Wayne County Probate Court in Detroit: How to Reach Them

06 Courts and self-help

Wayne County

Government agency

Business hours

Handles estates of people who have died, guardianships and conservatorships for injured or incapacitated adults, and minor settlements. Filings can be made by email, mail, drop box or in person.

What it is

The Probate Court sits on the 12th and 13th floors of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. It opens estates after a death and appoints guardians or conservators when someone can no longer manage their own affairs.

Why it matters

After a fatal crash, a personal representative usually must be appointed before any wrongful death claim can move forward. When a loved one is badly hurt, a guardianship may be needed to make decisions for them.

What to know first

The court prefers filings by email as a single PDF and processes mail and drop-box items only once or twice a day. Fees are paid after the filing is accepted, and hearings are typically set three to five weeks out.

Limits and eligibility

Court staff cannot give legal advice; most hearings are held by Zoom and filing fees apply ($175 for an estate, guardianship or conservatorship petition).

What to have ready

Certified death certificate (for an estate)
Names and addresses of family members or heirs
Medical statements (for a guardianship)
Completed SCAO form with the court's coversheet

How to reach them