Oversight & Complaint Agencies
Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission
https://www.agcmi.org
File complaints against unethical or abusive attorneys.
Personal Experience:
In my experience, they have never investigated any of the attorneys I reported, even with overwhelming evidence including transcripts, emails, and receipts. They’ve repeatedly dismissed my claims and ran down the clock on my appeal window by notifying me too late. You’re welcome to file with them, but I share this to give you a heads-up.
Judicial Tenure Commission
https://jtc.courts.michigan.gov/
File complaints against probate court judges.
Personal Experience:
I filed complaints against a judge involved in my sister’s case—twice. Both were dismissed with no investigation. Our last attorney also filed, and nothing came from that either.
ADA Court Coordinator (Michigan Courts)
https://www.courts.michigan.gov/self-help/accessibility/
Request disability accommodations or report ADA violations in court.
Personal Experience:
I haven’t filed a formal complaint here, but I did request accommodations when the trustee tried to force my disabled sister into court against policy. Thankfully, the court granted our Zoom hearing request.
Disability & Civil Rights Agencies
U.S. Department of Justice – Office for Civil Rights
https://civilrights.justice.gov/
File federal civil rights complaints related to disability, age, or legal access.
Personal Experience:
I filed a complaint a while ago. They said they sent a letter, but I never received it. I haven’t heard anything since.
Department of Health & Human Services – OCR
https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints/index.html
Report disability discrimination in healthcare or related services.
Personal Experience:
I haven’t filed with them personally, so I can’t speak to their responsiveness.
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)
https://www.ndrn.org/
National hub for disability advocacy groups.
Personal Experience:
I contacted them and they referred me to a P&A agency, but I wasn’t clear which one. I sent a follow-up for clarification and am waiting to hear back.
Legal Help & Self-Advocacy
State Bar of Michigan – Lawyer Referral
https://www.michbar.org/public_lawyerreferral
Connect with attorneys, including possible low-cost consultations.
Personal Experience:
This service didn’t work for me, but it may be worth trying.
Legal Services of Eastern Michigan
https://www.lsem-mi.org/
Provides legal aid to low-income individuals.
Personal Experience:
I haven’t worked with them directly.
Michigan Courts Self-Help Center
https://www.courts.michigan.gov/self-help/
Court-approved forms, guides, and filing instructions.
Personal Experience:
Helpful for general guidance, but not user-friendly for those unfamiliar with legal processes. You’ll need to research what forms to use, when, and where to file them.
National Center for State Courts
https://www.ncsc.org/
Judicial education, reform resources, and guardianship monitoring ideas.
Personal Experience:
I haven’t filed with them, but they offer useful insight for systemic reform.
Justice in Aging
https://justiceinaging.org/
National organization advocating for elder rights and fair treatment.
Personal Experience:
I filed a submission with them on behalf of Eyes on Probate. Still waiting to hear back.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Elder Fraud
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
Report financial abuse or exploitation of elders.
Personal Experience:
I haven’t filed here yet.
Additional Ways to Take Action
Contact the media
If you believe your case involves injustice, fraud, or public corruption, reach out to local or national journalists. Media attention can lead to pressure, exposure, and policy change.
Submit your story to advocacy groups
Sometimes national advocacy organizations will amplify lived experiences. You can use our Submit Your Story form to start that process with us.
Email legislators
Let your state reps and senators know what’s happening. Use our Policy & Reform page for sample proposals and talking points.