What is the small estate limit in Michigan?

Michigan adjusts the small-estate threshold annually for inflation, so confirm the current figure with the probate court before filing. The value is measured after subtracting funeral and burial expenses, and only counts assets that would otherwise pass through probate.

How long does a small estate assignment take?

Much faster than full probate. Many Michigan probate courts sign the assignment order within a few weeks of filing, compared to the 7 to 12 months a formal or informal estate typically takes.

How much does it cost to file PC 556 in Michigan?

The petition fee is $25 in every Michigan probate court, plus a sliding-scale inventory fee calculated on the value of the probate assets and a small charge for certified copies of the signed order. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about Form MC 20 (Fee Waiver Request).

Is there a deadline to file a small estate petition?

Ask the probate court about timing for a PC 556 petition. Deadlines and available procedures can depend on the estate and the date of death.

Can PC 556 include real estate?

PC 556 has sections for real and personal property. Whether a particular estate meets the assignment requirements is a question for the probate register or a licensed Michigan attorney.

Who has to be notified when a small estate is assigned?

The court requires the names and addresses of every heir on the petition, and heirs receive a copy of the signed order. Unpaid creditors can still make claims against the assigned property for a limited period after the assignment.

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Michigan Form PC 556: Petition and Order for Assignment (Small Estate)

What this form does, who files it, what it costs, and how to avoid the errors that get Michigan filings rejected.

Reviewed and updated October 6, 2026 by the Clear Path document team. Informational only — not legal advice.

Quick Answer

What is Michigan form PC 556?

Form PC 556 asks a Michigan probate court to assign qualifying small-estate property without a full estate administration. The court, not Clear Path, decides the petition.

Who files it

A surviving spouse or heir of the person who died.

Where it goes

The probate court in the county where the decedent lived.

Filing fee

$25 petition fee plus an inventory fee based on estate value.

What you need before you start

A certified copy of the death certificate
A paid funeral bill or funeral contract
A list of the decedent's assets and their values
Names and addresses of all heirs

How to complete and file form PC 556

1
Total the decedent's assets that would pass through probate.
2
Use the court's current instructions to calculate whether the petition meets the applicable threshold.
3
File PC 556 with the required supporting documents at the probate court.
4
The judge signs the order assigning the property to the heirs.

Mistakes that get PC 556 rejected

Counting assets that pass outside probate — jointly held property, payable-on-death accounts, and life insurance with a named beneficiary are excluded
Filing in the wrong county — it is where the decedent lived, not where the heirs live
Missing the funeral bill, which is what reduces the estate value for the threshold test

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Common Questions

Michigan Form PC 556: Petition and Order for Assignment (Small Estate)

What you need before you start

How to complete and file form PC 556

Mistakes that get PC 556 rejected

Keep reading

Form PC 556 Questions

Related probate forms

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