Appointing a conservator to manage the finances and estate of someone who can no longer handle their own affairs may seem like a protective step, but attempting to establish, contest, or manage a conservatorship without experienced legal representation is extremely risky—often leading to court rejections, financial mismanagement, prolonged disputes, and irreversible loss of rights for the vulnerable individual. At Patrick & Associates, PLLC, our probate conservatorship lawyers, led by attorney Dean E. Patrick, handle these sensitive matters because self-navigating Michigan’s probate court system invites procedural errors, missed deadlines, inadequate protections, and aggressive challenges that can worsen an already difficult situation.
A conservatorship strips away basic rights as the court appoints someone to control property and finances—DIY petitions or defenses frequently underestimate this gravity, resulting in improper appointments, depleted assets, or accusations of abuse that expose you to personal liability.
Unlike guardianship (which covers personal decisions like medical care or housing), conservators focus solely on financial matters—but mishandling the distinction yourself can blur lines, leading to incomplete safeguards or dual proceedings that drain resources unnecessarily.
Once established, conservators must quickly file a detailed Inventory of all assets with the probate court; failing this short deadline alone—common in self-managed cases—can trigger penalties, removal, or court oversight that complicates everything further.
We provide essential guidance in critical areas because attempting these without over two decades of probate experience like Mr. Patrick’s often ends in disaster:
- Establishing a conservatorship — Self-petitions commonly lack sufficient evidence of incapacity or necessity, resulting in denials that leave finances unprotected amid ongoing decline.
- Terminating a conservatorship — Proving restored capacity without expert advocacy risks prolonged restrictions or contested hearings that delay independence.
- Modifying a conservatorship — Changing terms solo frequently leads to vague requests courts reject, perpetuating unsuitable arrangements.
- Contesting a conservatorship — Challenging an improper appointment demands aggressive proof; going it alone often weakens your case through evidentiary missteps or unprepared cross-examinations.
- Defending a position as conservator — Accusations of mismanagement escalate quickly—self-defense invites removal or lawsuits without strategic counsel.
- Removing a conservator who has failed in duties — Alleging breaches requires precise documentation; DIY efforts routinely fall short, allowing continued harm.
- Filing conservatorship accounts — Ongoing reporting is strict and complex—errors here spark audits, surcharges, or liability that self-filers rarely anticipate.
- Assisting in obtaining a bond — Overlooking or mishandling this protection exposes assets to loss without reimbursement.
- Other matters in the Michigan probate court system — The entire process is notoriously tricky; proceeding without an established probate lawyer virtually guarantees being caught off guard.
Our team represents the interests of the protected individual, family members, or nominated conservators with the intellectual rigor and aggressive advocacy needed to navigate these intrusive proceedings properly—self-representation leaves interests vulnerable and invites outcomes no one wants.
Please contact Probate and Conservatorship Attorney Dean E. Patrick at our Southfield, Michigan office by calling (248) 663-2566 for an initial consultation before attempting any conservatorship matter alone—the stakes for financial security and personal rights are far too high to risk.
For related personal care protections, professional guardianship handling is equally vital—self-managed guardianships invite parallel pitfalls. Visit our guardianship page.
Call (248) 663-2566 or fill in the form below—don’t face conservatorship challenges alone when mistakes can have devastating, lifelong consequences. Request your appointment now to ensure proper protection.
