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Michigan Form PC 651: Petition for Appointment of Guardian of Incapacitated Individual
What this form does, who files it, what it costs, and how to avoid the errors that get Michigan filings rejected.
Reviewed and updated by the Clear Path document team. Informational only — not legal advice.
Quick Answer
What is Michigan form PC 651?
Form PC 651 asks a probate court to appoint a guardian for an adult who cannot make or communicate informed decisions about their own care. The court appoints a guardian ad litem to interview the person before deciding.
Who files it
A family member, friend, or other interested person concerned about an adult's capacity.
Where it goes
The probate court in the county where the individual lives or is present.
Filing fee
$175 in most Michigan probate courts.
What you need before you start
- The individual's name, address, and date of birth
- A description of the condition and specific examples of decisions they cannot make
- Medical or psychological documentation supporting incapacity
- Names and addresses of the individual's spouse, adult children, parents, and closest relatives
- The powers you are asking the guardian to have
How to complete and file form PC 651
- 1
Consider whether a less restrictive option — a power of attorney or supported decision-making — would work first.
- 2
Complete PC 651 with concrete examples rather than diagnoses alone.
- 3
File with the probate court and pay the fee.
- 4
Serve notice on all interested persons; the court appoints a guardian ad litem.
- 5
Attend the hearing, where the individual has the right to be present and to counsel.
Mistakes that get PC 651 rejected
- Relying on a diagnosis without describing the actual decision-making failures
- Omitting relatives who are entitled to notice
- Seeking a full guardianship when a limited one covering only specific powers would be granted
- Overlooking that a separate conservatorship petition is needed to manage the person's finances
Form PC 651 Questions
Related probate forms
- Form PC 556 — Petition and Order for Assignment (Small Estate)
- Form PC 598 — Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent
- Form PC 558 — Application for Informal Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative
- Form PC 650 — Petition for Appointment of Guardian of Minor