Conservatorships

The court cannot give legal advice or assistance. If you have legal questions or need assistance you will need to contact an attorney of your choice. The court cannot accept incomplete documents. Documents must be completed in ink and be legible.

A conservator is a person appointed by the court to handle an individual’s business affairs and monies. A conservator makes decisions regarding payment of expenses and investments of assets.

An individual who requires a conservatorship must reside in Barry County or have assets in Barry County.

There is a $175.00 filing fee for a petition for the appointment of a conservator. The charge for a certified copy of the Letters of Conservatorship is $12.00 for an adult and $13.00 for a minor. A guardian ad litem may be required and the conservatorship will be responsible for payment of the expenses related to the guardian ad litem.

It is the court’s policy to restrict minor conservatorship accounts. The court does not generally restrict adult conservatorship accounts; however, the court may do so in the event the court feels it is necessary to protect the assets of the ward.

In adult conservatorships, the court will either restrict the funds or require a bond of the conservator prior to the issuance of the letters of conservatorship. If a bond is require the conservator must obtain the bond through a bond agency. The bond is to insure that the conservator doesn’t use the funds in a manner that is not appropriate.

If the proposed ward is receiving Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration must be notified; Veteran’s Benefits, the Veterans Administration must be notified; and assistance from the State of Michigan, Barry County DHS, attention: Karen Tripp, must be notified.

An individual 14 years or older must sign the nomination and must be personally served with the petition and notice of hearing at least 7 days prior to the hearing. A proof of service must be filed with the court indicating the individual was served with the documents.

Individuals entitled to notification in a conservatorship proceeding must be served by mail at least 14 days prior to the hearing or at least 7 days prior to the hearing if the individual is personally served. The court must have the proof of service 5 days prior to the court hearing.

The forms on this list are not intended to be all-inclusive. Some of the forms relate directly to a minor conservatorship and others relate directly to an adult conservatorship. If you choose to proceed without an attorney, it is presumed you know the law and various requirements.

Forms


CONSERVATORSHIPS

The court is unable to give legal advice or assistance. If you proceed without the assistance of an attorney, it is presumed you know the law and all requirements of the law.

There is filing fee due at the time the petition is filed in the amount of $175.00. A guardian ad litem will be appointed by the court and the conservator will be responsible for paying the expenses of the guardian ad litem.

Forms are available at the Michigan Supreme Court web site:

Click on the form title to connect directly to the form

Guardianship & Conservatorship:

Probate Forms:

* These forms must accompany a petition for appointment of conservator for an adult or a minor.