Trusted Guardianship and Conservatorship Attorneys in Michigan
Protecting Vulnerable Individuals Through Thoughtful Legal Planning
At Steslicki & Ghannam, PLC, we understand how deeply personal and often emotional the decision to seek guardianship or conservatorship can be. Whether you are concerned about a child who has lost their parents, an aging loved one experiencing cognitive decline, or a developmentally disabled adult who needs continued care, these legal tools are designed to protect the rights, safety, and well-being of vulnerable individuals.
Michigan law provides clear pathways for establishing guardianship and conservatorship, but the process can be complex. Our experienced Plymouth estate planning attorneys help families throughout Michigan navigate these responsibilities with compassion, clarity, and legal precision.
We handle temporary and long-term arrangements, including guardianship of minors, adults, and developmentally disabled individuals, and conservatorship matters involving financial oversight.
What Is Guardianship in Michigan?
When someone is legally unable to make decisions for themselves, due to age, disability, or incapacity, the court can appoint a guardian to make those decisions on their behalf. In Michigan, guardianship is divided into two primary categories: guardianship of minors and guardianship of adults.
Guardianship of a Minor
A guardian of a minor is appointed when a child’s parents are unable or unwilling to care for them, whether due to death, incapacity, abandonment, or other circumstances.
A guardian takes on many of the same responsibilities as a parent, including:
- Providing housing, food, and healthcare.
- Making decisions about education and medical care.
- Ensuring the child’s overall welfare.
Guardianship can be limited, full, or temporary, depending on the situation. Often, a family member—such as a grandparent or sibling—steps into this role. Still, the court will always prioritize the child’s best interests when approving a guardianship petition.
Guardianship of an Adult
Adult guardianship becomes necessary when an individual is incapacitated due to age, illness, injury, or developmental disability and cannot make informed decisions about their care.
The court may appoint a guardian to manage issues such as:
- Living arrangements and safety.
- Medical decisions and treatment plans.
- Social and personal needs.
This type of guardianship can be partial or plenary (full), depending on the individual’s incapacity. It is often used for elderly individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or for adults with mental or physical disabilities that limit self-care capabilities.
Guardianship for Developmentally Disabled Adults in Michigan
Parents of children with developmental disabilities often spend years planning for their child’s care and support. However, once that child turns 18, parents lose legal authority over medical and educational decisions—even if their child still relies on them for daily living.
If a developmentally disabled adult cannot make decisions independently or safely, a legal guardianship may be necessary to continue parental involvement. Michigan provides a specific process under the Mental Health Code for appointing a guardian for a developmentally disabled individual.
This process includes:
- A formal petition to the probate court.
- An evaluation of the individual’s capacity.
- A hearing with notice to all interested parties.
- The appointment of a guardian, which may be limited to specific areas, including healthcare or housing.
Our attorneys can help families petition the court for guardianship and tailor the arrangement to meet the individual’s unique needs while respecting their autonomy as much as possible.
What Is Conservatorship in Michigan?
While a guardian makes decisions about a person’s personal life and care, a conservator manages their financial affairs. Conservatorship may be necessary when someone is unable to handle their finances responsibly, due to age, disability, or vulnerability to exploitation.
The probate court appoints conservators and is responsible for:
- Managing bank accounts, investments, and income.
- Paying bills and taxes.
- Maintaining property.
- Preventing financial abuse or fraud.
- Filing annual accounts with the court.
A conservator has a fiduciary duty to act in the protected person’s best interests and must obtain court approval for significant decisions.
Conservatorship may be needed for:
- A minor who has inherited money or received a legal settlement.
- An adult with dementia or another cognitive impairment.
- An adult with a developmental disability who cannot manage finances.
- An individual who has become the victim of financial exploitation or elder abuse.
At Steslicki & Ghannam, we help clients understand whether conservatorship is the appropriate legal path and guide them through the appointment process with care and attention to detail.
Guardianship vs. Conservatorship: Understanding the Difference
It’s common to confuse guardianship and conservatorship, but they serve different roles in Michigan law.
| Aspect | Guardianship | Conservatorship |
| Focus | Personal care and daily decisions | Financial matters and asset management |
| Applies To | Minors or incapacitated adults | Minors or incapacitated adults |
| Appointed By | Probate Court | Probate Court |
| Common Uses | Medical decisions, housing, education | Paying bills, managing income, and protecting assets |
Sometimes, a person may need a guardian and a conservator. Depending on the court’s assessment, these roles may be filled by the same person or separate individuals.
The Legal Process for Establishing Guardianship or Conservatorship in Michigan
Establishing guardianship or conservatorship involves filing a petition in probate court, notifying interested parties, and attending a hearing.
The process includes:
- Filing a Petition – We help you prepare and submit the appropriate legal documents.
- Medical or Psychological Evaluation – The court may require evidence of incapacity or disability.
- Notice to Interested Parties – Relatives and other interested individuals are notified of the proceedings.
- Court Hearing – A judge will evaluate the evidence and determine whether a guardian or conservator is necessary.
- Appointment and Oversight – If granted, the guardian or conservator must follow court rules, file reports, and act in the individual’s best interests.
Our team supports clients at every step, from preparing documentation to attending hearings and helping them comply with ongoing legal duties.
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Get Experienced Help for Guardianship and Conservatorship Matters in Michigan
Deciding to pursue guardianship or conservatorship is never easy. It often means acknowledging that someone you care about can no longer make safe decisions alone. At Steslicki & Ghannam, PLC, our Michigan estate planning and family attorneys offer compassionate, knowledgeable support during this challenging process. We take the time to understand your family’s needs and advocate for arrangements that protect vulnerable individuals while minimizing court involvement whenever possible.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Whether you’re caring for a developmentally disabled adult, a minor without a parent, or an aging loved one in decline, we’re here to help you make legally sound, ethically responsible decisions that safeguard their future.
