Sunday, June 2, 2019

Michigan AG 'looking into' concerns about state's adult guardianship system

After a contentious Macomb County case raised concerns about the state's adult guardianship system, the Michigan Attorney General's Office says it is "looking into" the matter, and two Michigan chief judges say they'll be working with the attorney general's Elder Abuse Task Force. 

In a joint statement, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack and Macomb Circuit and Probate Courts Chief Judge James M. Biernat Jr. said that after a guardianship ruling made by Macomb Probate Judge Kathryn George was called into question, the Michigan Supreme Court will be working with Attorney General Dana Nessel.

"Vulnerable Michigan residents and their families must have confidence that probate courts are following the law and taking appropriate steps to protect their rights," the statement said. 

The development comes a day after Marcie Mitchell told Channel 7 (WXYZ-TV) that when she petitioned for guardianship over her father, Bob Mitchell, and stepmother, Barbara Delbridge, George instead gave the role to the company Caring Hearts Michigan, Inc.  

Caring Hearts Michigan then placed caregivers in the home 24/7 via another company, called Executive Care, the station reported. However, following George's decision, the station reported that Marcie Mitchell and other family members have been kept away from her father and stepmother.

Amid the ongoing dispute, Caring Hearts Michigan told the station in a statement that prior to its appointment, the senior citizens had been living in "dangerous and unsanitary conditions" and are now safe and healthy in their own home, according to Channel 7. 

Dan Olsen, a spokesman for Nessel confirmed Friday that the AG's office is "looking into the case."
McCormack and Biernat Jr. also directly addressed guardianship dispute issues in their joint statement shared Friday. 

Full Article & Source:
Michigan AG 'looking into' concerns about state's adult guardianship system

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