(1) The surviving parent of a minor with a developmental disability for whom a guardian has not been appointed may by will appoint a testamentary guardian. The testamentary appointment becomes effective without, but subject to, probate immediately upon the death of the parent. A testamentary guardian possesses the powers of a parent, and shall serve subject to the court‘s power to reduce the scope of guardianship authority or to dismiss a guardian. The appointment shall terminate when the minor attains 18 years of age, or the guardian is dismissed, whichever occurs first. Upon assuming office, the testamentary guardian shall notify the court in which the decedent‘s will is to be probated.
    (2) A parent who has been appointed guardian of his or her minor or adult child with a developmental disability may by will, except in the event that a standby guardian has been designated, appoint a testamentary guardian. The testamentary appointment becomes effective without, but subject to, probate immediately upon the death of the initially appointed guardian. The testamentary guardian possesses the powers of the initially appointed guardian, shall be entitled to receive upon request a copy of a court order creating or modifying the initial guardianship, and shall serve subject to the power of the court that appointed the initial guardian to reduce the scope of guardianship authority or to dismiss a guardian. In the event that the court probating decedent’s will does not have jurisdiction over the testamentary guardian except if the court finds the will to be invalid, the appointment shall be nullified. Upon assuming office, the testamentary guardian shall notify the probate court that appointed the initial guardian and the probate court in which the will is subject to probate.

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Terms Used In Michigan Laws 330.1642

  • Court: means the probate court or the court with responsibility with regard to mental health services for the county of residence of an individual with developmental disability, or for the county in which the individual was found if a county of residence cannot be determined. See Michigan Laws 330.1600
  • Decedent: A deceased person.
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Probate: Proving a will