What is a guardianship and when would it be necessary?
A guardian may be appointed or designated in two types of situations:
1) To designate the caretaker for a minor in the event the parents are no longer able to be responsible for them.
2) To assist an adult who is unable to care for him or herself. This is an important legal matter because it involves a person's potential loss of independence and autonomy. Guardianships are designated to help with personal and health related needs for an individual.
With careful planning, the appointment of a guardian for an adult can most often be avoided.
If one is needed, the naming of a guardian for an adult is handled by the probate courts in Michigan.
There is detailed information about guardians and guardianship. Click here for the Washtenaw County Probate Court information page to learn more about adult guardianships.