A petition for guardianship has been filed, but the court orders that the person who is subject of the petition undergoes an examination. This examination, made by a physician or mental health professional. In lieu of them appearing before the court, one could have them fill out the Report of Physician.
The Report of Physician is a State Court Administrative Office form. If you need this form or any other probate court forms, please reach out to us. We will be happy to provide you with this document and any other necessary probate court documents.
Most of these State Court Administrative Office forms are associated with Michigan Court Rules and statutes. This is no different. The Report of Physician is associated with MCL 700.5204, which states:
(1) If necessary, the court may order that an individual alleged to be incapacitated be examined by a physician or mental health professional appointed by the court who shall submit a report in writing to the court at least 5 days before the hearing set under section 5303. A report prepared as provided in this subsection shall not be made a part of the proceeding’s public record, but shall be available to the court or an appellate court in which the proceeding is subject to review, to the alleged incapacitated individual, to the petitioner, to their respective legal counsels, and to other persons as the court directs. The report may be used as provided in the Michigan rules of evidence.
(2) The alleged incapacitated individual has the right to secure an independent evaluation, at his or her own expense or, if indigent, at the expense of the state. Compensation for an independent evaluation at public expense shall be in an amount that, based upon time and expense, the court approves as reasonable.
(3) A report prepared under this section shall contain all of the following:
(a) A detailed description of the individual’s physical or psychological infirmities.
(b) An explanation of how and to what extent each infirmity interferes with the individual’s ability to receive or evaluate information in making decisions.
(c) A listing of all medications the individual is receiving, the dosage of each medication, and a description of the effects each medication has upon the individual’s behavior.
(d) A prognosis for improvement in the individual’s condition and a recommendation for the most appropriate rehabilitation plan.
(e) The signatures of all individuals who performed the evaluations upon which the report is based.
(4) The individual alleged to be incapacitated is entitled to be present at the hearing in person, and to see or hear all evidence bearing upon the individual’s condition. If the individual wishes to be present at the hearing, all practical steps shall be taken to ensure his or her presence, including, if necessary, moving the hearing site.
(5) The individual is entitled to be represented by legal counsel, to present evidence, to cross-examine witnesses, including the court-appointed physician or mental health professional and the visitor, and to trial by jury.
(6) The issue of incapacity may be determined at a closed hearing without a jury if requested by the individual alleged to be incapacitated or that individual’s legal counsel.
In addition to this, the Report of Physician is pursuant to MCR 5.405. To help you understand this form better, Darren Findling of The Probate Pro covers everything you’ll need to know in this video.
Like Darren, we’re ready to help you understand all things related to probate. So, if you have any probate related questions, don’t hesitate to give The Probate Pro a call today at (833) PROBATE. Our legal family is ready to help you.
