“How long will this take?”

It’s the first question most families ask after losing a loved one. They’re grieving, they’re overwhelmed, and now they’re facing a legal process they’ve never navigated before.

In Washtenaw County, the honest answer is: it depends. A straightforward estate might close in seven months. A complicated one could take two years or more.

Understanding what drives that timeline—and what you can do to keep things moving—gives families some control during an uncontrollable time. This guide breaks down the Washtenaw County probate process step by step, explains what causes delays, and offers practical strategies to help Ann Arbor area families settle estates as efficiently as possible.

How Long Does Probate Actually Take?

The Realistic Minimum: Seven Months

For a well-managed, uncontested estate in Michigan, seven months represents a realistic fast-track timeline. Not a guarantee—a best-case scenario.

Why seven months? Because Michigan law requires a four-month creditor notice period. No matter how organized you are, the estate cannot close until creditors have had their chance to file claims.

Typical Timeline Breakdown

For an uncontested Washtenaw County estate:

Phase	Typical Duration
Opening the estate (petition, application, appointment)	2-3 weeks
Creditor notice period	4 months (mandatory)
Asset inventory and appraisal	1-3 months (often overlaps with creditor period)
Debt and tax payments	1-2 months
Final distribution and closing	3-4 weeks

When Probate Takes Longer

Complex or contested estates routinely take 12-24 months or more. Factors that extend timelines include:

• Multiple properties or out-of-state assets
• Business interests requiring valuation
• Family disputes over the will or distribution
• Unclear or DIY documents requiring court interpretation
• Complicated tax situations

“Many Washtenaw County families expect probate to take a few weeks. The four-month creditor period alone makes that impossible. Setting realistic expectations from the start reduces frustration.”

Small Estate Exceptions

Michigan offers simplified procedures for smaller estates that can close in 3-4 months. These streamlined processes reduce creditor requirements and administrative burden—but they’re only available when the estate qualifies under Michigan’s threshold limits.

The Washtenaw County Probate Process Step by Step

Step 1: Opening the Estate (2-3 Weeks)

The process begins at Washtenaw County Probate Court, located at 101 E Huron St, Room 1104, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645.

Required filings include:

• Application or petition for probate (informal or formal)
• Certified death certificate
• Original will (if one exists)

The court reviews the petition and appoints a personal representative (PR)—the person responsible for managing the estate. Once appointed, the PR receives “letters of authority” allowing them to act on the estate’s behalf.

In straightforward cases, appointment typically happens within 2-3 weeks.

Step 2: Notice to Heirs and Creditors (4 Months)

The personal representative must:

• Notify all heirs and beneficiaries named in the will
• Publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper

Under Michigan law, creditors then have four months from publication to file claims against the estate. This waiting period is mandatory—it cannot be shortened, even for simple estates.

Step 3: Inventory and Appraisal (1-3 Months)

The PR must identify, value, and file an inventory of all probate assets. Michigan court rules generally require this within 91 days of appointment, though complex estates may need more time.

Important distinction: Not everything the deceased owned goes through probate. Assets with beneficiary designations (life insurance, retirement accounts) and jointly-owned property typically pass outside probate. These may be listed for information but aren’t distributed through the probate estate.

Step 4: Paying Debts, Expenses, and Taxes (1-2 Months)

Using estate assets, the PR pays:

• Funeral expenses
• Administration costs (attorney fees, court costs, PR compensation)
• Valid creditor claims
• Any required taxes

Sometimes this requires selling property—including Washtenaw County real estate—to raise sufficient funds.

Step 5: Distribution and Closing (3-4 Weeks)

After the creditor period expires and all obligations are satisfied, the PR distributes remaining assets according to the will (or Michigan intestacy law if there’s no will).

The PR then files either:

• A final accounting and petition for complete estate settlement, or
• Michigan’s “Sworn Statement to Close Unsupervised Administration” for simpler cases

The court reviews, approves, and officially closes the estate.

What Causes Delays in Washtenaw County Probate

The Usual Suspects

Most probate delays fall into predictable categories:

• Family conflicts: Will contests, disputes over distribution, disagreements about the personal representative
• Incomplete documents: Missing signatures, conflicting wills, vague provisions requiring court interpretation
• Asset complexity: Businesses, multiple properties, out-of-state holdings, hard-to-value items
• Creditor disputes: Contested claims, negotiations with creditors
• Tax complications: Complex returns, audits, disputes with taxing authorities

Problem: A Washtenaw County family delayed opening probate for eight months after their father’s death, hoping to “figure things out” first.

Why it matters: The delay created complications—a creditor petitioned for appointment of a public administrator, reducing family control and adding costs.

