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Frequently Asked Questions: Filing and Fees
Why do I have to file anything?
What does filing cost?
When does the court open for filing?
Does the Probate Court accept credit cards?
Does the Probate Court require praecipes with the Notice of Hearing?
How do I know if you've received my documents yet?
How can I get conformed/true copies back from the court?
How do I file foreign letters?
What is "proper captioning"?
Must an "interested person statement" and a "penalties of perjury statement" appear on all petitions?
Why do I have to file anything?
Once a matter is started with the court, the law requires certain filings to keep the court informed.
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What does filing cost?
See  Probate Court Filing Fees (file size 16k). In general, starting an estate or a conservatorship is $150 and starting a guardianship is $150. Accounts, motions, and petitions are $20.
You will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader if it is not already installed on your system.
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When does the court open for filing?
Court hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (See the Holiday Schedule for office closings.) However, you must be in line by 4:00 p.m. to have your documents filed.
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Does the Probate Court accept credit cards?
No. However, the Probate Court accepts cash, personal checks, business checks, and money orders.
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Does the Probate Court require praecipes with the Notice of Hearing?
No, praecipes are not used in Probate Court.
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How do I know if you've received my documents yet?
The court staff does not notify individuals when documents are received. However, if you send an extra copy of the document along with a postage-paid return envelope, the court staff will time and date-stamp the copy and return it to you.
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How can I get conformed/true copies back from the court?
Conformed/true copies are given by the Circuit Court, not the Probate Court. However, the Probate Court will return time and date-stamped copies if you provide a postage-paid return envelope and an extra copy of the document with your filing.
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How do I file foreign letters?
You may mail or bring in authenticated copies of your foreign representative appointment. There is a $20 filing fee.
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What is "proper captioning"?
Proper captioning means clearly identifying the type of matter. For example, John Doe, Deceased or Mary Smith, a protected individual.
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Must an "interested person statement" and a "penalties of perjury statement" appear on all petitions?
Yes, according to court rule, petitioners are required to attest to the accuracy of the statements on the petitions. The names and complete addresses of all interested persons or the phrase "interested persons remain the same" must also appear on all petitions.
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