Changing the System-One Law, One Policy, One Voice at a Time
Proverbs 31:8 (NIV): "Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." We pursue reform not only to protect our families, but because it is our moral obligation to speak up for those who've been silenced.
Stop forced guardianships when less restrictive alternatives are available
Make it easier for individuals to exit unnecessary guardianships
Require financial transparency and regular audits of guardians and trustees
Improve access to legal counsel of their choice for people under guardians
Increase accountability for judges, lawyers and court appointed professionals
Protect the due process rights of individuals with disabilities and the eldery
Require state licensing and continuing education for all professional guardians and conservators
Create a public misconduct registry for guardians, conservators, and trustees
Enforce existing policies on conflict of interest and financial disclosure
Require courts to track and publish outcomes for guardianship and trust cases
Prohibit courts from overriding disability accommodations without due process
Ensure all individuals under guardianship receive ADA protections
Recognize that guardianship can result in “civil death” and severe rights violations
Hold probate courts accountable for racial, age-based, and disability-related discrimination
Restructure the Attorney Grievance Commission and Judicial Tenure Commission to include public members and court abuse survivors
Create independent oversight bodies that monitor probate courts from a human rights perspective
Mandate transparency in disciplinary actions and complaint outcomes
Advocate for a specialized unit within state and federal civil rights agencies to handle probate-related civil rights violations
Monitor ADA compliance and abuse of vulnerable populations
Empower families to submit reports without fear of retaliation
Partner with lawmakers to introduce or support reform bills
Provide legislative testimony based on lived experience and evidence
Mobilize the public through campaigns, court watch data, and survivor stories
For a deeper look at the laws we’re proposing, the changes we want to see, and how we plan to hold wrongdoers accountable, click the button below to view our full Legislative Reform Plan.
Get Involved. Stay Informed. Make Change.
Know Before You Email Your Legislator
When legislators say “I can’t do anything about that,” it’s often not true. While they can’t intervene in individual court cases, they have significant power to change the laws, demand oversight, and stand up for vulnerable citizens. This guide explains exactly what your legislators can and can’t do — with resources you can cite if they push back.
What Legislators CAN Do
• Introduce or sponsor legislation to reform probate and guardianship laws – Source: https://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/guardianship-legislative-review.aspx
• Hold public hearings on court corruption or oversight failures – Source: https://www.congress.gov/help/legislative-process/hearings
• Request investigations by oversight agencies or licensing boards – Source: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/about/complaints
• Support funding for legal aid and public defenders – Source: https://www.lsc.gov/what-legal-aid
• Push for stronger ADA enforcement in state courts – Source: https://www.ada.gov/courtloi.htm
• Urge reform or civilian oversight of judicial commissions – Source: https://www.ncsc.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0034/1606/judicial_discipline_reform.pdf
• Communicate with state bar and grievance commissions regarding misconduct – Source: https://www.agcmi.gov/
What Legislators CANNOT Do
• Intervene in active court cases or override a judge's ruling – Source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/separation_of_powers
• Fire or discipline a judge directly – Source: https://jtc.courts.mi.gov/
• Appoint or remove guardians or conservators in specific cases – Source: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/4a7f66/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/conservatorship/pc639.pdf
• Act as your lawyer or represent you in court – Source: https://www.michiganlegalhelp.org/resources/going-court
Legislators have more power than they admit—especially when it comes to changing laws, funding programs, or demanding accountability. If they claim they can’t help, clarify that you’re asking them to address policy, not intervene in a specific case.
Take Action for Justice-Send a Message to Lawmakers
The probate system won't change unless lawmakers hear from people like you. Use this button to access a pre-written email and contact your legislator directly. Your voice can help protect families, demand accountability, and push for real reform in guardianship and probate law.
Track My Legislative Email
Help us track the movement.
If you contacted your legislator, let us know! Every action - and your response helps us show how many people are demanding justice in probate reform.
