Guardianship Attorney in Troy

Support For Difficult Guardianship Decisions

If someone you love can no longer make safe decisions about health care, living arrangements, or daily finances, it can be hard to know what to do next. You may be hearing that guardianship could help, but the legal process in Michigan probably feels confusing and intimidating.

At Axis Estate Planning, we help families in Troy and the surrounding area understand their options and move through guardianship with clarity and respect. We know you are trying to protect your loved one, not take something away, and we take the time to listen before making any recommendations.

Our firm is based in Troy, and you work directly with attorney Victor Veprauskas from the first call through the court hearing. That personal access, combined with our estate planning and elder law focus, allows us to guide you through each step, so you are never left wondering what comes next.

Why Families Choose Our Firm

When you are dealing with a vulnerable parent, spouse, or adult child, you need more than forms and legal terms. You need a guardianship attorney who will answer your questions, return your calls, and understand the dynamics in your family. That is why our process is built around direct communication and personal attention.

At our firm, you do not get shuffled between departments. Attorney Victor Veprauskas personally answers his phone whenever possible and manages each matter himself. Clients know who is responsible for their case, who will be at the hearing with them, and who to contact when new questions come up.

We also recognize that many people who may need protection find it difficult or impossible to travel. For families in Troy and nearby communities, we offer in-home visits when appropriate. Meeting around the kitchen table often makes conversations easier for older adults or those with disabilities and allows us to see your situation as it really is.

Because our work extends beyond guardianship into Medicaid planning, and probate, we can look at the whole picture. When we talk about guardianship, we can also discuss how to plan for long term care, protect assets within the rules, and coordinate with any existing wills or trusts. Our background in litigation and commercial law helps us identify where future disputes might arise and adjust the plan to reduce stress for everyone involved.

Guardianship For Loved Ones In Michigan

Before you start a court case, it helps to understand what guardianship really is. In Michigan, a guardian is a person the probate court authorizes to make certain decisions for an adult who cannot safely make those decisions alone. Those decisions often involve medical care, housing, safety, and daily support.

Families in this area often contact us when a parent’s memory has declined, when an adult child has a developmental disability, or when a loved one experiences a sudden injury or illness. In some situations, less formal help is enough. In others, doctors, care facilities, or banks may insist that someone have legal authority before they will act on instructions.

Guardianship can be broad or limited. The court generally looks for the least restrictive option that will still keep your loved one safe. That might mean giving a guardian authority over medical decisions while allowing the individual to handle small purchases or personal choices. Our role is to help you explain to the court what your family member can and cannot do, so the judge has a clear picture.

Many families worry that asking for a guardian means stripping a loved one of all rights. In practice, Michigan courts aim to protect both safety and dignity. We talk carefully with our clients about how guardianship would affect day to day life, and we discuss alternatives when they exist, such as powers of attorney, supported decision making, or updated estate planning documents.

Common signs that a loved one may need a guardian include:

• Serious memory loss that leads to getting lost, missing medications, or unsafe behavior
• Inability to understand or manage medical appointments, treatments, or follow up
• Confusion about money that results in unpaid bills or vulnerability to scams
• Frequent emergency room visits or crises that caretakers cannot manage alone
• Health care providers or facilities asking who has legal authority to decide

If you are seeing some of these patterns, we can talk through whether a guardian, another planning tool, or a combination might fit your situation best.

Michigan Guardianship Process Step By Step

When you are already stretched thin by caregiving, the last thing you need is a mystery about what happens in court. We walk families through the Michigan guardianship process in clear stages, so you always know what is happening and why. For residents of Troy, adult guardianship cases are typically handled by the Oakland County Probate Court in Pontiac.

We usually begin with a detailed conversation about your concerns and your loved one’s history. We ask about medical conditions, daily routines, existing legal documents, and any other relatives who may be involved. This helps us understand whether guardianship is likely to be appropriate and what the court will need to hear.

Once you decide to move forward, we prepare the necessary paperwork for filing with the probate court. The forms request information about the individual, their medical situation, and why a guardian is being requested. The court generally requires that close family members receive notice, so they have an opportunity to participate or raise concerns.

