What are the different types of estates?

Estate under $21,000:

  • Small Estate - Probate can be used if the estate is worth $21,000 or less. If a Muskegon County resident died leaving property in their name only, and the property is under $21,000, the closest relative or person who paid the funeral bill may bring the death certificate and paid funeral bill to the Probate Court. The cost is $36, plus an inventory fee. This can be done in one day.

Estate over $21,000:

  • If a Muskegon County resident has died leaving property in their name only and the property is over $21,000, the closest relative or person named in the will may file a petition to have the estate probated. The filing fee is $150 plus $12 for certified copies. It may take a while to process the forms. There are two types of estates over $21,000:
    1. Supervised Administration requires the Court to review and approve the actions of the personal representative
    2. In Unsupervised Administration, the Court is only involved at the beginning and the end unless requested by an interested person or the personal representative

Show All Answers

1. What are the filing fees?
2. When is it necessary to open an estate for a decedent?
3. What are the different types of estates?
4. How is a personal representative appointed?
5. What are the duties of a personal representative?
6. When may a personal representative be removed?
7. Do I have to serve as personal representative if I am nominated in the decedent's will?
8. Can I receive payment for serving as personal representative?
9. Can I hire a lawyer or other professionals to help me administer the estate?
10. Do I need an attorney?