of the Monroe County probate court record. Filing costs range from $105 to $495 depending on the type. The court sets hearings and notifies all interested parties. You can search existing cases online through MiCOURT or in person at the courthouse.
The Michigan Legal Help website has free guides on these topics. The State Bar of Michigan can help you find a probate attorney in the Monroe area. The Michigan Courts website has general information about probate rules.
Note: Monroe County has been filing guardianship records since 1817.
Filing at Monroe County Probate Court
All filings must use SCAO-approved forms. Common ones include PC 558 for informal probate and PC 559 for formal petitions. Once accepted, the court assigns a case number. Electronic filing through MiFILE may be available for some case types. Check with the court to see which filings qualify.
Nearby Counties
Nearby courts that handle probate records: