Probate judge signs off on routine guardianship accountings; fiduciary instructed on visitation frequency

A Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court judge approved routine accountings in two guardianship matters and reminded a fiduciary that statute requires quarterly visits.

In the first matter the court accepted Michael McFarland’s waiver and sworn testimony and approved the petition to allow the first accounting (Ms. Wright matter). Nathan Cook, the fiduciary, was sworn and confirmed the accounting was truthful; Cook said he typically visits the ward “minimum three times a year” but agreed to make quarterly visits or check in more often by phone when necessary. The judge said, “the statute does require quarterly visits, so four times a year,” and signed the order approving the accounting.

Separately, the court considered authorization of the second through fifth annual accountings for Leon T., a minor conservatorship. The judge noted that funds in minor conservatorships are typically held in restricted accounts and that parents had filed waivers; the court found the proofs sufficient and indicated it would sign off on those accountings as well.

All matters were concluded and the court adjourned for the day.