Probate • Document Preparation
Michigan Guardianship Document Preparation
Filing support for Michigan petitioners seeking guardianship of a minor child, an adult with disabilities, or a conservatorship of estate.
Important: Clear Path Document Services is a document preparation and filing-assistance service — not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, attorney representation, or create attorney-client relationships. All documents are prepared based on information you provide for educational and administrative purposes.Read full disclaimer.
- Transparent flat-rate pricing
- Most petitions prepared in 4–7 business days
- Michigan court-ready formatting
- Step-by-step filing instructions
How Michigan Guardianship Paperwork works in Michigan
Michigan guardianship is administered by the county Probate Court using PC-series forms. Annual reports are required to keep the appointment in good standing.
- 1
Type selection
Minor guardianship (full or limited), adult guardianship, conservatorship of estate, or both.
- 2
Petition packet
We prepare the appropriate Petition (PC 651, PC 625, or PC 639) plus supporting affidavit.
- 3
Notice & service
We prepare notice to interested persons and the proposed ward.
- 4
Hearing
Probate Court holds a hearing; judge appoints if statutory criteria are met.
- 5
Annual reporting
We prepare templates for the Annual Report (PC 634 / PC 654).
Common forms used for michigan guardianship paperwork
Guardianship uses several PC-series forms depending on the type of guardianship.
| Form # | Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| PC 651 | Petition for Appointment of Guardian of Minor | For minor guardianship. |
| PC 625 | Petition for Appointment of Guardian of Incapacitated Individual | For adult guardianship. |
| PC 639 | Petition for Appointment of Conservator | For conservatorship of estate. |
| PC 634 | Annual Report of Guardian on Condition of Legally Incapacitated Individual | Required annual filing. |
| PC 654 | Annual Report of Guardian on Condition of Minor | Required annual filing for minor guardianships. |
Form numbers and revisions change. Always confirm with your local court before filing. We help organize and complete the right packet based on the information you provide.
Where to file
File in the Probate Court of the county where the proposed ward lives.
Typical filing fee
$175 filing fee for most guardianship petitions; some emergency petitions add a small motion fee.
Service of process basics
The proposed ward and interested persons (parents, spouse, adult children) must receive personal notice at least 14 days before the hearing.
What trips people up
- Filing in the wrong county.
- Not personally serving the proposed ward.
- Missing the annual reporting requirement (can lead to court intervention).
- Confusing guardianship (person) with conservatorship (assets).
- Failing to disclose alternatives less restrictive than full guardianship.
What to expect, week by week
- Week 1
Petition
Petition prepared and filed.
- Weeks 2–6
Notice & investigation
Notice served; court investigator may visit (adult guardianship).
- Weeks 6–8
Hearing
Probate Court hearing; appointment if granted.
- Annually
Reporting
Annual report due on the anniversary of appointment.
How Michigan Guardianship Document Preparation Works in Michigan
Guardianship and conservatorship are administered by the county Probate Court.
Typical filing fees: $175 filing (set by the court, not by us)
- • MCL 700.5101 et seq. (minor guardianship) and MCL 700.5301 et seq. (adult guardianship) under EPIC.
- • Limited guardianship is preferred when full guardianship is not necessary.
- • Conservator is responsible for assets; guardian is responsible for the person.
- • St. Clair County: file at the courthouse in Port Huron; small clerk staff means going early in the day usually means shorter waits.
- • Macomb County: filings are processed at the county complex in Mount Clemens; many local district courts also accept walk-ins.
- • Oakland County: the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac handles most civil and family matters; e-filing through MiFILE is required for many filings.
- • Wayne County: the 3rd Circuit Court in Detroit and the 36th District Court each have separate filing windows and rules — confirm before you go.
Procedures and fees vary by county and may change. We prepare documents based on the information you provide; final filing acceptance is determined by the court.
Understanding michigan guardianship paperwork in Michigan
Guardianship transfers significant decision-making authority to another person. Michigan law requires courts to use the least restrictive option that meets the ward's needs.
Minor vs. adult
Minor guardianship is often used when parents are unavailable. Adult guardianship requires proof of incapacity by clear and convincing evidence.
Limited guardianship for minors
Parents can voluntarily place a minor in a limited guardianship while they address temporary issues without permanently giving up parental rights.
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Statutes, procedures, and court rules change. Clear Path Document Services prepares documents based on the information you provide and is not a law firm.
What's included in your document preparation package
Turnaround: Most petitions prepared in 4–7 business days • Pricing: Quoted after review (court filing fees not included)
- Petition for guardianship/conservatorship
- Notice to interested persons
- Affidavit of mailing
- Proposed Order/Letters of Authority
- Annual report templates
- Filing & service instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between guardian and conservator?+
A guardian makes personal decisions; a conservator manages money and property.
Can I get emergency guardianship?+
Yes — Michigan allows ex parte temporary guardianship in urgent situations.
Do I have to be a relative?+
No — but the court evaluates the petitioner's suitability and any objections from family.
What about a Patient Advocate or POA?+
Less restrictive options should be considered first; a valid Patient Advocate Designation may make adult guardianship unnecessary.
How long does it take?+
Typically 6–8 weeks from filing for non-emergency cases.
What happens at the hearing?+
The judge reviews evidence, may ask questions of the proposed ward, and issues Letters of Authority if appointed.
Can the ward object?+
Yes — the ward has a right to attend and object. The court may appoint counsel.
What annual reports are required?+
Guardian of person files PC 634/654 annually; conservator files an annual accounting.
How is guardianship terminated?+
Petition the court when the basis no longer exists (minor turns 18, adult regains capacity, etc.).
Does Medicaid affect this?+
Yes — conservatorship interacts with Medicaid eligibility planning. Consult appropriate professionals.
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Michigan service areas
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