Guardianship of a Child

Michigan law provides for the establishment of temporary or permanent guardians for minor children. Both limited and full guardianships require the approval and supervision of the Michigan probate courts. A guardian has the legal authority to govern decisions that affect a child’s medical care, living arrangements, schooling and routine activities. In a limited guardianship, the child’s custodial parents must agree to the appointment of a guardian, as well as agree to give up their parental rights for a specific period of time. Otherwise, the judge must determine that the guardianship is in the best interest of the minor child. The attorneys at Davison Legal Associates, P.C. will assist you in filing all of the necessary documents with the court and help you prepare for the required court hearings.

Guardianship of an Adult

A guardian is a person who is appointed as a representative by the court to make decisions on behalf of a person who is found to be incompetent. This often occurs with elderly family members who are no longer able to care for themselves. A representative is appointed to protect the person and/or property of the person when he or she is no longer able to communicate and make sound decisions. A formal court proceeding is necessary to prove that the individual is incompetent and needs a guardian to act on his or her behalf. The attorneys at Davison Legal Associates, P.C. will assist you in filing all of the necessary paperwork to obtain guardianship.

When appointing a guardian, the court may grant him or her the power to make a variety of decisions on behalf of the individual, including medical decisions, such as the ability to give informed consent for health care and medications, and decisions as to where the individual will live and who will provide support services. Appointing a guardian can have a significant impact on the individual rights of the elderly person and should be approached with diligence and care. The attorneys at Davison Legal Associates, P.C. counsel our clients through the process of appointing a guardian to protect the property rights and personal wellbeing of elderly family members.