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Calhoun County, MI Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Calhoun County probate information |
|---|---|
| Court | Calhoun County Probate Court |
| Courthouse | Calhoun County Justice Center, 161 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49014-4066 |
| Mailing | No separate mailing address is published. Use the courthouse address and call (269) 969-6794 before sending a paper filing. |
| Phone | (269) 969-6794 |
| Fax | (269) 969-6797, published as a contact fax. The court does not say that probate filings may be faxed. |
| [email protected] | |
| Hours | Window hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Filing cost | For 2026, opening a decedent estate costs $175.00, made up of the $150.00 filing fee (MCL 600.880) and the $25.00 electronic filing system fee (MCL 600.1986). The estate also owes an inventory fee scaled to estate value (MCL 600.871). |
| Local forms | Yes. The court publishes small estate, informal estate, formal estate and reopen packets, built from statewide SCAO forms and pre-captioned for Calhoun County. The informal, formal and reopen packets include a Calhoun County Probate Court criminal history check authorization for a proposed fiduciary. |
| E-filing | MiFILE is live for Calhoun County Probate Court. Attorneys must use MiFILE. Filers who are not attorneys may use MiFILE but are not required to. |
| Case search | Yes. The court links MiCOURT case search for this court at https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/court/P13. No start year is published. |
| Online payment | Yes. The court links https://pay.govpros.us/mi/calhoun/probate. The payment service adds a separate service fee. |
| Remote appearance | Calhoun County courts state that many hearings are held by Zoom and that the notice of hearing tells you whether to appear by Zoom or in person. Uncontested decedent-estate matters are presumed eligible for videoconferencing under MCR 5.140. |
| Website | https://www.calhouncountymi.gov/departments/courts/probate_court/index.php |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you choose a Calhoun County probate path, make a complete list of the decedent's accounts, vehicles, real estate, debts, funeral and burial expenses, and any beneficiary designations or joint owners. That asset picture determines whether you use a Calhoun estate packet, MiFILE, a small-estate assignment, or a full estate settlement.
Sunset's 2,300-institution asset discovery helps families find accounts before they file, so the first probate packet is less likely to miss an asset that later forces a reopen request in Battle Creek.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Calhoun County has its own Probate Court and is not part of a two-county probate district. Estates for decedents domiciled in Calhoun County are opened at the Calhoun County Probate Court in Battle Creek. If the decedent was not domiciled in Michigan, venue may be in a county where the decedent's property was located at death (MCL 700.3201).
The county seat is Marshall, but the probate counter is not there. The Calhoun County Clerk and Register of Deeds office in Marshall is a different office. Calhoun County communities served by the Battle Creek probate counter include Albion, Battle Creek, Marshall, Springfield and the townships of Albion, Athens, Bedford, Burlington, Clarence, Clarendon, Convis, Eckford, Emmett, Fredonia, Homer, Lee, LeRoy, Marengo, Marshall, Newton, Pennfield, Sheridan and Tekonsha.
The jurisdiction process
- Start with the asset and debt list. Include Calhoun County real estate, bank and investment accounts, vehicles, liens, funeral and burial expenses, known creditors, and whether any asset passes by joint ownership or beneficiary designation.
- Choose the Calhoun packet or statewide form that fits. The court's estates page offers small estate, informal estate, formal estate and reopen packets. Informal appointment goes to the probate register without a hearing when priority is clear or all people with equal priority agree. Formal appointment goes to the probate judge after a hearing when, for example, the will is only a copy, an heir is disinherited, or people with equal priority do not agree.
- Use the Battle Creek court caption. The Calhoun packets are already pre-captioned with the Calhoun County Probate Court address and telephone number. Keep financial account numbers off the public petition and use MC 97 when protected personal identifying information is needed.
- If you are asking to be appointed personal representative, complete the Calhoun County Probate Court criminal history check authorization included in the informal, formal and reopen packets. Describe it as the court's fiduciary suitability authorization, not as a statewide form.
