Find Van Buren County Probate Court Records
Van Buren County probate court records are kept at the courthouse in Paw Paw, Michigan. The probate court manages estate filings, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health cases, and will contests for the entire county. Van Buren County has marriage records going back to 1836, making it one of the older collections in the state. Whether you are looking up a recent estate filing or researching a historical record, there are both in-person and online ways to search. This page covers how to find and get copies of Van Buren County probate court records.
Van Buren County Overview
Van Buren County Probate Court Office
The Van Buren County Probate Court is at 212 Paw Paw St., Suite 220, in Paw Paw, MI 49079. Call (269) 657-8225 to reach the office. Register Barbara A. Dundon oversees the court. Her email is dundonb@vbco.org. The office is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Staff can help you look up case files and get copies of records. The courthouse is in downtown Paw Paw and easy to get to.
Van Buren County sits in the 36th Circuit Court district. The probate court has jurisdiction over all estate, trust, guardianship, and conservatorship cases in the county. Michigan law under MCL 700.1302 gives the probate court authority over these types of matters. The court also handles mental health commitments and some juvenile matters. All filings must use SCAO-approved forms. Those are free to download from the SCAO probate forms page.
Van Buren County has some of the oldest records in southwest Michigan. Marriage records date back to 1836. Historical probate files may go back nearly as far. If you are doing genealogy work, this county has a deep collection worth searching.
How to Search Van Buren County Probate Records
The MiCOURT Case Search portal is the main online tool for Van Buren County probate court records. Select Van Buren County and the probate court type. Then enter a party name or case number. The results show filing dates, case status, parties, and docket entries. This works well for cases filed in recent years. Older records may not show up in the online system.
For records not in MiCOURT, contact the court directly. Call (269) 657-8225 or email Register Barbara A. Dundon at dundonb@vbco.org. Staff can look up cases in the local system. If you know the full name and a rough date range, that speeds up the search. You can also visit the courthouse to search in person. The clerk's office will pull files for you to look at right there at the counter.
Note: Van Buren County marriage records go back to 1836, but older probate files may need to be retrieved from storage.
The SCAO probate forms page has all the official forms used at the Van Buren County Probate Court.
All Michigan probate courts, including Van Buren County, require SCAO-approved forms for every filing.
Copies of Van Buren County Probate Court Records
You can get copies of Van Buren County probate court records in person or by mail. Plain copies cost $1.50 per page. Certified copies have the court seal and cost about $10 for the first page plus $1 for each extra page. Certified copies are needed for legal work and property transfers. Plain copies work fine for personal use.
To request by mail, write to the Van Buren County Probate Court at 212 Paw Paw St., Suite 220, Paw Paw, MI 49079. Include the person's name, case number if you have it, and what documents you want. Send a check or money order for the fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. Allow 5 to 10 business days. For faster service, go in person.
Van Buren County Estate Filings
When someone in Van Buren County dies, their estate may need to go through probate. Michigan law under the Estates and Protected Individuals Code, MCL 700.1101, sets the rules. There are three main paths. Informal probate is the simplest. It uses Form PC 558 and works for estates where no one contests the will. Formal probate uses Form PC 559 and involves more hearings. Filing fees range from about $150 to $210.
Small estates in Van Buren County worth $15,000 or less can skip probate altogether under MCL 700.3982. The heir files an affidavit and collects assets without opening a case. The inventory fee is separate from the filing cost. It is based on the total value of the estate and set by MCL 600.871. These fees go straight to the court.
Estate records at the Van Buren County Probate Court include wills, petitions, letters of authority, inventories, creditor claims, accountings, and final orders. These are public records. Anyone can ask to see them.
Guardianship Records in Van Buren County
The Van Buren County Probate Court handles guardianship and conservatorship cases for minors and adults. These cases start with a petition. For an adult guardianship, you file Form PC 625. For a minor, use Form PC 603. Conservatorships use Form PC 630. The court reviews evidence, may hold a hearing, and decides whether to appoint someone. Files include petitions, doctor reports, bonds, annual reports, and court orders.
Most guardianship records are public. Mental health records are not. If you need to search for a guardianship case, try the MiCOURT search tool or ask the clerk at the Paw Paw courthouse. Having the name of the ward or the guardian makes it easier. The staff can also explain the process if you need to file a new case.
Legal Help for Van Buren County Residents
Michigan Legal Help has free guides for people handling probate matters on their own. The site covers estates, guardianships, and more. The State Bar of Michigan offers a lawyer referral service for those who need a probate attorney in the Van Buren County area. Legal aid organizations in southwest Michigan may also help low-income residents.
The Michigan Courts website has links to rules, forms, and info for all 83 county probate courts. Electronic filing through MiFILE may be available for some case types in Van Buren County. Check with the court to see if your filing qualifies. MCL 600.855 requires all filings to use SCAO-approved forms, so double-check your paperwork before you submit.
Nearby Counties
If you need probate court records from counties near Van Buren County, these courts serve surrounding areas: