Probate Court

The St. Clair County Probate Court handles legal matters involving families, property, and people who need help making decisions.

The court handles:

• Wills and estates – making sure a person’s property is properly handled after they pass away, with or without a will.

• Guardianships – appointing someone to make personal or medical decisions for a minor or an adult who cannot care for themselves.

• Conservatorships – appointing someone to manage money or property for a person who cannot handle financial matters on their own.

• Mental health cases – deciding when court-ordered mental health treatment or services are needed.

The Probate Court does not handle criminal cases, traffic tickets, divorces, custody disputes, or civil lawsuits.

The court’s goal is to protect people’s rights while ensuring their personal, financial, and legal needs are handled fairly and according to Michigan law.

Select the link to find Michigan Probate Court Forms. 

GUARDIAN AND CONSERVATOR WORKSHOP

Presented by: Joseph Schulte, Probate Register and the Probate Court Staff

Workshops held in the St. Clair County Administration Bulding Auditorium

200 Grand River, Port Huron, MI 48060

Saturday, February 7, 2026 - Guardianship and Conservatorship Session

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Monday, May 11, 2026 - Guardianship Session

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 15, 2026 - Guardianship and Conservatorship Session

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

AGENDA

Distribution of our handbook for Guardians/ Conservators

Making sense of Court procedures

Completing perfect annual reports and accounts

Your legal responsibilites

Please RSVP by calling (810) 985-2176. Leave a message with your name and the date you would like to attend. You may call anytime, even if the court is closed. 

Estates and Trusts

When a person dies and leaves property, the Probate Court may be asked to probate, or legally administer, the person’s estate. The Court appoints a personal representative to collect the person’s assets, pay debts and expenses, and distribute the remaining property according to the law or the person’s will.

The Probate Court may also supervise trusts. When a trust is under court supervision, the Court ensures that the trust is managed properly and that its terms are followed. The Court also resolves any disputes involving the trust.

Guardianships and Conservatorships

The Probate Court decides whether a person is unable to manage daily personal needs (guardianship) or financial matters (conservatorship). If needed, the Court appoints a guardian or conservator to help protect and care for that person.

The Court may appoint a guardian or conservator for a minor or an adult. In cases involving a person with a developmental disability, the Court follows Michigan’s Mental Health Code. Depending on the individual’s needs, the Court may appoint a guardian of the person, a guardian of the estate, or both.

Mental Health Proceedings

The Probate Court has jurisdiction over mental health proceedings. If a resident of St. Clair County is mentally ill and poses a danger to themselves or others, the Court may order the individual to receive mental health treatment. If the Court determines that the individual is a person requiring treatment, it will determine the type and duration of treatment as required by law.

The St. Clair County Probate Court is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Let us know how we are doing. Public Satisfaction Survey

St. Clair County Probate Court
201 McMorran Blvd.
Room 2700
Port Huron MI 48060

(810) 985-2066
(810) 985-2179 (fax)
Email: Probate Court