ELDER LAW ATTORNEY IN OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN 

Acting as a Power of Attorney in Michigan: An Educational Guide Serving as someone’s power of attorney is an act of trust. When a person (the principal ) signs a power of attorney, they are handing you the legal authority to manage important parts of their life—often finances, property, or other personal affairs. Michigan’s updated Uniform Power of Attorney Act, effective July 1, 2024, strengthens protections for principals and clarifies exactly what is expected of agents. Th

Michigan Durable Powers of Attorney must include the required statutory language. When an Oakland County resident begins to struggle with decision‑making, families often find themselves navigating the Oakland County Probate Court system for the first time. Two tools come up repeatedly in these situations: durable powers of attorney and guardianship. Although both allow someone else to make decisions for an adult, they function very differently under Michigan law — and Oakland

Make sure you "serve" the documents by 1st-class mail to the estranged family member (ex. offspring, sibling, parent, and spouse) and e-file the "Proof of Service" with the court before the hearing. Probate practitioners, fiduciaries, and families all share the same frustration: you prepare for a hearing, clear your schedule, maybe even take time off work—only to learn the matter has been adjourned . It feels like lost momentum, wasted time, and unnecessary stress. But here’s

The Spirit of Detroit (photo) is a large, iconic bronze statue by sculptor Marshall Fredericks, located outside the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in Detroit, Michigan. The statue symbolizes humanity, family, and divinity, and is a significant symbol of Detroit's hope, progress, and community. A grounded, compassionate guide for families navigating one of the most emotionally charged parts of probate Probate mediation isn’t just a legal process—it’s a deeply human one. Fam

When you’re navigating a probate, guardianship, or conservatorship case, the court system can feel like a maze of forms, deadlines, and procedures. One document that often surprises people—yet plays a critical role in every case—is the Proof of Service. If you’ve ever wondered what it is, why it matters, or how to complete one correctly, this guide breaks it down in plain English. What Exactly Is a Proof of Service? A proof of service is a document that tells the court that y

Walking into probate court isn’t just about paperwork and procedure—it’s about people, memories, and emotions. If you’re facing a hearing, chances are you’re already carrying the weight of loss, family responsibilities, and maybe even conflict. That’s why emotional preparation matters just as much as legal preparation.    Give Yourself Permission to Feel  Probate often comes at a tender time. You may be grieving, frustrated, or anxious about what lies ahead. Instead of pushin

E-FILING AND OAKLAND COUNTY PROBATE COURT E-filing has become the standard for handling court documents in the Oakland County Probate Court. Thanks to the MiFILE system, users can initiate and manage all types of probate cases online. If you’re new to MiFILE or looking for a refresher on best practices and procedural details, this guide is for you! Why MiFILE and Who Must Use It? Michigan Court Rule 1.109(G) mandates e-filing for all case types—both for opening new cases and

Julie McCowan's Family When circumstances prevent parents from caring for their children, a minor guardianship may be necessary. In Michigan, establishing guardianship ensures a responsible adult can make legal, medical, and educational decisions for the child. Whether you are a relative, family friend, or another concerned party, understanding the process of filing for minor guardianship can help protect the child’s well-being and provide peace of mind for everyone involved.

Embarking on Your Conservator Journey Taking on the role of a conservator can feel overwhelming, but with a well-structured checklist,...

Filing a conservatorship accounting in Michigan is an essential responsibility for anyone appointed as a conservator. If you find...

Empowering Individuals While Preserving Autonomy Guardianship is often seen as a necessary intervention when adults are unable to manage...

How a Ladybird Deed May Streamline Estate Planning and Protect Your Legacy Michigan homeowners often seek practical, efficient ways to...

Educational Information: Understanding the Process, Implications, and Human Realities In the complex landscape of modern life, few events...

When navigating the complex world of guardianship in Michigan, one critical aspect often at the heart of legal proceedings is the...

An Educational Guide to the Length and Steps of Guardianship in Michigan If you are considering filing for guardianship in...

A Comprehensive Guide for Guardians and Families Guardianship entails specific legal responsibilities in Michigan, where laws establish...

In the state of Michigan, the legal framework surrounding guardianship and the authority granted through a Durable Power of Attorney...

When it comes to supporting family members through mental health challenges, understanding your options—and the state laws—can make all...

A guardian ad litem (GAL) is a court-appointed representative who acts on behalf of minors, adults, or unborn individuals during legal...