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PC 551Mandatory

Petition and Order to Open Safe-Deposit Box to Locate Will or Burial Deed

Michigan · Michigan State Court Administrative Office · Effective December 1, 2022

This form is used to ask the court for permission to open a safe-deposit box. The purpose is only to look for and take out a will or a deed for a burial plot.

The court describes it as: Court rule / statute: MCL 700.2517

Open the official PDFfrom Michigan State Court Administrative Office

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This form is used when someone believes a safe-deposit box might hold a deceased person's will or a deed for a burial plot. It must be filed in the county where the safe-deposit box is located.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Common questions

Who should file this form?
The form asks for information about the petitioner, who is the person filing the request with the court.
What is the goal of filing this form?
The goal is to get a court order that allows the petitioner to examine the contents of a safe-deposit box to find a will or a burial deed.
What happens after the box is opened?
If the petition is granted, the court orders that a Safe-Deposit Box Certificate and Receipt (PC 552) must be signed and filed with the court within 7 days.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect December 1, 2022.

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