Guardianship and Conservatorship
When your loved one can’t take care of their affairs, our attorneys can help
Guardianship And Conservatorship Attorney In Grand Ledge
What Is A Conservatorship?
In certain situations, a court may establish a conservatorship to allow a responsible individual to manage the financial affairs of someone who is unable to do so independently. This may apply to a minor, an individual with an intellectual disability, or an adult who has become incapacitated due to illness or injury. The person appointed by the court, known as a conservator, is given the authority to handle financial matters such as paying bills, managing bank accounts, overseeing investments, and handling other financial responsibilities.
Conservatorships are designed to provide protection and oversight when a person is no longer able to manage their own finances safely. Because the process involves court proceedings and specific legal requirements, it is important to understand how conservatorships work and when they may be appropriate.
Joseph M. O’Connor works with individuals and families throughout Michigan who are considering guardianship or conservatorship arrangements for a loved one. The process may involve reviewing the individual’s circumstances and working with medical professionals or other relevant parties as required by the court. Contact O'Connor Law Office, PLLC to schedule a consultation and learn more about guardianship and conservatorship options.
Call O'Connor Law Office, PLLC at 517-300-0395 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.
What is a Guardianship?
A guardianship is a legal arrangement in which a court appoints someone to make personal and healthcare decisions for a minor or an adult who is unable to make those decisions independently due to a medical condition, disability, or incapacity. A guardian may be responsible for decisions involving medical care, living arrangements, safety, and other aspects of daily life. In some cases, guardianship may work alongside a conservatorship, which focuses on managing financial matters.
Before a guardianship can be established, a Michigan court must determine that the individual is unable to manage certain aspects of their personal care or decision-making. Because guardianship affects a person’s independence, courts review these matters carefully and consider factors such as the individual’s health, their ability to care for themselves, and whether other planning options may be appropriate.
Joseph M. O’Connor works with individuals and families throughout Michigan who are considering guardianship for a loved one. The process may involve gathering information about the person’s medical and personal circumstances and presenting that information to the court as required under Michigan law. Contact O'Connor Law Office, PLLC
to schedule a consultation and discuss guardianship options for your family.
What About Contesting a Guardianship or Conservatorship?
Recent public cases have highlighted the importance of courts maintaining the ability to review and reconsider guardianship or conservatorship arrangements when new information becomes available. Circumstances can change over time, and Michigan law allows individuals or family members to request that the court review an existing arrangement if there are concerns about how it was established or how it is being carried out.
In some situations, new evidence may come to light, or an individual’s health and capacity may improve. When that happens, it may be appropriate to ask the court to modify or terminate an existing guardianship or conservatorship. The court will carefully review the circumstances and determine whether changes are warranted.
Joseph M. O’Connor works with individuals and families throughout Michigan who wish to review, modify, or challenge a guardianship or conservatorship arrangement. If you believe a current arrangement should be reconsidered, or if circumstances have changed, contact O'Connor Law Office, PLLC to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
Have Questions About Estate Planning?
If you have questions about estate planning matters, call O'Connor Law Office, PLLC at 517-300-0395 to speak with Joseph O’Connor. Calls are accepted 24/7, so you can reach out anytime to schedule a consultation and start planning for the future.