Contact your court to find out which filing methods are available. Depending on your court, you may be able to file electronically. To learn more about filing methods that may be available, read Step 1. If you are e-filing using MiFILE, you will need to know the case-type code. The case type code for a Petition for Assignment is PE.
File the following documents with the probate court in the county where the decedent lived or owned property when they died, and keep one copy for your records:
- Two copies of the Petition for Assignment, Protected Personal Identifying Information form, Order for Assignment (Part 1), and Order for Assignment (Part 2)
- Two copies of the Testimony to Identify Heirs if the probate court where you’re filing requires it
- A copy of the death certificate
- Proof that the funeral and burial expenses have been paid or a bill showing the amount owed
You must pay a $25 filing fee when you file your petition. You must also pay an inventory fee and a fee to get a certified copy of the Order Assigning Assets. The inventory fee is based on the value of property in the estate. If the property in the estate has no value, the inventory fee is $5. Use the Inventory Fee Calculator to find out how much the inventory fee will be.
Contact your court to find out which filing methods are available. Depending on your court, you may be able to file electronically. To learn more about filing methods that may be available, read Step 1.
After your petition is filed, a judge will review it and sign it (if it is approved). This could happen the same day you file it, or you may have to return to the court to pick it up another day. You will need a certified copy of the order to transfer the property in the estate. The fee to get a certified copy varies, but it is usually $15 to $20. You may want to get more than one certified copy, depending on how much property needs to be distributed.