The basic steps in a typical Michigan adult guardianship case include:

• Initial consultation to review your situation and possible options
• Collection of information and preparation of court documents
• Filing the petition with the Oakland County Probate Court
• Service of required notices on relatives and interested parties
• Appointment of a guardian ad litem or investigator when the court finds it appropriate
• Guardianship hearing, where the judge hears evidence and makes a decision

The court generally expects some medical information that explains why guardianship is needed. This may come from a doctor, psychologist, or other professional. Our role includes helping you understand what the court is looking for and how to work with health care providers to obtain appropriate documentation.

For hearings in Oakland County Probate Court, we explain what the judge often asks, what you may be asked to describe, and how to present your concerns respectfully. We prepare you for the physical experience as well, such as where to go in the courthouse, what time to arrive, and how long you might be there, based on common patterns. Throughout the process, our goal is to keep you informed and prepared, so you never walk into a hearing unsure of what will happen.

How We Help Your Family Through Guardianship

Guardianship affects the entire family, not just the person who needs help. We structure our work to support you at every step, from the first phone call to life after the court makes a decision. You are not expected to know the law or the court rules when you arrive. We guide you through those pieces.

We start by listening. During our first meeting, whether at our Troy office or at your loved one’s home, we focus on understanding your goals and your worries. Some families want to avoid conflict, while others need help managing existing disagreements between siblings or relatives. We ask about these issues so we can plan for them rather than be surprised at the hearing.

Once we have a clear picture, we talk through whether guardianship, a different planning tool, or a combination may fit your situation. Because our practice includes estate planning and elder law, we can also discuss powers of attorney, trusts, and long term care options. That broader view helps you avoid solving one problem while creating another.

As your case moves forward, we handle preparation of court documents and help you gather supporting information. We explain each form in plain language before anything is signed. When a hearing is scheduled, we work with you to prepare testimony and organize medical records or other materials the court may consider. If questions arise between steps, you are able to call and speak with our attorney directly.

After a guardian is appointed, many families still have questions about what comes next. We meet with new guardians to review their responsibilities, such as reporting requirements and ongoing decision making. If issues develop later, such as changes in health, facility moves, or disputes within the family, we remain available to address those concerns and to help adjust your broader estate or care plan when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does A Michigan Guardianship Case Usually Take?

A typical adult guardianship case in our area often takes several weeks to a few months from filing to hearing. Timing depends on the court’s schedule, how quickly information is gathered, and whether anyone objects. We discuss likely time frames for your specific situation at our first meeting.

Will My Parent Lose All Rights If I Become Guardian?

No, not necessarily. Michigan courts look for the least restrictive arrangement that still keeps your parent safe. Judges can limit a guardian’s authority so your parent keeps appropriate decision making power. We explain how this could work in your case and help you request a balanced approach.

Can We Meet At My Loved One’s Home In Troy?

Yes, in many situations we can arrange an in-home visit in Troy or a nearby community. This is often helpful when a loved one has mobility issues or feels more comfortable at home. We discuss scheduling and whether this option fits your situation when you contact our office.

What Should I Bring To Our First Guardianship Meeting?

It helps to bring any medical reports you have, a list of medications, copies of powers of attorney or prior estate planning documents, and contact information for close relatives. If you do not have everything, do not worry. We review what you have and identify what still needs to be gathered.

Will I Work Directly With Attorney Victor Veprauskas?

Yes. At our firm, attorney Victor Veprauskas personally handles each guardianship matter. He speaks with you about your concerns, prepares your case, and appears with you in court. Our team supports the process, but your primary contact is always the attorney leading your matter.

Talk With A Guardianship Lawyer

You do not have to sort out guardianship on your own before reaching out. If you are worried about someone close to you and are unsure what the right step is, a conversation can help you see your options more clearly. We are here to explain the process and answer your questions.

Axis Estate Planning is a Troy based law firm that helps families navigate guardianship, estate planning, elder law, and probate in one place. When you contact us, you work directly with attorney Victor Veprauskas, and we can meet at our office or, when appropriate, at your loved one’s home in the area.

We strive to make difficult decisions feel more manageable by providing clear information and steady guidance. Whether you are just beginning to notice concerns or are already facing pressure from hospitals or care facilities, we can help you understand how guardianship fits into your broader plan for your loved one.

To talk with a guardianship lawyer Troy about your situation, call (248) 290-8306.