How much does probate cost in St. Clair County?

Opening an estate costs $175 to file, plus an inventory fee based on the value of the estate's assets, plus publication costs for the notice to creditors. Small estates under the Michigan small-estate threshold can often be handled with a much cheaper affidavit or assignment instead of full probate.

Do I need probate if there is a will?

Usually yes. A will does not avoid probate — it tells the probate court how to distribute assets. Assets with a named beneficiary, joint ownership with rights of survivorship, or a properly funded trust generally pass outside probate. This is general information, not legal advice.

How long does informal probate take in Michigan?

Michigan requires the estate to stay open at least 5 months from the date the notice to creditors is published. Straightforward informal estates typically close in 7 to 12 months.

Important: Clear Path Document Services is a document preparation and filing-assistance service — not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, attorney representation, or create attorney-client relationships. All documents are prepared based on information you provide for educational and administrative purposes.Read full disclaimer.

St. Clair County Probate Court

Filing fees, hours, e-filing rules, and the forms the clerk in Port Huron expects from self-represented filers.

Reviewed and updated September 15, 2026 by the Clear Path document team. Informational only — not legal advice.

Quick Answer

Where and how do I file at the St. Clair Probate Court?

The St. Clair County Probate Court is located at 201 McMorran Blvd, Port Huron, MI 48060. Clerk hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Most probate filings are still paper-based at the clerk's counter; call ahead to confirm whether your case type accepts electronic submission. Filing fees are set by Michigan statute, so they do not change from county to county — a fee waiver is available through form MC 20.

Address

201 McMorran Blvd, Port Huron, MI 48060

Clerk phone

(810) 985-2066

Hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

E-filing

Most probate filings are still paper-based at the clerk's counter; call ahead to confirm whether your case type accepts electronic submission.

What the St. Clair Probate Court handles

Informal and formal probate of estates
Small estate affidavits and assignments
Letters of authority for personal representatives
Adult and minor guardianships and conservatorships
Trust supervision matters

St. Clair County filing fees

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with the clerk before you file.

St. Clair County Probate Court filing fees for self-represented filers
Filing	Fee	Notes
Petition to open an estate	$175	—
Guardianship or conservatorship petition	$175	—
Inventory fee	Sliding scale	Based on the value of estate assets — calculated by the court
Certified letters of authority	$12 each	—
Publication of notice to creditors	Varies	Paid to the newspaper, not the court

What to bring to the clerk

1A government-issued photo ID
2Your completed, signed forms plus the number of copies the clerk requires (usually the original and two copies)
3Payment for the filing fee — most Michigan clerks take cash, money order, or card (card payments usually add a processing fee)
4A fee waiver request (form MC 20) if you cannot afford the filing fee
5The case number, if your matter is already open

Forms filed most often here

Michigan uses statewide SCAO forms. These are the ones St. Clair County filers ask us about most:

PC 558PC 559PC 556PC 651PC 598

Michigan court forms library — what each form does

Local notes for Port Huron filers

Bring a certified copy of the death certificate and the original will (if one exists) when opening an estate. The court keeps the original will. Inventory fees are calculated after you file the estate inventory, not at filing.

St. Clair County Probate Court

What the St. Clair Probate Court handles

St. Clair County filing fees

What to bring to the clerk

Forms filed most often here

Local notes for Port Huron filers

Document preparation for St. Clair County

St. Clair County Court Questions

Other Michigan courts

ClearPath Assistant