- File with the Calhoun County Probate Court. Attorneys must use MiFILE. A filer without a lawyer may use MiFILE but is not required to. For paper filing questions, the county directs probate filers to (269) 969-6794 or [email protected]. The counter is at 161 E. Michigan Ave. in Battle Creek and closes at 4:00 p.m.
- Pay the opening cost and plan for the inventory fee. For 2026, opening a decedent estate costs $175.00, made up of $150.00 under MCL 600.880 and $25.00 under MCL 600.1986. The inventory fee is separate and is based on the estate value (MCL 600.871). The court also links an online payment page, but it does not list every payable probate charge, so ask the probate office before using it for a filing cost.
- Give required notices and watch the hearing notice. If the matter is formal or otherwise set for hearing, read the notice carefully. Calhoun County courts state that if the notice says Zoom, you should not come to the building. Under MCR 5.140, videoconferencing is presumed for uncontested decedent-estate petitions and motions, subject to the court's direction.
- After appointment, use the letters of authority to act for the estate. Certified copies are charged under the statewide rule of $10.00 plus $1.00 per page for 2026 (MCL 600.2546).
- Administer the estate and monitor the court file. The court links MiCOURT case search for Calhoun probate files and a court docket display for the probate judge. File the inventory information, pay the inventory fee when due, handle creditor and distribution steps, and close through the appropriate statewide closing form or court order.
- If an asset appears after closing, use the court's reopen packet. Calhoun publishes a reopen route built around PC 607 for additional assets or another reason an estate file must be reopened.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Calhoun County
Calhoun County uses Michigan's statewide SCAO probate forms, and the court adds a practical local layer by assembling four estate packets on its estates page. The packets are small estate, informal estate, formal estate and reopen. They are pre-captioned for the Calhoun County Probate Court at 161 E. Michigan Ave. in Battle Creek.
| Packet or form | What Calhoun publishes |
|---|---|
| Small estate packet | Includes PC 556, Petition and Order for Assignment, PC 565, Testimony to Identify Heirs, and MC 97. The packet states a 2026 local filing banner of $25.00 plus a certified-copy charge and an inventory fee to be determined. The $25.00 filing charge is the statewide assignment fee under MCL 600.880. |
| Informal estate packet | Includes PC 558, MC 97, MC 97a, PC 565, PC 566, PC 571 and the Calhoun County Probate Court criminal history check authorization. |
| Formal estate packet | Includes PC 559, MC 97, MC 97a, PC 565, PC 566, PC 571 and the Calhoun County Probate Court criminal history check authorization. |
| Reopen packet | Includes PC 607, MC 97, MC 97a, PC 565, PC 571 and the Calhoun County Probate Court criminal history check authorization. |
| Statewide SCAO index | For forms beyond the Calhoun packets, use the statewide estates and trusts form index at https://www.courts.michigan.gov/SCAO-forms/Estates-Trusts/. |
The local criminal history check authorization asks a proposed fiduciary to authorize the Calhoun County Probate Court to check for arrests resulting in a conviction so the court can consider suitability to serve. It appears in the appointment packets, but it is not a statewide SCAO form.
