[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6169927,"mediaKeyId","5401738-4c93de2a833f751579f506ede7a61f93","parentId",5401738,"title","Court allows first annual accounting for Marie Kate; no bond required","audioSeconds",136,"startMs",635840,"endMs",771940,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5401738-4c93de2a833f751579f506ede7a61f93&start=635&end=771","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5401738-4c93de2a833f751579f506ede7a61f93/thumbnail_635840.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6169927/Michigan/Court-allows-first-annual-accounting-for-Marie-Kate-no-bond-required","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6169927-3718dbe84196c2b2d5622728b69605d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1773504081&Signature=jCl0BAYtC9xhsbzeDntBfPY2JTBTGl5m6IuAn5038bTsJKy7SnxZpEywIlaiwMf3sWl5jmPSSL4147z5T~cEr5YosGQPm-yDzkVcjgv~E87pYtHN8fNQgoMZUT0oM1MyqE9uu09IVZbIUXzKdG0OZeRM3BJEKq6AVXzxjoomClssSyX6LXcgvSulfj3utSL7S1~7iaPvr8Obz~Yj-gUm-OnPMtIoLagEysHec3CP6h8QrJazWpUIxzZfLHi3qAfwUOHSF8ruEbuSKDpCKhXkxZBYAbrFkX-iF5FE11xglEesSTquHpkjBbIFCs~NItpydJgR~d9~jP9YqfG~~2zliw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-16T13:21:21Z","article","A Lenawee County probate judge allowed the first annual accounting in the guardianship file for Marie Kate and signed the order allowing the accounting and related fees and costs. Presenting counsel said the guardian continues to provide daily care and that the family's review showed no discrepancies in the accounting.

Attorney Fred Lucas and witness Donna Coleman appeared for the guardianship. The guardian confirmed Marie Kate is continuing to decline in cognitive functioning; the guardian and family members said routine care is in place and that the accounting reflects status quo management.

The judge found notice was provided to interested parties and allowed the accounting \"including any and all fees and costs.\" The court invited parties to the clerk's office to obtain copies of the signed order before they left the courthouse. No objections were recorded at the hearing.

The court did not require bond for this accounting and closed the matter after signing the order. The clerk will distribute the signed documentation upon request.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Probate Court Call","oneSentenceSummary","The Lenawee County Probate Court allowed the first annual accounting filed for the guardianship of Marie Kate, noting the parties were notified and the file showed no discrepancies; the court advised parties to obtain copies of the order from the clerk.","taxTitle","Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court, Judicial, Michigan","taxId",66320,"location","Michigan","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6169932,"Judge finds Wendy Draback incapacitated; appoints Natasha Cates guardian and conservator",1026,920985,1947090,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5401738-4c93de2a833f751579f506ede7a61f93&start=920&end=1947","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5401738-4c93de2a833f751579f506ede7a61f93/thumbnail_920985.jpg","/articles/6169932/Michigan/Judge-finds-Wendy-Draback-incapacitated-appoints-Natasha-Cates-guardian-and-conservator","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6169932-043f62f768de0859c3bd98f2ca470473/orig.mp4?Expires=1773504081&Signature=f8ys3LzLiqBI8S0Yn7cFI3EMT-Guu5RUpIdXFuYcXBcbCbjNRqaBIui-8Q5iyLtDbFtcdPq-tFNtASiz-fHC0Nol-RHXc7nHdjqstaIsklYzLaAt8e9SjgBabTlt4oWS0Z2WtfZyn2KnRPEaB4h-38JwSC1Zkb74ctv~nVlqSfXXVqVNdqFNXneSix7oIKdJpAN6W0g6bmO9J~aCf2VMNCPMYkJOthWK-GO1LFPOgnDFdVW-96kh26mPwXfyVYn0HPrKWNtfYXWM8LoEM~zSO75p2Tk3h~moSO1~-wZGgskXuVzu2HiYqKXGFZXLRe9kgA1wVCU0nx6VO891~obn3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Lenawee County probate judge on July 1 found, by clear and convincing evidence, that Wendy Draback is incapacitated and signed orders appointing Natasha Cates as both guardian and conservator. The court relied on witness testimony, a guardian ad litem investigation and a clinical assessment by social worker Michelle Liska.

