When would I encounter a Guardian ad Litem? Let’s say you’re in court as the Personal Representative of your loved one’s estate and you have everything ready to go. You have your letters of authority, an inventory in hand, and you are about to petition the court to get approval to sell some real property. [...]
What is a Guardianship? When a person lacks the understanding or ability to make or communicate informed decisions relating to their care, medical needs, and placement, the individual may need the help of a guardian. A guardian is appointed by the probate court at the request of a concerned person (the petitioner). Common petitioners include [...]
It’s almost unbelievable that this Friday will be the first day of Fall! Although these unusually warm September days make it difficult to believe pumpkin-spice season is already here, chilled Autumn days will be blowing in quickly. Many of us will start settling in with heavy blankets and hot chocolate, and breaking bread over comforting [...]
When we think about guardianships and conservatorships, we often picture the elderly or minor children. But these protections aren’t just for assisting people at polar ends of the aging spectrum. Conservatorships and guardianships can be a solution for anyone of any age with dependency issues, disabilities, and/or mental illness. Opioid Nation: An American Epidemic Local [...]
With wedding season upon us, it’s easy and fun to get caught up in all of our loved ones’ true love. Wedding after wedding, we watch numerous couples dance down the aisle on their way to forever. Everything seems all wedding cake and butterflies in the moment, but then life happens. From Kim Kardashian’s 72-day [...]
A child with special needs is shopping with their parents at a local grocery store. When his parents run into friends and stop to chat, a flashy display catches his eye and he discreetly wanders toward it to get a closer look. After satisfying his curiosity, the boy turns to go back to his parents [...]
It’s a gloomy day in the city as cold raindrops splatter and heavy breezes push people in every direction. An elderly man’s face is wet and his gray hair is messy after a slow walk from his car to the bank. Finally, he makes his way to the bank teller and tells her that he [...]
A new mini Probate Pro is now on the go! Brandon Eckerle, one of our newest attorneys, and his wife Angela just welcomed their first child, a girl, on Tuesday, May 16, 2017. Both mom and daughter are happy and healthy, and the new family of three is already home starting their new journey together. [...]
While a minor’s parents are responsible for exercising his or her legal rights, there are certain circumstances in which a court will allow for the appointment of a guardian of a minor to exercise these rights. In Michigan, the process of appointing a guardian of a minor is governed by MCL 700.5204. That statute allows [...]
Being a Guardian is often a thankless job. The role requires taking on many duties that are not glamorous. Sometimes it is actually difficult to find a family member willing to serve, especially in situations in which the person in need of protection is mentally ill, combative, or lacks assets. This thankless job requires a deep [...]
