September 4, 2025 - Sonic Loans

Managing real estate in probate—such as a home in Dearborn—can be overwhelming. This guide walks you through the process under Michigan law, including initiating probate, valuing and selling property, managing timelines and costs, and working with professionals.

1. When Probate Is Required in Michigan

In Michigan, probate is generally needed when:

A decedent owned real estate solely in their name (not jointly or via trust).
The estate exceeds small-estate thresholds (typically more than $24,000 excluding real property).
Assets aren’t covered by beneficiary designations or transfer-on-death deeds.Law Office of Julie A. Paquette –Estate Planning Attorney michiganestateplanning.com

If the property is jointly held with rights of survivorship or has a Transfer-On-Death (TOD) deed, it may pass outside probate.Law Office of Julie A. Paquette –

2. Opening Probate in Wayne County (Dearborn area)

You begin by filing a petition with Wayne County Probate Court, including:

The decedent’s death certificate,
Original will (if any),
Petition for appointment of a personal representative,
Filing fees (typically $150–$375).michiganestateplanning.com

The judge will validate the will, appoint the personal representative, and issue Letters of Authority.Estate Planning Attorney michiganestateplanning.com

3. Duties of the Personal Representative

Once appointed, the personal representative must:

Collect and inventory all assets—including real estate, bank accounts, and personal property. Estate Planning Attorney Wikipedia
Notify beneficiaries and publish notice to creditors (creditors have a four-month window).LegalClarity michiganestateplanning.com
Resolve debts, taxes, and lien obligations.Estate Planning Attorney michiganestateplanning.com
Secure the estate property and open an estate bank account for disbursements.michiganestateplanning.com

4. Selling Real Estate During Probate

If the home must be sold to settle the estate or distribute proceeds, the process in Michigan involves:

Ordering an appraisal or evaluation of the property.
Completing and filing a Petition for Approval of Sale (Form PC 681) with the court.Thompson Legal LAH Law Firm
Providing sale documentation (purchase contract, appraisal, etc.) and notifying heirs and creditors.
In formal probate, offers are reviewed at a judge-supervised hearing; the highest valid bid may be accepted. Thompson Legal Clever Real Estate
Once approved, obtain a certified court order and record it with the Register of Deeds.Thompson Legal Clever Real Estate

5. Timeline & Typical Costs in Dearborn

Expect probate—especially if selling real estate—to take 7 to 12 months, far longer than a typical sale.Clever Real Estate
Attorney fees, court costs, appraisal and publication fees, and executor compensation can reach 3–7% of the estate value. For a $300,000 estate, that could be $9,000–$21,000. michiganestateplanning.com Clever Real Estate
Other costs: appraisal (~$300–$1,500), notice/publishing ($10-$300), bond fees ($125–$2,500).Clever Real Estate

6. Local Considerations in Dearborn (Wayne County)

Probate filings occur in Wayne County Probate Court, which serves Dearborn.
You may consider local probate and real estate attorneys—several well-rated firms in Dearborn and Metro Detroit specialize in estate administration, such as The Probate Pro, Dakhlallah Law, and Laurence Doman. Expertise Justia SuperLawyers.com
Many of these offer free initial consultations and helpful local court experience.Expertise FindLaw

7. Tips & Best Practices

Organize early: Collect property deeds, financial statements, titles, insurance policies, beneficiary documents, and personal papers.Michigan Bar Michigan Law Center
Determine titling status: Establish whether the property passes automatically or must go through probate.
Hire a probate attorney: Complex estates, real property, taxes or disputes often benefit from legal counsel.
Utilize qualified probate real estate professionals: In Michigan, Certified Probate Real Estate Specialists can assist in executing sales.Clever Real Estate
Maintain clear communication with heirs by providing updates and notice of court filings to avoid disputes.
Consider avoiding probate in the future: Tools like living trusts, TOD deeds, joint tenancy, or Lady Bird deeds can simplify transfer.michiganestateplanning.com Clever Real Estate

8. After the Sale: Accounting & Distribution

Once the property is sold and the debts are satisfied:

The personal representative prepares a final accounting, showing receipts, payments, and fees.
Petition to distribute remaining estate assets to beneficiaries.
File paperwork to close the estate with the probate court. michiganestateplanning.com

Final Thoughts

Handling probate real estate in Dearborn requires a methodical, court-guided approach, which involves validating a will, inventorying assets, petitioning for sales, and distributing proceeds. Michigan law sets clear timelines, reporting obligations, and cost expectations. Working with experienced local attorneys and real estate professionals makes the process smoother and helps ensure fairness to all involved.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article and want to explore more content on similar topics, check out our other blogs at Sonic Loans, Sonic Realty, and Sonic Title. We have a wealth of information designed to help you navigate the world of real estate and finance. Happy reading!

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