COVID-19-Probate-Operations

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GENESEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT

Duncan M. Beagle, Chief Judge of Probate

Jennie E. Barkey, Presiding Judge of Probate

F. Kay Behm, Judge of Probate

Assigned to the Circuit Court

900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 502

Flint, Michigan 48502

Samuel A. Olson, Administrator/Probate Register

Telephone: (810) 257-3528

Fax: (810) 257-3234

DATE: November 12, 2020

TO: Genesee County Probate Attorneys and Court Patrons

FROM: Sam Olson, Genesee County Probate Court Administrator/Register

RE: COVID-19 – Probate Court Operations

E-Filing / E-Payments

As a result of the COVID-19 data in Genesee County and concern for the health and welfare of judicial

staff and members of the public, the Genesee County Probate Court will be modifying its operations to

further limit the number of people in the court building and probate clerk’s office.

Chief Judge Duncan M. Beagle has determined that it is in the best interest of the members of the public,

judges, court staff, attorneys and other stakeholders, to temporarily suspend in-person court proceedings

through December 31, 2020. Effective August 17, 2020, the Genesee County Probate and 7

Circuit

Courts entered Phase Two of the return to full capacity framework established by the Michigan Supreme

Court, as detailed in Local Administrative Order 2020-06J. The courts remain in Phase Two.

Please be advised of the following important information regarding the Genesee County Probate Court’s

operations at this time:

PROBATE RECORDS/CLERK’S OFFICE

Appointments

• Individuals are able to schedule in-person appointments with the probate clerk’s office using the

following link: https://GeneseeCountyMI.as.me/probatecourt.

• Please be advised at this time appointments can only be made for the following purposes: 1) file

review, or 2) document pick-up. Appointments for general filing is not permitted at this time

(see below).

• Appointments are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Appointments are not

available on Wednesdays and Fridays.

General Filing:

• Regular Mail:

o Any filing may be sent via regular mail to the Probate Court, at 900 S. Saginaw Street, Room

502, Flint, MI 48502.

• Fax/Email:

o A document that does not require a filing fee (e.g., Proof of Service,

Guardianship/Conservatorship Inventory, GAL Report, etc.) may be sent to the Court via

regular mail, fax (810-257-3234), or email ([email protected], or staff email

address).

• E-Filing/E-Payments NEW:

o E-payments are now available at the Probate Court website, www.gcprobatecourt.com, under

the “E-Filing” tab. This option allows for online payments of court filings.

o At this time, the Probate Court is able to accept online payments for the following items only:

 New Deceased Estate Filings

 New Guardianship Filings

 New Conservatorship Filings

 General Petitions/Motions

 Estate Inventory Services Fees

Emergency Filings / Petitions for Mental Health Treatment:

• The probate clerk’s office will be available for emergency filings (e.g., temporary/emergency requests

for guardianship) and Petitions for Mental Health Treatment.

• Non-emergency matters must be filed consistent with the above under “General Filing.”

HEARINGS/CASES

Remote Hearings:

• With the exception of annual accounts (see below), the Probate Court will continue to conduct remote

court proceedings using Zoom video conferencing for all scheduled matters.

• For new filings, please send a Notice of Hearing form to the Court, leaving the date/time blank. Filers

are able to use the general form (PC 562), or the modified forms for remote/Zoom hearings (GCPC

562, GCPC 506) available on the court’s website (www.gcprobatecourt.com).

Annual Accounts:

• Petitions to Allow Account(s) will continue to be reviewed by the Probate Register without a formal

hearing, consistent with Local Administrative Order 2004-08, unless objected to, in writing, by an

interested party.

• A GCPC 562A Notice of Hearing form would be filed with the petition. The “hearing” date will

serve as a control date for purposes of effectuating proper notice and service to interested parties.

The GCPC 562A form is available on the court’s website (www.gcprobatecourt.com).

• For any petition to allow account(s), petitioners shall be required to serve a blank GCPC 690

Objection to Petition form on all interested parties, with a Proof of Service to be filed evidencing

service of the form.

• The Court would welcome the filing of PC 561 Waiver/Consent forms for interested parties in an

effort to confirm the consent of interested parties to the account and entry of an order, if entry of

an order is otherwise appropriate.