Local nuance
Calhoun County-specific considerations
| Local point | What it means |
|---|---|
| Battle Creek, not Marshall | The county seat is Marshall, but the Probate Court sits at the Calhoun County Justice Center in Battle Creek. Do not go to the Marshall county office to open an estate. |
| Three courts share one building | The circuit court, district court and Probate Court are all in the Justice Center. For an estate, use the probate number, (269) 969-6794. |
| Counter closes at 4:00 p.m. | The probate page publishes window hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| MiFILE is live | Attorneys must file probate matters through MiFILE. Filers without lawyers may use MiFILE but are not required to. |
| Calhoun packets are pre-captioned | The small estate, informal, formal and reopen packets are already marked for the Calhoun County Probate Court. |
| Local criminal history check | The court includes a Calhoun County Probate Court criminal history check authorization in the appointment packets for a proposed fiduciary. |
| Case search and docket display | The court links MiCOURT case search for Calhoun probate files and a docket display for the probate judge. No standing hearing-day schedule is published. |
| File copies | Under a 2026 joint local administrative order, copies of case file documents of twenty pages or fewer are $1.00 per page and are provided within three hours. The order also lets the public photograph public documents at the counter with a portable device if it does not interfere with the office. |
| Zoom notices control | Calhoun County courts state that many hearings are held by Zoom and that if your notice says Zoom, you should not appear in person. |
| Weather closures | A 2026 joint local administrative order says court facilities close when county offices close for weather or another emergency, and that the courts may remain operational for remote business while the building is closed to the public. |
| Building rules | No weapons or cutting instruments are allowed. Cell phones and other devices must be silenced and put away before entering a court or hearing room. |
| Parking | The county states that public parking is available off Division Street beside and behind the court building, and off E. Michigan behind the fire department. |
Recent updates
| Date | Local update |
|---|---|
| February 5, 2026 | Calhoun County courts issued a joint local administrative order for file access and copies. It replaced the 2024 orders, set copies of case file documents at $1.00 per page for twenty pages or fewer within three hours of the request, and allowed the public to photograph public documents at the counter with a portable device. |
| March 4, 2026 | Calhoun County courts issued a joint local administrative order for unscheduled closing in bad weather or another emergency. It replaced the 2015 orders, provides that court facilities close when county offices close, and states that court facilities may be closed to the public while remaining operational for remote business. |
Scenarios
| Scenario | Likely Calhoun path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with co-owned home | First identify whether the home passes outside probate by title. If a Calhoun County estate still must be opened, file in Battle Creek, not Marshall. If appointment is needed and priority is clear, the informal packet may fit; if title questions or a sale are involved, counsel is practical. | Sunset finds accounts and documents before filing, helps build the estate settlement plan, and can connect the spouse with a Michigan probate attorney for real-estate issues. |
| Out-of-state adult child with small estate | For a death in 2026, check whether assignment of property or transfer by affidavit fits the $53,000 limit under MCL 700.3982 and MCL 700.3983. Calhoun publishes a small estate packet for assignment of property. If filing is needed, the probate court is in Battle Creek, and a non-attorney filer may choose MiFILE. | Sunset helps locate accounts, identify whether a court filing is needed, and generate the probate packet so the child can limit unnecessary travel. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | A sale of Calhoun County real estate often points to full administration and letters of authority. If priority is agreed, the informal packet may start the case; if people with equal priority disagree or the will issue needs a judge, the formal packet may be needed. | Sunset organizes the asset list, prepares the packet, tracks next steps for estate settlement, and connects the parent with a vetted Michigan probate attorney. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Contact or URL |
|---|---|---|
| Calhoun County Probate Court | The only probate counter for Calhoun County estates. The probate register can explain court procedures and filing logistics, but cannot give legal advice. | Calhoun County Justice Center, 161 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49014-4066. Phone (269) 969-6794. Fax (269) 969-6797. Email [email protected]. https://www.calhouncountymi.gov/departments/courts/probate_court/index.php |
| Calhoun County estate packets | Small estate, informal estate, formal estate and reopen packets, plus the court's explanation of informal and formal appointment. | https://www.calhouncountymi.gov/departments/courts/probate_court/estates.php |
| MiFILE for Calhoun County | The county's explanation of MiFILE for probate, including that attorneys must use it and other filers may use it. | https://www.calhouncountymi.gov/departments/courts/mifile.php |
| Calhoun County probate case search | MiCOURT case search for this court's probate files. If you cannot find a file, call the probate office. | https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/court/P13 |
