Guardianship Law Reforms Introduced

Liz Gullett

Apr 14, 2023

In response to recommendations by Attorney General Dana Nessel’s Elder Abuse Task Force, bipartisan legislation was introduced this week. The bills include changes such as:

- Require a judge to state on the record why a family member who is willing to serve as legal guardian is not suitable
- Create a requirement for guardians and conservators to be certified and require monthly check-ins of their protected persons
- More thoroughly outlining guardian ad litem responsibilities
- Establish a clear asset/income threshold for appointment of a conservator
- Improve the basic standards for medical testimony
- Require guardians to identify and list protected person’s specific sentimental items and provide a list to an interested person upon request

The bills were referred to the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee for consideration.

Michigan’s Elder Abuse Task Force was launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The more than 100 individuals on the Task Force are divided into seven committees working diligently to accomplish nine initiatives.

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