Michael McFarland and petitioner counsel presented testimony and documentary evidence, including a report from clinical social work mental health professional Michelle Liska dated June 24, 2025, based on an evaluation of Draback on June 16, 2025. The report noted mild neurocognitive disorder attributed to traumatic brain injury and identified significant impairments in instrumental activities of daily living.

Neighbors and acquaintances, including Kimberly Ann Welke, testified that Draback struggles with household maintenance and bill-paying and that her home shows signs of hoarding and deferred maintenance. Counsel and protective-services witnesses described court-approved protective steps already in place and noted that certain annuity and life-insurance disbursements are being withheld until a conservator is appointed.

The judge stated the evidence constituted \"clear and convincing evidence\" that Draback meets the statutory definition of an incapacitated person and that financial protection was required. The court appointed Natasha Cates as guardian and conservator, signed the letters of authority, and encouraged Draback's brother, Rick Drebeck, to continue watching over his sister and to notify the court if the arrangement proves inappropriate.

Petitioner counsel told the court the probate estate in this matter is still being valued but indicated it will exceed approximately $250,000 and that annuities and life-insurance benefits likely exceed $100,000; those sources are withholding disbursement pending conservatorship. The judge signed the orders and letters of authority and closed the hearing.

The court record shows no further questions and no immediate appeal noted at the hearing; the judge instructed that the appointed conservator will manage financial matters and secure community services to assist Draback in living safely.","After testimony and a mental-health evaluation, a Lenawee County probate judge found Wendy Draback incapacitated by clear and convincing evidence and appointed Natasha Cates as both guardian and conservator; the court noted significant estate assets and a protective order.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6169937,"Court admits 2017 will and appoints Elizabeth Pangborn as personal representative; trust proposed for grandchildren",197,252870,450025,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5401738-4c93de2a833f751579f506ede7a61f93&start=252&end=450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5401738-4c93de2a833f751579f506ede7a61f93/thumbnail_252870.jpg","/articles/6169937/Michigan/Court-admits-2017-will-and-appoints-Elizabeth-Pangborn-as-personal-representative-trust-proposed-for-grandchildren","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6169937-588efaf568c36101f3e49e1e321c246d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773504081&Signature=bv~LnyADEmuEMQfHAB~DhdbyFPD2McUp2SonbibAyU9yZFqb2zMKRzpPcdsaK8ivWMI25cLLfVi4dalxqHXUPZ7-IlnTI3wdhte-LLd9V4HUXauV39xyiNh0la2WNgZqta1UfylGk8IVwWGOka858EhoWeaLhkqKUvRLGh4PvNj0vW0yuk71me8kOCEye4SfaC-KUh6Fyty7iJJmyCK7y8IoeSQ0pjHdiso0AjP4-uOt169ytmgGZrfs~LbRkQ4qF0avepfKjCYuyS0tdf2zKYHjAH9LmF79Za3Sl~BJBQ5~3Btx0k3QRUxy5F2B308Dt4yBnbvxzFpy79CcD~tdxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Lenawee County probate judge on July 1 admitted the 2017 will of the late Andrew Pangborn to probate and formally appointed Elizabeth Pangborn as personal representative without bond. The family asked the court to include grandchildren born after the 2017 will as contingent beneficiaries and to authorize a trust to protect grandchildren's contingent remainder interests should the primary beneficiary sell the family farm.

Attorney Jessica Kelly, representing the petitioner, told the court the petition sought admission of the 2017 will and formal appointment of Elizabeth Pangborn. Kelly said the decedent listed living grandchildren, step-grandchildren and a former foster grandchild as contingent beneficiaries but that additional grandchildren were born after 2017; the family agreed those afterborn grandchildren should be included in the beneficiary class. Kelly said the petition requested a determination of heirs and inclusion of those afterborn grandchildren, and sought court authority to establish a trust to protect contingent interests if the son, Patrick, ever sold the farm.