| Pay the probate court online | Calhoun County Probate Court's payment page. A separate service fee is added by the payment service, and the comments box asks for the case number if known. | https://pay.govpros.us/mi/calhoun/probate |
| Calhoun County court dockets | County page that links the docket display for the probate judge. | https://www.calhouncountymi.gov/departments/courts/circuit_court/court_dockets.php |
| SCAO estates, trusts and miscellaneous probate forms | Michigan's statewide probate form index for estate and trust matters. | https://www.courts.michigan.gov/SCAO-forms/Estates-Trusts/ |
| Inventory fee calculator | Michigan Judiciary calculator for the inventory fee owed by an estate. The Calhoun probate page links it directly. | https://www.courts.michigan.gov/courts/trial-courts/inventory-calculator/ |
| Michigan Legal Help | Statewide self-help articles and tools for Michigan small-estate and probate topics. | https://michiganlegalhelp.org/ |
| Legal Services of South Central Michigan, Battle Creek office | Free civil legal help for eligible low-income Calhoun County residents and older adults. Ask at intake whether an estate question fits the program's services. | 123 W Territorial Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015. Phone (269) 965-3951 or 1-800-688-3951. https://www.lsscm.org/how-to-get-help |
| Michigan Trial Court Directory | Michigan Judiciary directory listing for the Calhoun County Probate Court. | https://www.courts.michigan.gov/trial-court-directory/ |
When to hire an attorney
Calhoun County Probate Court says an attorney should be consulted and retained for probate proceedings, especially when real estate is involved. Counsel is especially useful when a Calhoun County home must be sold, the will is only a copy, an heir has been disinherited, people with equal priority disagree about who should serve as personal representative, creditors are pressing claims, or the proposed personal representative lives outside the county. Sunset connects to a vetted attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across more than 2,300 financial institutions so families can see the estate before choosing a Calhoun County filing path.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset turns the asset picture into the documents and filing plan needed for estate settlement, including whether the Calhoun informal, formal, small estate or reopen packet is the right starting point.
Find a local probate attorney. When a home must be sold, a hearing is likely, or family members disagree, Sunset connects families with a vetted Michigan probate attorney.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to organize the estate settlement, understand next steps and decide when professional help is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate for a Calhoun County estate?
File with the Calhoun County Probate Court at the Calhoun County Justice Center, 161 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49014-4066. The probate counter is in Battle Creek, even though the county seat is Marshall.
Is Calhoun County Probate Court on MiFILE?
Yes. Calhoun County Probate Court is live on MiFILE. Attorneys must use MiFILE for probate filings. Filers who are not attorneys may use MiFILE but are not required to.
Can I file a Calhoun probate case by mail, email or fax?
The court publishes MiFILE and the probate contact email and phone number, but it does not publish a detailed paper-filing channel for probate. If you are not using MiFILE, call (269) 969-6794 or email [email protected] before sending documents.
Does Calhoun County have local probate forms?
Yes. The court publishes four estate packets on its estates page. They are built from statewide SCAO forms and pre-captioned for Calhoun County. The informal, formal and reopen packets include a Calhoun County Probate Court criminal history check authorization for a proposed fiduciary.
How much does it cost to open a Calhoun County probate estate?
For 2026, opening a decedent estate costs $175.00, made up of the $150.00 filing fee (MCL 600.880) and the $25.00 electronic filing system fee (MCL 600.1986). The estate also owes a separate inventory fee based on estate value (MCL 600.871). The court links the Michigan Judiciary inventory fee calculator.
Can I look up a Calhoun County probate case online?
Yes. The court links MiCOURT case search for Calhoun County Probate Court at https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/court/P13. No start year is published, and the page does not promise document images.
Will my Calhoun County probate hearing be on Zoom?
Your notice of hearing controls. Calhoun County courts state that many hearings are held by Zoom and that if your notice says Zoom, you should not appear in person. Uncontested decedent-estate matters are presumed eligible for videoconferencing under MCR 5.140, but the court decides the manner of appearance.
Do I have to travel to Battle Creek if I live out of state?
Maybe not for every step. A filer without a lawyer may use MiFILE, and some hearings may be by Zoom if the notice says so. You still need to follow the Calhoun County Probate Court's instructions, and formal matters, real-estate issues or disputes may make a Michigan probate attorney practical.
What if I find another asset after a Calhoun estate is closed?
Calhoun County Probate Court publishes a reopen packet for an estate file that must be reopened because additional assets were discovered or for another reason. Sunset can help identify missed accounts before filing and can help plan the next estate settlement step.
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.