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Several residents urge county action on probate court guardianship complaints; commissioners cite limits
Summary
Multiple residents described prolonged guardianship and probate court concerns, alleging exploitation and procedural failures. Commissioners acknowledged the complaints but said county authority is limited and suggested further review and possible liaison outreach to state entities.
Several residents used the meeting’s public-comment period to urge county scrutiny and action over alleged misconduct in Oakland County probate court guardianship and conservatorship cases, describing long-running abuses, property losses, and frustrations with the legal process.
Lori Wilma, representing a group of advocates who visited the State Bar of Michigan, said she and others had experienced what she called a "probate predator playbook" and told the committee her seven-year struggle in probate concerned her late mother’s finances and condominium. "This noble purpose is not being fulfilled within our probate court system," Wilma said in prepared remarks, and she asked the board to help pursue reforms and protections for vulnerable residents.
Other speakers said they had lost property and accused court-appointed guardians and some attorneys of exploiting incapacitated elders. Christina Bood said she was denied a chance to speak in court when a guardian was appointed and later said her mother died under that guardianship. "They used to be here in probate court... the judge said, oh, he's gonna be your mother's guardian," Bood said describing her experience in court.
Jody White, a longtime advocate and former public employee who addressed the committee, cited the Michigan Court Rules governing conservators and called for stronger adherence to rules and oversight. White noted the probate court’s local budget and warned of financial and human costs if procedures are not followed: "When we pay for public servants through our tax dollars... the significance of these rules become even more profound," White said, adding that cases mishandled impose costs on taxpayers.
Commissioners responded that they hear similar concerns from residents and that some oversight paths are constrained by the separation of powers and state authority over courts. Several commissioners said they would consider a deeper review or a focused committee discussion, while noting that judges and state court employees are outside the direct authority of county governance. One commissioner recommended bringing the county administrator or the liaison committee for courts into a future, less agenda-heavy meeting to discuss possible responses and next steps.
No formal action was taken at the meeting on the complaints; commissioners asked staff to evaluate options for follow-up and to coordinate with legal counsel on what county-level steps—if any—are available.
