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Probate Court

Probate Court

Exclusive legal and equitable jurisdiction in decedent's estates, guardianships, conservatorships, protective proceedings and commitment proceedings.

Image of Probate Court Judges October 2025. From left to right, Judge Harrison, Judge Schimke and Judge Hall

Probate Court

Judges Sandra A. Harrison, Sara A. Schimke, and Aaron J. Hall

Probate Court has exclusive legal and equitable jurisdiction in decedent's estates, guardianships, conservatorships, protective proceedings and commitment proceedings.

Court Hours

8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Filings will not be accepted after 4:00 p.m. Filings are not accepted via email or fax.

Emergency filings must be filed by 3:00 p.m. in-person only.  Those filed after 3:00 p.m. will be processed the next day.  The public is asked to check our website at macombgov.org/departments/probate-court or call 586-469-5290 with any questions. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

New Legislation - Guardianships and Conservatorships

Post Date: 08/05/2026 2:08 PM

On July 23, 2026, two bills were enacted and made immediately effective that affect the administration of guardianship and conservatorship matters. These are: 

  1. Conservatorships - Senate Bill 585 - amending MCL 700.5423 (3), which requires Petitions Regarding Real Estate/Dwelling (PC 646) in a Conservatorship to include an appraisal of the value of the property, conducted within the preceding 6 months. by a professional licensed appraiser. THIS APPLIES TO ADULT LIP CONSERVATORSHIPS ONLY. 

Updated SCAO Petition and Order

PC646 - Petition Regarding Real Estate Dwelling

PC647 - Order Regarding Real Estate Dwelling

  1. Guardianships - Senate Bill 586 - MCL 700.5306b which states an individual has a right, if possible, to remain in their own surroundings or, if not possible, in the least restrictive environment.  The law change requires that before moving a ward under Guardianship from their permanent residence, the Guardian must file a petition with the court. 

The statute states the guardian must use a petition created by the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) form for the Petition to Change Residence, or a similar form. Please use the Macomb County form, but the SCAO form may also be used. THIS APPLIES TO ADULT LIP GUARDIANSHIPS ONLY.

MCPC FORM PETITION MOVELIP - Petition to change permanent residence of legally incapacitated individual 

MCPC FORM ORDER ORDMOVELIP - Order to change permanent residence of legally incapacitated individual


Staff

  • Maryanne Deneweth - Deputy Court Administrator / Probate Register
  • Jessica Lane - Probate Court Legal Services Director
  • Rita Phillips - Administrative Assistant
  • Erika Peabody - Court Attorney
  • Julie M. Strawn - Court Attorney
  • Dorothy Corolovski - Estate Analyst
  • Stacie Gilchrist - Estate Analyst

Look up a case by searching the Probate Court's party name index for estate, trust, guardianship and other case information.  Search results include the case number and the judge assigned to the case.

 

Disclaimer

The information on this website is provided as a public service by the Macomb County Probate Court. The Court does not guarantee that this information is complete, accurate or current. The information provided here is not legal advice and may be modified or rendered incorrect by legislative or judicial developments and may not be applicable to everyone's facts and circumstances.

Links to other sites or organizations are provided when it is believed that they will be of interest to users of this website.  The Court does not endorse such sites or organizations and is not responsible for the content of any such sites.