West Michigan Guardianships and Conservatorships

Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo estate planning and probate attorneys who help you find solutions

The lawyers at Willis & Willis, PLC counsel clients and their families through guardianship proceedings for care of an individual's person and conservatorship proceedings for the care of an individual's finances. These actions entrust another individual to manage the person and the finances of a disabled person.

Guardianships of incapacitated persons

According to Michigan law, an incapacitated person lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate informed decisions. The court may appoint a guardian if it finds that the individual is incapacitated and cannot make wise personal decisions regarding the following

• Health care
• Daily activities
• General well-being

Willis & Willis, PLC helps you create a durable power of attorney for healthcare (i.e. designation of patient advocate), which allows you to appoint a guardian of your own choosing.  A guardian may also be designated to take care of your surviving dependants through a will (see Wills and Trusts).  If your choice of guardian was not put in place prior to your death, Willis & Willis, PLC works with your family to achieve a guardian appointment that is appropriate.

Conservatorship for those who cannot manage their affairs

A conservator is necessary if a person cannot manage their own finances, including medical bills.  In Michigan, the court may appoint a conservator if it finds that the individual satisfies the following conditions:

• Cannot effectively manage property and business affairs
• Has property that will be wasted without proper management
• Requires assistance to successfully obtain money

As with a guardianship, you can direct the appointment of your conservator. Willis & Willis, PLC helps you create a general durable power of attorney, allowing you to establish the person whom you trust to handle your affairs on your behalf. If you have not made such a designation and a conservatorship becomes necessary, the firm's lawyers work with your family and the court to help guide the appointment of a sensible conservator.

Take steps to secure your future with a Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids estate and probate lawyer

Start planning now and you will feel more secure. To get legal advice on guardianships and conservatorships from an attorney in West Michigan, please contact the law firm of Willis & Willis, PLC.