The judge found notice was given to all interested parties and that no objections were filed. \"The proposed heirs are uncontested and do appear to be consistent with law as well as the will,\" the judge said. The court concluded supervised administration was not necessary and that appointment of Elizabeth Pangborn without bond was appropriate. The judge signed the order admitting the will, the related trust language as requested, and letters of appointment for Elizabeth Pangborn.

The petition record indicates the family published notice of hearing, held a Zoom meeting on June 30 to discuss the petition and circulated a draft trust that the family revised with unanimous consent. Counsel said known estate assets are limited to the farm, a truck and a modest checking account; the petitioners said the farm will be the primary asset and will be held in the proposed trust. The court directed parties to the probate clerk for copies of the signed order and letters of appointment.

No objections or opposing pleadings were recorded in the hearing file at the time the judge signed the orders.","Lenawee County Probate Court admitted the 2017 will of the late Andrew Pangborn to probate, appointed Elizabeth Pangborn as personal representative without bond, and approved a family-proposed trust to protect contingent remainder interests for grandchildren born after the will was executed.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6169942,"Judge approves Becky Branscomb's annual accountings, notes no objections",244,1440,245935,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5401738-4c93de2a833f751579f506ede7a61f93&start=1&end=245","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5401738-4c93de2a833f751579f506ede7a61f93/thumbnail_1440.jpg","/articles/6169942/Michigan/Judge-approves-Becky-Branscombs-annual-accountings-notes-no-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6169942-8d9c1c6b510fcd748648356e677752b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773504081&Signature=VtWRZJKcM1jTjgcvt8nz6bjtXbQFMn9nlcwjaDH76BawFbWNcOSmRSJ--CIf1dKEKeZSnqFT6dVl1NzHXK0LqcK8xn7Q4JiSEmTlVCaRcswXc-xq1a09sIEtbX64fR6mzZBxJl~yn73MNH2zRtM5DF33Vgz2FXNcYUELyYsW6sZ-LC1HiHPtju1OE-sUCkm0bhCOA6wmEliI~cLaTFif8WlS38UTHo2CUhq9Jqgo6L-BAShIo3FQuE-ExlfxT9UVEPdTWij55mhjEzn6~SLhrbHd4kmLsnACbR7q-M1xJPFxW~CKhoY1-jHUw8169AeZ1oABl-L8C6eQq-s6xct~3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Lenawee County probate judge on July 1 signed orders approving the 32nd, 33rd and 34th annual accountings filed for the matter of Becky Branscomb, and included fees and costs in the approvals. The judge said she received no objections and noted that Michael McFarland, counsel of record, signed waivers dismissing any issues with the accountings.

The court handled a brief on-the-record verification: Branscomb confirmed the accountings were truthful, accurate and complete. She told the court her ward is \"doing really well\" and receives regular medical checks, including hospital visits every six months for airway and tracheostomy care.

The judge told Branscomb the court keeps copies of prior accountings and that there is a 21-day appeal period following approval. \"I have signed approving the 30 second, 30 third, and 30 fourth annual accountings, including those fees and costs,\" the judge said, and directed Branscomb to see the clerk's office for a copy of the order.

The hearing record shows no objections were filed and McFarland executed waivers indicating no opposition to the accountings. The judge emphasized that once the court approves the accounts, they are approved subject to the statutory appeal period.

For next steps, the court instructed interested parties to obtain the signed order from the clerk's office; no further court action on this file was announced at the hearing.","A Lenawee County probate judge signed orders approving the 32nd, 33rd and 34th annual accountings filed by guardian Becky Branscomb after receiving waivers and no objections from interested parties.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Court allows first annual accounting for Marie Kate; no bond required

Judge finds Wendy Draback incapacitated; appoints Natasha Cates guardian and conservator

Court admits 2017 will and appoints Elizabeth Pangborn as personal representative; trust proposed for grandchildren

Judge approves Becky Branscomb's annual accountings, notes no objections