A limited guardianship is different than a “full guardianship” in that the custodial parent is the petitioner and is voluntarily agreeing to the suspension of their parental rights.  The term “limited” is misleading because the powers of the guardian are the same as in a “full guardianship”.  The custodial parent(s) and the guardian enter into a Limited Guardianship Placement Plan which is then approved by the Court.  Only the custodial parent(s) of the child can file a Limited Guardianship petition.  If both parents are custodial parents – both must sign the petition.

Filing Fee:             $150.00 per child (Non-refundable filing fee) 

Forms Required: • Petition for Appointment of Limited Guardian (PC650)

                           • Limited Guardianship Placement Plan (PC652)

                           • Minor Guardianship Intake Form (Montcalm Form)

                           • Any custody, support, visitation orders entered by a prior court

                           • Birth Certificate and/or any document establishing paternity

                           • Notice of Hearing (PC562)

                           • Proof of Service (PC564) – file at least 1 week prior to

                             the hearing.                    

Hearing Date:        Upon the filing of the petition, you may obtain a hearing

                            date from the Court.  Typically a hearing date is set at

                            least 5-6 weeks after the date of filing to allow for an

                            investigation by the Department of Human Services

                            (See General Information re: Minor Guardianships)

Service:            It is the petitioner’s responsibility to ensure that proper and

                         timely service is made on all interested parties.  If proper and

                         timely service is not made on all interested persons, your hearing

                         may be adjourned and/or your petition dismissed.

                         Service for hearings must be completed at least 14 days prior

                         to the hearing date if by mail and at least 7 days prior to the

                         hearing date if served personally.

Filing:                It is recommended that the documents be brought to the

                         Probate Court office by the petitioner for filing.  Filings may  

                         be completed by mail, however, there may be a delay in

                         in obtaining a hearing date if your documents are not complete

                         or correct.  See Location/Hours of Court.

Incarcerated Parties:  In all cases involving the custody of minor children, a

                                Court may not grant the relief requested by the petitioner

                                concerning the minor child if an incarcerated party has not

                                been offered the opportunity to participate in the proceedings

                                as described by MCR 2.004. Notice Regarding Incarcerated Parties.

Keep copies of all documents filed with the Court for your records and to provide to the interested persons.  Copies obtained from the Court are $1.00 per page.