Contested Guardianships in Michigan: Protecting Vulnerable Individuals and Family Rights

Contested guardianships in Michigan are among the most sensitive and high-stakes probate matters, often arising when family members disagree over who should make decisions for a vulnerable adult or minor child. Under Michigan’s Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), a guardianship grants one person or entity authority to make personal, medical, or residential decisions for someone deemed incapacitated (an adult) or in need of protection (a minor). When these appointments are challenged—whether due to allegations of unsuitability, abuse, conflict of interest, or restored capacity—the case enters contested territory, requiring probate court intervention, evidentiary hearings, and sometimes prolonged litigation.

Contested guardianships can involve adults with cognitive decline, mental health issues, developmental disabilities, or physical limitations, as well as minors whose parents are unavailable, unfit, deceased, or have surrendered rights. Disputes frequently pit family members against each other, blending emotional turmoil with legal complexity. Outcomes profoundly impact the ward’s well-being, autonomy, and family dynamics. Without skilled representation, vulnerable individuals risk inappropriate control, while dedicated caregivers face unfair removal.

At Patrick & Associates, PLLC, led by experienced Michigan probate litigator Dean E. Patrick, we specialize in contested guardianships for both adults and minors. Whether you’re seeking to establish, challenge, modify, remove, or terminate a guardianship, we provide compassionate yet assertive advocacy. With decades of success in probate court, we represent petitioners, respondents, guardians, family members, and interested parties. Our goal is to ensure the ward’s best interests prevail—balancing protection with dignity—while navigating family sensitivities and achieving resolutions through negotiation, mediation, or trial.

Common Grounds for Contesting Guardianships in Michigan

Contests arise when evidence suggests a guardianship is unnecessary, improper, or harmful. Grounds differ slightly for adults and minors but share themes of best interests and least restrictive alternatives.

For adult guardianships (often for incapacity due to dementia, injury, or illness):

• Insufficient evidence of incapacity—e.g., the individual retains decision-making ability.
• Unsuitability of the proposed guardian (conflict of interest, history of abuse, or financial motives).
• Violation of due process rights during appointment.
• Abuse, neglect, or mismanagement by the current guardian.
• Restored capacity warranting termination.
• Preference for less restrictive options like powers of attorney.

For minor guardianships (when parents cannot or should not care for the child):

• Parental fitness—disputing claims of unfitness, incarceration, or abandonment.
• Best interests of the child—arguing the proposed guardian is unsuitable or the placement harmful.
• Violation of parental rights or improper termination/suspension.
• Child’s preference (if age 14+, courts consider it strongly).
• Conflicts in limited vs. full guardianship plans.

Courts require “clear and convincing evidence” and appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to investigate and advocate for the ward’s best interests. Temporary guardianships can be contested urgently to prevent immediate harm.

The Contested Guardianship Process in Michigan

Proceedings occur in probate court, emphasizing the ward’s rights and least restrictive options.

Key steps:

• Filing the Petition: Submit to contest appointment, seek removal/modification, or terminate. Include evidence like medical reports, witness statements, or GAL recommendations.
• Investigation: The court appoints a GAL to interview parties, review records, and report on best interests—crucial in both adult and minor cases.
• Hearings: Evidentiary hearings where parties present testimony, documents, and experts (e.g., psychologists for capacity).
• Mediation: Often encouraged to resolve family conflicts privately.
• Trial: If unresolved, a judge decides; jury trials are unavailable in guardianship matters.
• Appeals: Challenge rulings through Michigan appellate courts.

Adult cases prioritize preserving autonomy; minor cases focus on parental rights vs. child welfare. Timelines vary—emergencies resolve quickly, while full contests take months to years. Delays can exacerbate vulnerability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Contested Guardianships in Michigan

Here are answers to common questions for both adult and minor cases:

Risks and Challenges in Contested Guardianships

These cases are fraught with pitfalls:

• Emotional strain fracturing families irreparably.
• High costs, including GAL fees and potential sanctions for frivolous claims.
• Prolonged uncertainty harming the ward’s stability.
• Evidentiary burdens—proving incapacity or unfitness requires robust medical/psychological proof.
• GAL influence—reports heavily sway judges.
• Personal liability for guardians accused of misconduct.
• In minor cases, involvement of Friend of the Court or child protective services complicating matters.

Self-representation often fails due to procedural errors, inadequate evidence, or emotional bias.

Benefits of Professional Representation in Contested Guardianships

An experienced attorney is invaluable:

• Strategic Guidance: Evaluate merits early to pursue viable claims or strong defenses.
• Evidence Building: Coordinate experts, medical records, and witnesses effectively.
• Court Advocacy: Present compelling cases while protecting due process.
• Mediation Expertise: Facilitate settlements preserving relationships.
• Risk Mitigation: Shield against liability or adverse rulings.
• Compassionate Support: Handle sensitive communications during crises.
• Best Interests Focus: Ensure outcomes prioritize the ward’s dignity and welfare.

In adult cases, we advocate for limited guardianships; in minor cases, we balance parental rights with child safety.

How Patrick & Associates, PLLC Handles Contested Guardianships

Our approach is thorough and empathetic:

• Free consultation to assess facts and options.
• Detailed investigation, including GAL coordination.
• Aggressive pursuit of mediation for family-focused resolutions.
• Vigorous trial advocacy when necessary.
• Ongoing support for all parties.

We handle adult and minor cases across Wayne, Oakland, and surrounding counties.

Why Choose Patrick & Associates, PLLC?

Dean E. Patrick brings decades of specialized experience in Michigan contested guardianships, successfully resolving hundreds of sensitive disputes—from elder capacity battles to child custody-integrated minor guardianships. Recognized for strategic insight, courtroom tenacity, and genuine compassion, we’ve protected vulnerable adults from exploitation and ensured children’s best interests prevail. Our firm prioritizes efficient, dignified outcomes in probate court.

Contested guardianships demand urgency—delays can cause lasting harm.

Contact us today at (248) 663-2566 or complete our online form for your complimentary consultation.

Let us protect your loved one’s rights with expertise and care.