Guardianship and conservatorship in Michigan: who, where, cost
How a court can name a guardian or conservator in Michigan, what it costs and what to try first.
Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.
Short answer
Guardian of a legally incapacitated individual (full or limited guardian); conservator for a protected individual's estate.
- Filing fee
- $150 filing fee to start a guardianship or limited guardianship proceeding; later motions $20, but not when the moving party is the subject of the guardianship.
- Court
- Probate court in the county where the individual resides or is present.
What guardianship or conservatorship is
- What it is called
Guardian of a legally incapacitated individual (full or limited guardian); conservator for a protected individual's estate
- When a court may appoint one
The court may appoint a guardian only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is incapacitated and that a guardian is needed to provide continuing care and supervision. The court must grant only the powers and time needed and design the guardianship to encourage maximum self-reliance. If the person lacks capacity for some but not all tasks, the court must appoint a limited, not full, guardian. A guardian cannot get powers held by a valid patient advocate.
Law: MCL 700.5306
- Kinds
- Full guardian
- Limited guardian
- Temporary guardian
- Standby guardian
- Conservator
Law: MCL 700.5303 to 700.5314; MCL 600.880a
Who can ask, which court and your own choice
- Who may ask
The individual or any person interested in the individual's welfare. Before a petition is filed, the court must give the petitioner written information about alternatives to a full guardianship.
Law: MCL 700.5303
- Court
Probate court in the county where the individual resides or is present
- Choosing your own
In a power of attorney you can nominate a conservator or guardian of your estate or person; the court must follow your most recent nomination if consistent with priority and suitability rules. For a guardian, the court gives priority to a person you choose or nominated in a durable power of attorney or other writing, then to your patient advocate or attorney-in-fact.
Law: MCL 556.208(1); MCL 700.5313(2)
- Effect on a power of attorney
If a conservator or guardian of your estate is appointed, your financial power of attorney does not end; the agent becomes accountable to the conservator as well as to you, and the agent's authority continues unless the court limits, suspends or ends it. A guardian cannot make medical or mental health decisions that your patient advocate is designated to make, unless the court changes this for cause.
Law: MCL 556.208(2); MCL 700.5306(5)
Cost, fee waiver and forms
- Filing fee
$150 filing fee to start a guardianship or limited guardianship proceeding; later motions $20, but not when the moving party is the subject of the guardianship.
Law: MCL 600.880a; MCL 600.880b
- Fee waiver
Fee Waiver Request, form MC 20 (rev. 1/26)
- Forms
- Steps
Other options and where to report abuse
- Less restrictive options
- Limited guardian: A guardian with only the powers the court lists, used when the person can do some but not all tasks.
- Conservator: A court-appointed manager for money and property only.
- Patient advocate designation: A document naming someone to make medical and mental health decisions when you cannot.
- Durable power of attorney: A document naming an agent for money and property, with or without limits on purpose, authority or time.
- Do-not-resuscitate order or physician orders for scope of treatment (POST): Medical orders about resuscitation or other treatment that can make a guardian unnecessary for those decisions.
- Report abuse or exploitation
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Adult Protective Services · 855-444-3911
Call or text the Eldercare Locator to find your local adult protective services: 1-800-677-1116 · eldercare.acl.gov
Free help in Michigan
- Michigan Legal Help (statewide legal aid website, Guide to Legal Help)
- Michigan Legal Help: Making a Power of Attorney for Legal and Financial Decisions
- Michigan Legal Help: Health Care Powers of Attorney
- Michigan Legal Help: What Is an Advance Directive?
- Michigan Legal Help: Do-It-Yourself Health Care Power of Attorney
- Find free legal aid at LawHelp.org
Report abuse or exploitation
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Adult Protective Services · 855-444-3911
Questions about powers of attorney in Michigan
How does guardianship or conservatorship work in Michigan?
The court may appoint a guardian only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is incapacitated and that a guardian is needed to provide continuing care and supervision. The court must grant only the powers and time needed and design the guardianship to encourage maximum self-reliance.
What does a guardianship or conservatorship cost in Michigan?
$150 filing fee to start a guardianship or limited guardianship proceeding; later motions $20, but not when the moving party is the subject of the guardianship.
What are the alternatives to guardianship in Michigan?
Limited guardian; Conservator; Patient advocate designation; Durable power of attorney; Do-not-resuscitate order or physician orders for scope of treatment (POST).