Guardianship/Conservatorship Seminar

• The guardianship/conservatorship seminars regularly held on Tuesdays at 12:00pm noon remain

cancelled until further notice. The material handed out at the seminar is available on the Probate Court

website, www.gcprobatecourt.com via the following pathway:

o Forms dropdown  Adult Conservatorship  Appoint Conservator of an Adult 

Accounting Procedures & Instructions for Completing Annual Account of Fiduciary

Please contact the Court by phone at 810-257-3528 if you have any questions, and continue to access the

court’s website (www.gcprobatecourt.com) for the latest information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12.17.2020

GENESEE COUNTY CIRCUIT and PROBATE COURTS

EXTENSION OF LIMITED IN-COURT PROCEEDINGS

Effective Monday, January 4, 2021, the Genesee County Circuit and Probate Courts will continue

to conduct court proceedings virtually to the maximum extent possible.

In-person proceedings will be limited to those where there is a statutory or constitutional right

that has not been waived and adjourning the proceeding has first been considered by the assigned

judge.

In-person proceedings will be limited to no more than ten (10) people or any number that ensures

six-foot distancing at all times. Face coverings will be required in court in a manner consistent

with the directives from the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO). Face coverings will not

be provided by the court.

The above provisions are consistent with Genesee County Phase One (Return), Joint Local

Administrative Order 2020-18J/2020-09J. This Order applies to the Genesee County Circuit and

Probate Courts.

After reviewing the current COVID19 new case data for Genesee County, Chief Judge Duncan

M. Beagle determined that it was in the best interest of the members of the public, judges, court

staff, attorneys, and other stakeholders, to remain cautious and limit in-person court proceedings.

The Courts will remain open and continue operations via Zoom to the maximum extent possible.

Individual judicial offices will be the contact for inquiries regarding scheduling for particular

cases.

The Courthouse will remain open for other business that requires an appointment to receive

services.

Please consult the Probate Court webpage for further information at gcprobatecourt.com

The Circuit Court webpage contains information relative to new filings and other operational

information at 7thcircuitcourt.com.

Effective through January 31, 2021

900 SOUTH SAGINAW ST., FLINT, MICHIGAN 48502

810-424-4355

DUNCAN M. BEAGLE - CHIEF JUDGE

BARBARA A. MENEAR - COURT ADMINISTRATOR

Honorable Duncan M. Beagle

Honorable F. Kay Behm

Honorable Celeste D. Bell

Honorable Joseph J. Farah

Honorable John A. Gadola

Honorable Elizabeth A. Kelly

Honorable Mark W. Latchana

Honorable David J. Newblatt

Honorable Brian S. Pickell

Honorable Michael J. Theile

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GENESEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT

Duncan M. Beagle, Chief Judge of Probate

Jennie E. Barkey, Presiding Judge of Probate

F. Kay Behm, Judge of Probate

Assigned to the Circuit Court

900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 502

Flint, Michigan 48502

Samuel A. Olson, Administrator/Probate Register

Telephone: (810) 257-3528

Fax: (810) 257-3234

DATE: June 17, 2020

TO: Genesee County Probate Attorneys and Court Patrons

FROM: Sam Olson, Genesee County Probate Court Administrator/Register

RE: Return to Full Capacity – Phase One to Begin June 22, 2020

Local Administrative Order 2020-05J

On Monday, June 22, 2020, the Probate Court will begin the process of returning to full operations as it

enters Phase One of the phased reopening plan established by the Michigan Supreme Court. On June 10,

2020, the State Court Administrative Office approved the Phase One plan, as detailed in Local

Administrative Order 2020-05J.

Please be advised of the following important information regarding the Genesee County Probate Court’s

operations during Phase One:

PROBATE RECORDS/CLERK’S OFFICE

Appointments

 Individuals are able to schedule appointments with the probate clerk’s office using the following link:

https://GeneseeCountyMI.as.me/probatecourt.

 Please be advised at this appointments can only be made for the following purposes: 1) file

review, or 2) document pick-up. General filing will be permitted via appointment at a later date

(see below).

General Filing:

 A filing that requires a filing fee must be sent via regular mail to the Probate Court, at 900 S. Saginaw

Street, Room 502, Flint, MI 48502.

 A document that does not require a filing fee (e.g., Proof of Service, Guardianship/Conservatorship

Inventory, GAL Report, etc.) may be sent to the Court via regular mail, fax (810-257-3234), or email

([email protected], or staff email address).

