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Residents press county over probate-court practices; commissioners plan meeting with judges
Summary
Public commenters described alleged misconduct in Oakland County probate cases and urged county action; commissioners said they will pursue a joint meeting with probate judges and community members to review concerns.
Multiple members of the public used the committee's public-comment period to raise concerns about Oakland County probate-court practices, alleged misconduct by court-appointed guardians and attorneys, and difficulties citizens face when seeking remedies.
An unnamed resident described an ongoing probate matter involving alleged improper attorney fees and a co-trustee. The speaker said the family would contest a payment request scheduled in probate court and criticized the attorney's conduct, saying the attorney should not be paid for what the speaker termed abusive handling of estate assets. The commenter also said prior attorney-discipline complaints had not led to discipline.
Christina Booth, a retired Detroit public-school teacher who identified herself as an elder-abuse activist, told commissioners she has researched and advocated on probate issues for years after a family member died under what she described as an "illegal guardianship." Booth said she has worked with investigative reporters and state legislators and urged the county to restore services that help lay citizens access legal resources and to hold the court system accountable. "Clean up your courts or give us the help we need," Booth said.
Commissioners responded by recording on the meeting record that they have met with some probate judges in the past and that they plan to convene commissioners, judges and community representatives in the next 60 to 90 days to hear complaints and review possible responses. Commissioner comments indicated the county will research additional materials the community provided and set up a joint meeting to discuss concerns.
Why it matters Speakers described allegations that affect vulnerable residents and raised questions about access to remedies for families and oversight of guardians and court-appointed professionals. Commissioners said they will pursue a structured discussion with probate judges and community groups to better understand the claims and potential options.
Ending Commissioners said they would be in contact with community members to schedule the planned meeting with probate judges and to follow up on the information submitted during public comment.
