05/31/2026
MICHIGAN PROBATE PROCESS: How Long Does It Take to Sell an Inherited House Without a Will? ⚖️
This is the exact question we get all the time. If you die in Michigan without a will, your family is looking at Probate Court. But exactly how long that process drags out comes down to one major factor: Does everyone get along? 🤷♂️
Here is the real timeline breakdown directly from the court process:
🟢 The “Everyone Agrees” Plan (Informal Probate)
If your heirs are on the same page, we can usually file for informal probate and get the estate open in about a week.
👉 Bonus: You do NOT have to wait for the entire process to finish to sell the house. If it’s opened quickly, you can get that property listed and sold right away.
🔴 The “Sibling Drama” Plan (Contested Hearings)
If the kids aren’t getting along, informal probate is off the table. We have to schedule a formal court hearing just to get the estate up and running. Depending on the county backlog here in Michigan, that alone can take 1 to 2 months before a judge even hears the case. That is when things really start to bog down.
⚖️ The 5-Month Rule
No matter how fast or slow your family moves, a probate estate in Michigan must remain open for at least five months by law.
If you’ve inherited a property in Greater Lansing and need to figure out your next steps or if you want to make sure your own family avoids the court backlog altogether we are here to help guide you through it.
🏡 Facing probate or looking to sell an inherited home in Mid-Michigan? Send us a DM or drop a comment below let’s get you on the right timeline! 👇
Watch the full video on YT link in bio:
“Buyers Guide”