 The Court will return copies via regular mail, or return email.

Procedures updated 11-20-2020

Emergency Filings / Petitions for Mental Health Treatment:

 The probate clerk’s office will be available for emergency filings (e.g., temporary/emergency requests

for guardianship) and Petitions for Mental Health Treatment.

 Non-emergency matters must be filed consistent with the above under “General Filing.”

HEARINGS/CASES

Remote Hearings:

 With the exception of annual accounts (see below), during Phase One the Probate Court will continue

to conduct remote court proceedings using Zoom video conferencing for all scheduled matters.

 For new filings, please send a Notice of Hearing form to the Court, leaving the date/time blank. Filers

are able to use the general form (PC 562), or the modified forms for remote/Zoom hearings (GCPC

562, GCPC 506) available on the court’s website (www.gcprobatecourt.com).

Annual Accounts:

 Petitions to Allow Account(s) will continue to be reviewed by the Probate Register without a formal

hearing, consistent with Local Administrative Order 2004-08, unless objected to, in writing, by an

interested party.

 A general PC 562 Notice of Hearing form would be filed with the petition. The “hearing” date

will serve as a control date for purposes of effectuating proper notice and service to interested

parties.

 For any petition to allow account(s), petitioners shall be required to serve a GCPC 690 Objection

to Petition form on all interested parties, with a Proof of Service to be filed evidencing service of

the form.

 The Court would welcome the filing of PC 561 Waiver/Consent forms for interested parties in an

effort to enter an order without a hearing, if entry of an order is otherwise appropriate.

Guardianship/Conservatorship Seminar

 The guardianship/conservatorship seminars regularly held on Tuesdays at 12:00pm noon remain

cancelled until further notice. The material handed out at the seminar is available on the Probate Court

website, www.gcprobatecourt.com via the following pathway:

o Forms dropdown  Adult Conservatorship  Appoint Conservator of an Adult 

Accounting Procedures & Instructions for Completing Annual Account of Fiduciary

Please contact the Court by phone at 810-257-3528 if you have any questions, and continue to access the

court’s website (www.gcprobatecourt.com) for the latest information.

Procedures updated 11-20-2020

PROCEDURES UPDATED

6-17-2020

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GENESEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT

Duncan M. Beagle, Chief Judge of Probate

Jennie E. Barkey, Presiding Judge of Probate

F. Kay Behm, Judge of Probate

Assigned to the Circuit Court

900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 502

Flint, Michigan 48502

Samuel A. Olson, Administrator/Probate Register

Telephone: (810) 257-3528

Fax: (810) 257-3234

DATE:

May 7, 2020

TO:

Genesee County Probate Attorneys and Court Patrons

FROM: Sam Olson, Genesee County Probate Court Administrator/Register

RE: COVID-19 – Probate Court Operations

Executive Order 2020-59 / Administrative Orders 2020-12, 2020-14

On April 24, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-59 reaffirming the “stay home, stay

safe” measures put in effect on March 24, 2020, with some modifications. As of the date of this

memorandum, EO 2020-59 shall be in place until May 15, 2020. The Michigan Supreme Court likewise

issued Administrative Order 2020-12 on April 27, 2020, which extend the expiration dates applicable to

essential functions of the Michigan courts “until further order of the Court”

On May 6, 2020, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order 2020-14, which directs courts to

“maintain their current level of operations” until the State Court Administrative Office approves a plan to

expand in-court proceedings.

The Probate Court will continue to operate in furtherance of these orders, while continuing to utilize

Zoom video conferencing to conduct judicial proceedings for all proceedings to the greatest extent

possible.

Please be advised of the following information regarding the Genesee County Probate Court’s current

level operations in effect at this time:

GENERAL PROCDURES

General Filing:

• A filing that requires a filing fee must be sent via regular mail to the Probate Court, at 900 S. Saginaw

Street, Room 502, Flint, MI 48502.

• A document that does not require a filing fee (e.g., Proof of Service, Guardianship/Conservatorship

Inventory, GAL Report, etc.) may be sent to the Court via regular mail, fax (810-257-3234), or email

(probatecour[email protected]nesee.mi.us, or staff email address).

• The Court will return copies via regular mail, or return email.

