Washtenaw County Trial Court cases in Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor, MI
Washtenaw County Probate Court in Ann Arbor, Michigan is a probate court (a limited-jurisdiction trial court). It handles decedents' estates, wills, and trust administration; appoints and supervises guardians and conservators for minors and incapacitated adults; conducts protective proceedings; and hears petitions under the Mental Health Code, including involuntary mental health treatment and developmental disability matters. It oversees fiduciary accountings, settlements, and related probate litigation. The court does not adjudicate general civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, divorces, custody/child-support disputes, or traffic infractions; those are handled by the Circuit Court (including its Family Division) or District Court. Its role is to resolve probate and mental health cases for Washtenaw County and to supervise fiduciaries and the distribution of estates.
Washtenaw County Trial Court Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | Circuit Court |
| County: | Washtenaw |
| Street Address: | 101 E Huron Street |
| City: | Ann Arbor |
| Zip Code: | 48107 |
| Phone: | 734-222-3270 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website URL: | https://www.washtenaw.org/991/Trial-Court |
| Parking: | There is metered parking in downtown Ann Arbor on the streets and in the Ann / Ashley parking structure. |
| Forms & Filing: | https://www.washtenaw.org/1289/Forms |
| Divisions / Services: | https://www.washtenaw.org/1005/Court-Divisions |
| Jury Service: | https://www.washtenaw.org/1390/Jury |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | https://www.washtenaw.org/FormCenter/Trial-Court-5/Contact-Trial-Court-50 |
| ADA: | Steve Matthews |
| ADA Fax / Email: | 734-222-3077, matthewsst@washtenaw.org |
Services and Case Types Handled in Washtenaw County Trial Court
Washtenaw County Probate Court handles: decedent estates and wills (probate, administration, claims), trusts (registration, supervision), guardianships and conservatorships for minors and adults (appointment, monitoring, accounts), protective proceedings for vulnerable adults (protective orders, emergency relief), and mental health matters under the Mental Health Code (involuntary evaluation/treatment and transport orders). Services include: accepting and processing case filings and required forms; issuing Letters of Authority/Guardianship; scheduling and conducting hearings, conferences, and trials (bench or jury where permitted, e.g., will contests); juror summons and management for probate trials; reviewing inventories, annual accounts, and reports; enforcing compliance and bonds; providing certified copies and record access; and facilitating settlements or mediation when appropriate. The court's functional role is to provide accessible procedures, timely hearings, and oversight of fiduciaries to protect incapacitated persons, beneficiaries, and the integrity of estates and trusts.