Which Michigan Probate Form Do You File? PC 556, PC 558, PC 559, PC 598

If you already know you have to file in Michigan probate court but cannot tell which form is yours, this post walks you to the right one. The choice comes down to two questions: how large is the estate, and do you need a judge to decide something?

Start with estate size. A small estate may qualify for the assignment path on PC 556 or the sworn-statement collection path on PC 598, neither of which opens a full probate case. A larger or more complicated estate usually needs a full case, which means either informal probate on PC 558 or formal probate on PC 559. Then ask whether you need a judge: if the paperwork is clean and no one disputes anything, the informal application (PC 558) often fits; if there is a dispute or another issue a judge must resolve, you move to the formal petition (PC 559).

For all Michigan probate forms and filing paths, see our Michigan probate court forms guide; this post helps you pick the right form. You can also read the Michigan probate guide and the Michigan probate timeline guide.

If the estate involves a foreign personal representative or Michigan property owned by an out-of-state decedent, also compare Michigan ancillary probate. If the personal representative has been appointed, use Michigan letters of authority and Michigan probate accounting to track authority, inventory, and closing records.

Michigan Probate Forms at a Glance

The form number does not decide whether the estate qualifies. The facts do.

PC 556: Petition and Order for Assignment

PC 556 connects to the Michigan small-estate assignment path under MCL 700.3982. The probate court can order distribution of a small estate after funeral and burial expenses are handled.

This path can fit when the estate value falls within the adjusted statutory cap and the court can assign property to the surviving spouse or heirs under the statute.

Use the Michigan small-estate affidavit and assignment guide before choosing this path.

PC 558: Informal Probate Application

PC 558 is the informal probate application. Families may use it when they ask for informal probate, appointment of a personal representative, or both.

Informal probate can work when the paperwork is in order and no one needs the court to resolve a dispute before appointment.

PC 559: Formal Probate Petition

PC 559 is the formal probate petition. Families may see it when the estate needs a judge to resolve probate, appointment, or notice issues.

Formal probate can fit when there is a dispute, uncertainty about the will, disagreement about appointment, missing information, or another issue that needs court review.

If the dispute is about whether a will controls, read Michigan will contests. If the family is trying to file without counsel, compare the path with Michigan probate without a lawyer.

PC 598: Affidavit of Decedent's Successor

PC 598 supports the sworn statement path under MCL 700.3983. It is not a full probate appointment.

The path requires more than 28 days after death, no real property in the estate, no pending or appointed personal representative, no petition for assignment, and a value within the adjusted cap.

The person signing must be entitled to receive the property.

Filing Fees and Copies

Michigan Courts publishes probate court fee tables. The February 2025 fee table lists a $150 petition or application fee to start a decedent estate, a $20 fee for many later petitions after an estate is open, and a $20 fee for many motions, objections, or claims.

The table also says the petition filing fee does not include the estate inventory fee.

For a cost-focused breakdown, read Michigan probate costs and court fees.

Before Filing

Before you file, gather:

• Certified death certificate
• Original will, if one exists
• Asset statements and title records
• Funeral and burial bills
• Names and addresses of heirs and devisees
• Current SCAO form version
• County probate court instructions

County practice can affect payment methods, copies, scheduling, and local packet requirements. Check the county probate court page before filing.

The forms above are official Michigan SCAO court forms, so get them free from the court first. If you separately need a planning document the court does not provide, such as a will, power of attorney, or a deed, you can use LawDepot's estate-document templates (affiliate link) (opens in new tab). Match any template to Michigan's signing and recording rules before you rely on it.

Related Michigan Guides

• Michigan probate deadlines and creditor claims
• Michigan executor duties
• Michigan small-estate affidavit and assignment
• Transfer property after death in Michigan
• Michigan death certificate copies for probate

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Sources:

• Title: Petition and Order for Assignment, PC 556. Publisher: Michigan Courts, SCAO. Publication Date: form revision 3/25. URL: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/pc556.pdf
• Title: Application for Informal Probate and/or Appointment, PC 558. Publisher: Michigan Courts, SCAO. Publication Date: not listed on extracted form text. URL: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/pc558.pdf
• Title: Petition for Probate and/or Appointment, PC 559. Publisher: Michigan Courts, SCAO. Publication Date: not listed on extracted form text. URL: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/pc559.pdf
• Title: Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent, PC 598. Publisher: Michigan Courts, SCAO. Publication Date: not listed on extracted form text. URL: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/pc598.pdf
• Title: Probate Court Fee Tables. Publisher: Michigan Courts. Publication Date: February 2025. URL: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/court-administration/resources/pfee.pdf
• Title: MCL 700.3982, Court order distributing small estates. Publisher: Michigan Legislature. Publication Date: Michigan Compiled Laws current through PA 9 of 2026. URL: https://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-700-3982
• Title: MCL 700.3983, Collection of personal property by sworn statement. Publisher: Michigan Legislature. Publication Date: Michigan Compiled Laws current through PA 9 of 2026. URL: https://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-700-3983

This article provides general Michigan probate form information. Verify the current form version, county filing practice, and estate facts before filing.