PROCEDURES UPDATED

6-17-2020

Remote Hearings / Adjournments:

• The Court will utilize Zoom video/audio conferencing for litigants to appear for hearings. Please be

advised a hearing will only be held if all interested parties received appropriate notice of the remote

hearing, with specific instructions related to Zoom and accessing the virtual courtroom.

• The Court has created a modified Notice of Hearing form (GCPC 562) to be served in advance of any

scheduled hearing. Petitioners can alternatively use the newly-created GCMC 506 form. These forms

are attached to this memo. The appropriate notice document(s) must be served on all interested parties,

with a Proof of Service to be filed with the Court evidencing the same.

• In further efforts to ensure all interested parties are provided appropriate notice and opportunity to

participate in a remote hearing, the State Court Administrative Office has created a Contact

Information form (GCMC 505) to collect contact information in advance of a scheduled remote

hearing. This form was created as a result of Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-13,

issued April 29, 2020. This Court may utilize this form in advance of future hearings to collect

requisite contact information.

• Pursuant to MCR 5.119(C), the Probate Court will be adjourning all non-emergency matters that were

not heard as of March 16, 2020, and those currently set on the docket that were or are not heard. Any

petitions/motions currently set before the Court that were not heard will be adjourned to a date yet to

be determined.

• The Court will notify petitioners and interested parties of the adjourned dates when the Court is

able to “re-open” for expanded operations.

• The Court is scheduling new non-emergency filings to July dates, or as otherwise required by

Michigan Court Rules.

Objection Form:

• For any new filing, petitioners shall be required to serve a GCPC 690 Objection to Petition form on all

interested parties, with a Proof of Service to be filed evidencing service of the form.

Waivers/Consents:

• The Court would welcome the filing of PC 561 Waiver/Consent forms for all interested parties in an

effort to enter an order without a hearing, if entry of an order is otherwise appropriate.

MCR 2.107(C) – Electronic Service

• Pursuant to Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-09, MCR 2.107(C) has been

temporarily amended to require electronic service to the extent possible, without the necessity of an

agreement between parties for such service during the effective period of the administrative order.

PROCEDURES UPDATED

6-17-2020

SPECIFIC PROCEDURES – CASE TYPES

Annual Accounts:

• Petitions to Allow Accounts will be heard without a formal hearing, consistent with Local

Administrative Order 2004-08, unless contested or objected to, in writing, by an interested party.

• The “hearing” date will serve as a control date for purposes of effectuating property notice and

service to interested parties.

Acceptance of Appointment / Letters of Authority

• For any petition seeking the appointment of a fiduciary, the petitioner should be submitting, at the time

of initial filing, a completed and signed Acceptance of Appointment, along with completed Letters of

Authority, in anticipation of the entry of an order appointing the fiduciary.

• This will allow the Court to readily process the documents upon entry of the order, thereby

alleviating the necessity to follow-up with the Court for filing of the documents after appointment.

Guardianship/Conservatorship Seminar

• The guardianship/conservatorship seminars regularly held on Tuesdays at 12:00pm noon are cancelled

until further notice. The material handed out at the seminar is available on the Probate Court website,

www.gcprobatecourt.com via the following pathway:

o Forms dropdown → Adult Conservatorship → Appoint Conservator of an Adult →

Accounting Procedures & Instructions for Completing Annual Account of Fiduciary

Emergency Guardianships:

• Adult Guardianships: Individuals should contact MDHHS at 855-444-3911 or Sergeant Jillian Macey

with the Sheriff Department’s Elder Abuse Team at 810-424-4403 (office) or 810-730-4773 (cell).

• Minor Guardianships: Individuals should contact MDHHS at 855-444-3911 or DHS-CPS-

CIGroup@michigan.gov.

Petitions for Mental Health Treatment:

• Petitioners seeking to petition for a pick-up order should contact Genesee Health System at 810-348-

0374.

If there are any other matters you believe require immediate action, you are free to contact the Probate

Court at 810-257-3528, call me directly at 810-424-4426 (office) or 810-516-2799 (cell) to discuss, or

email.

PROCEDURES UPDATED

6-17-2020

Honorable Duncan M. Beagle

Honorable F. Kay Behm

Honorable Celeste D. Bell

Honorable Joseph J. Farah

Honorable John A. Gadola

Honorable Elizabeth A. Kelly

Honorable Mark W. Latchana

Honorable David J. Newblatt

Honorable Brian S. Pickell

Honorable Michael J. Theile

CHIEF JUDGE REDUCES COURT HOURS

Genesee County Probate Court

7th Judicial Circuit Court, Genesee County

The Genesee County Probate Court and the 7th Judicial Circuit Court have been closed to the

public except for essential and emergency operations since March 19, 2020.

