Guardianships & Conservatorships
Compassionate, structured legal protection for vulnerable adults, incapacitated family members, and minors in Michigan probate courts.
Protecting Vulnerable Loved Ones Through Guided Legal Proceedings
When a family member becomes unable to manage their medical care or financial affairs due to age, illness, or disability—and no valid powers of attorney exist—Michigan probate court protective proceedings may become necessary.
At Bassett Murray Law Group, PLLC, we guide families through adult guardianship and conservatorship petitions with dignity and legal rigor. We evaluate less restrictive alternatives whenever possible, advocate passionately during court proceedings, and support appointed fiduciaries with ongoing annual reporting requirements.
Key Protective Options
- Adult Guardianship: Legal authority over living arrangements, medical treatment, and personal care.
- Conservatorship: Court supervision for managing income, bank accounts, pensions, and real estate.
- Alternatives Exploration: Establishing non-court surrogacy solutions whenever legally viable.
- Fiduciary Reporting: Assisting guardians and conservators with annual accountings and court reports.
Comprehensive Guardianship & Conservatorship Services
Guardianship Petitions for Adults
Petitioning Michigan probate courts to appoint a guardian to make medical, placement, and personal decisions for an incapacitated adult.
Conservatorship Petitions for Property
Securing legal authority to manage bank accounts, pay bills, sell real estate, and protect financial assets for an individual unable to manage finances.
Alternatives to Formal Guardianship
Implementing less restrictive alternatives like Durable Powers of Attorney, Patient Advocate designations, or Representative Payees when appropriate.
Contested Guardianship Proceedings
Representing family members or interested parties in court hearings when guardianship need, suitability, or fiduciary conduct is disputed.
Nomination of Guardians for Minors
Filing protective petitions for minors or establishing standby and testamentary guardianship nominations in family estate plans.
How Guardianships Proceed in Court
Initial Legal Consultation
We review the individual's medical condition, financial circumstances, and assess whether a protective court proceeding is necessary.
Physician Review & Petition Drafting
Obtain required medical certifications and draft formal probate court petitions detailing the need for protection.
Filing & Guardian ad Litem Investigation
File petitions with the local Michigan probate court. The court appoints a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to conduct an independent evaluation.
Formal Probate Hearing
Represent the petitioner or family member at the probate court hearing to present clear testimony and legal argument.
Annual Reporting & Compliance
Assist appointed guardians and conservators with mandatory annual reports on condition and annual financial accountings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guardianship
Related Legal Services
Explore complementary legal protections for long-term care and estate settlement.
Discuss Protective Proceedings With Our Legal Team
Reach out to Bassett Murray Law Group, PLLC to tell us how we can help with guardianship or conservatorship needs for your family member.