Julie McCowan Law

10/28/2026

Does a doctor saying your loved one is incapacitated mean they automatically need a guardian? Not necessarily.

In Michigan, medical incapacity and legal incapacity are two different things. Understanding the difference can help families protect their loved ones while respecting their independence and rights.

💡 Learn what these terms mean, when the court may need to get involved, and what families should know.

https://www.jmccowanlaw.com/post/medical-incapacity-and-legal-incapacity-understanding-the-difference-in-michigan

When a loved one begins having difficulty making decisions, families may hear that the person is “incapacitated.” That word can sound final—as though a medical opinion automatically means the person has lost the right to make decisions. In Michigan, however, a medical determination of incapaci...

09/16/2026

So you’ve been appointed guardian or conservator. Now what? 👀
Getting appointed is a big step, but it’s really just the beginning. There are still important things you need to take care of after your appointment, and it can be a LOT to keep track of.

If you’re an Oakland County guardian or conservator and you’re sitting there thinking, “Okay…what am I actually supposed to do now?” we put together a practical guide to help you understand those next steps. 💙

From getting your Letters to completing required training and keeping up with Probate Court requirements, this guide walks you through what comes next.

Check it out here! 💻

Being appointed as a guardian or conservator by an Oakland County, Michigan, Probate Court judge is an important responsibility — and the days immediately following the hearing matter. Many people leave the courtroom unsure of what comes next. This guide walks you through each step so you can conf...

09/09/2026

Have you ever heard of a Silver Alert? 🩶
We’ve all heard of AMBER Alerts, but Michigan has a Silver Alert system too, and it’s something I think every family should know about.
You never want to be in a situation where you need this information, but if a loved one ever goes missing, knowing what to do can make such a difference.
I put together a quick breakdown of what Michigan families should know. 🩶
👉 Read it here: https://www.jmccowanlaw.com/post/michigan-silver-alert-explained-what-families-should-know

When a vulnerable adult goes missing, families need help fast. In Michigan, the missing senior or vulnerable adult medical alert system—often referred to as a Silver Alert—is designed to quickly share important information with law enforcement, broadcasters, newspapers, and wireless devices to h...

09/03/2026

Unfortunately the office lost power. Therefore no computer, no internet, and no phone equals no work. Hopefully the power will be up and running tomorrow. Stay cool friends.

09/02/2026

Can someone stop you from visiting an incapacitated adult? 🤔🛑
It’s a question we hear from families more often than you might think.
When a loved one becomes incapacitated, disagreements between family members can sometimes make visitation complicated and emotions tend to run high.
But what rights do you actually have? Can a guardian restrict who visits? What happens when family members disagree about what’s best for the incapacitated adult?
Our latest blog breaks down what Michigan families should know about visitation, guardianship, and protecting meaningful relationships with a loved one.
👉 Read the full article to learn more: https://www.jmccowanlaw.com/post/can-someone-stop-you-from-visiting-an-incapacitated-adult

Being prevented from seeing an older or disabled family member can be painful and confusing. Sometimes the restriction is based on a genuine safety concern. In other situations, a caregiver may be isolating an adult from relatives or friends whom the adult wants to see.Michigan law provides a possib...

06/19/2026

Closed today in observance of Juneteenth. Honoring freedom. Committed to justice. Enjoy the view of the Great Smoky Mountains.

05/27/2026

If a bank asks for a “raised seal” on a Letter of Authority, don’t panic — Michigan law often accepts electronic signatures and digital seals. Read our clear, practical guide to know your rights and the steps to take when institutions push for outdated requirements. Learn more: https://wix.to/pT0mb47

In today’s increasingly digital world, legal systems are evolving to keep pace with technological innovation. One area where this shift is especially important is the use of electronic signatures and digital seals in probate court documents, such as Letters of Authority.If you’ve been told by a ...

05/15/2026

We’re proud to officially unveil our new brand and website!
As we continue to grow, we wanted a refreshed look that better reflects who we are and the work we do for the individuals and families we serve every day. While our appearance has changed, our commitment to professionalism, advocacy, and compassionate service remains the same.
We invite you to visit our new website to learn more about our team, areas of practice, and the services we provide.
Click below to explore the new site:
https://www.jmccowanlaw.com
We appreciate your continued trust and support as we move into this exciting new chapter.

04/26/2026

I’m deeply grateful to the OCBA for the Frances R. Avadenka Memorial Award and for recognizing the Probate, Estate & Trust Committee as Committee of the Year. Thank you to my colleagues especially, Wanda Roberts (committee vice chairperson), Lis Dery (committee legislative liaison), Abby Rutheiser Kushner, (committee membership liaison), Theresa Orlaske Rich for her mentorship, and committee members—your partnership, encouragement, and shared commitment to excellence strengthen our entire legal community.

Please join us in congratulating these worthy individuals and programs who have been selected as award recipients at our upcoming Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

04/13/2026

Family time in Tennessee