Michigan law context: Under MCL 700.3803, creditors generally have up to 3 years to file a claim against the estate. But waiting even months can create unnecessary problems. Utilizing the procedures outline in the Estates and Protected Individuals Code could shorten this to 4 months.

Solution: Open the estate promptly. You can gather information and make decisions during the process—you don’t need everything figured out before filing.

Next step: Contact a probate attorney within weeks of the death, not months, and enlist the attorney’s assistance to open the estate.

Washtenaw-Specific Considerations

Washtenaw County’s mix of smaller estates and complex academic/professional estates (common in the Ann Arbor area) means court workload varies. How quickly your estate moves depends partly on:

• Current court caseload
• How promptly the personal representative files required forms
• Whether the PR responds quickly to court notices

How to Keep Your Estate on Track

Strategies That Work

You can’t eliminate the four-month creditor period. But you can prevent unnecessary delays.

Open the estate promptly. Don’t wait months hoping things will sort themselves out. File within weeks of the death.

Choose an organized personal representative. The PR’s responsiveness directly affects timeline. They should:

• Gather documents and asset information early
• Respond immediately to court notices
• Work closely with a Michigan probate attorney
• Keep beneficiaries informed throughout

Ensure documents are clear and valid. Professionally drafted wills and trusts reduce disputes. DIY documents frequently create ambiguities that require court interpretation—adding months and significant expense.

“The personal representative’s organization is the single biggest factor families can control. A proactive PR working with experienced counsel can mean the difference between seven months and eighteen.”

What You Can’t Speed Up

Some delays are unavoidable:

• The four-month creditor period (unless small-estate procedures apply)
• Tax audits or IRS processing times
• Court schedules for contested matters
• Time needed to sell difficult assets

What Probate Costs in Washtenaw County

Transparency about costs helps families plan realistically.

Typical Fee Ranges

For routine, uncontested probate administration in Michigan:

• Legal fees and costs: $10,000-$15,000 for a typical estate with real property and multiple accounts
• Complex or contested estates: Significantly higher, potentially $25,000+
• Court costs: Filing fees, publication costs, and sometimes inventory fees based on estate value

Ways to Reduce Costs

• Prompt, accurate filing: Mistakes and delays increase attorney time
• Organized personal representative: Less hand-holding means lower fees
• Good planning before death: Partial probate avoidance through trusts, beneficiary designations, and proper titling reduces what goes through court

The Planning Perspective

Many families discover during probate that modest upfront investment in estate planning would have saved substantial time and money. Revocable trusts, properly funded, can avoid probate entirely for most assets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washtenaw County Probate

How long does probate usually take in Washtenaw County?

Uncontested, well-managed estates typically take 7-12 months, driven largely by the mandatory 4-month creditor period plus time to gather assets and complete administration. Complex or contested estates can take 18-24 months or longer.

Can we get an extension to keep a Washtenaw County estate open longer?

Courts generally allow estates to remain open as long as the personal representative is actively administering assets, resolving claims, and filing required reports. Judges may request status updates if estates remain open unusually long without explanation.

What are the main reasons probate gets delayed in Michigan?

The most common causes are family disputes, unclear or DIY documents, incomplete asset information, creditor or tax issues, and general estate complexity. Businesses, multiple properties, and out-of-state assets particularly extend timelines.

Do we need to appear in court for every step?

No. Many filings can be handled by mail or electronically. Some hearings may be conducted remotely or waived entirely in straightforward cases. Formal proceedings, disputes, or guardianship matters typically require in-person or virtual hearings.

Can planning ahead shorten the probate process?

Absolutely. Clear, professionally drafted documents reduce disputes. Using revocable trusts, beneficiary designations, and proper asset titling can keep significant assets out of probate entirely—potentially reducing or eliminating the court process for your family.

Get Your Washtenaw County Estate Moving

Probate doesn’t have to be a drawn-out ordeal. With prompt action, organized administration, and experienced guidance, Washtenaw County families can navigate the process efficiently and close estates on the faster end of realistic timelines.

At Boroja, Bernier & Associates, we help Ann Arbor area families manage probate from start to finish. Our attorneys understand Washtenaw County Probate Court procedures and work proactively to keep estates on track—because your family deserves resolution, not endless waiting.

With our main office in Shelby Township and satellite offices in Troy, Ann Arbor, and Lansing, we serve families throughout Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County, Washtenaw County, and Southeast Michigan.

To schedule a consultation with the Michigan probate attorneys at Boroja, Bernier & Associates, call our law offices at (586) 991-7611. The sooner you start, the sooner your family can move forward.