Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.811

Sec. 811. (1) Judges of probate shall be elected in the manner provided in Act No. 116 of the Public Acts of 1954, as amended. For the office of judge of probate in a probate court district created pursuant to law, nominating petitions and incumbency affidavits of candidacy shall be filed with the secretary of state. (2) An elected judge of probate shall have a term of office of 6 years except as otherwise provided by section 803 or when a vacancy is being filled for the balance of an unexpired term. (3) The term of a judge of probate shall commence on January 1 following the date of election. If a vacancy is filled by appointment, the term shall commence in accordance with the order of appointment.