Effective Monday March 30, 2020, the public hours of access for only essential and emergency

court operations are reduced to 11:30A.M.-1:30P.M. The Beach Street entrance is the access

point. Visitor screening remains in place during this period.

Further information about how to access the courts can be found at www.7thcircuitcourt.com

and www.gcprobatecourt.com.

You are advised not to come to the Courthouse before reviewing the websites as a first point

of information.

Most court operations have been adjourned, except for those that have been determined to be

essential and emergency in nature.

The Probate and Circuit Courts have developed alternate methods of court filing, during this

period of closure related to the COVID-19 health emergency.

This action is taken out of concern for the health and safety of the public, as well as court staff.

Court operations necessarily entail other state and local agencies who have worked

cooperatively to reduce the hours of court operations while continuing to serve the citizens of

Genesee County.

Duncan M. Beagle

3.26.2020

Chief Judge

Genesee County Probate Court

7th Judicial Circuit Court, Genesee County

900 SOUTH SAGINAW ST., FLINT, MICHIGAN 48502

810-424-4355

DUNCAN M. BEAGLE - CHIEF JUDGE

BARBARA A. MENEAR - COURT ADMINISTRATOR

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GENESEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT

Duncan M. Beagle, Chief Judge of Probate

Jennie E. Barkey, Presiding Judge of Probate

F. Kay Behm, Judge of Probate

Assigned to the Circuit Court

900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 502

Flint, Michigan 48502

Samuel A. Olson, Administrator/Probate Register

Telephone: (810) 257-3528

Fax: (810) 257-3234

DATE:

March 31, 2020

TO:

Genesee County Probate Attorneys and Court Patrons

FROM: Sam Olson, Genesee County Probate Court Administrator/Register

RE: COVID-19 – Probate Court Operations

Executive Order 2020-21 – Additional Details / Points of Clarification

The Probate Court continues to review the latest orders and guidance from the Michigan Supreme Court

and Governor Whitmer’s office regarding the current climate. With these orders and guidance in mind, I

wanted to provide additional details and points of clarification/reiteration regarding the Court’s docket:

Adjournments

• Pursuant to MCR 5.119(C), the Probate Court will be adjourning all non-emergency matters that

were not heard as of March 16, 2020, and those currently set on the docket. Because the Court is

primarily closed for general in-person purposes, any petitions/motions currently set before the

Court will be adjourned to a date yet to be determined.

• The Court will notify petitioners and interested parties of the adjourned dates when the Court is

able to “re-open” for expanded operations.

• The Court is scheduling new non-emergency filings to June/July dates, or as otherwise required by

Michigan Court Rules.

Waivers/Consents

• To reiterate from the March 13, 2020 memo, the Court would welcome the filing of PC 561

Waiver/Consent forms for all interested parties in an effort to enter an order without a hearing, if

entry of an order is otherwise appropriate.

The following processes remain for the emergency matters:

Emergency Guardianships

- Adult Guardianships: Individuals should contact MDHHS at 855-444-3911 or Sergeant Jillian Macey

with the Sheriff Department’s Elder Abuse Team at 810-424-4403 (office) or 810-730-4773 (cell).

- Minor Guardianships: Individuals should contact MDHHS at 855-444-3911 or DHS-CPS-

CIGroup@michigan.gov.

Petitions for Mental Health Treatment

- Petitioners seeking to petition for a pick-up order should contact Genesee Health System at 810-348-

0374.

If there are any other matters you believe require immediate action, you are free to contact me directly at

810-424-4426 (office) or 810-516-2799 (cell) to discuss.

7th Judicial Circuit Court and Genesee County Probate Court 
Emergency Filing Procedures /4.1.2020 
CIRCUIT COURT 
Regular Mail:  Any filing may be sent to the court clerk via regular mail: Genesee County Clerk, 
Legal Division, 900 S. Saginaw Street, Flint MI 48502. If a filing fee is required, send a check or 
money order made payable to Genesee County Clerk. The court will return copies via regular or 
return mail. 
Email Filing (NEW):  Any filing may be sent to: courtfilings@7thcircuitcourt.com. If a filing fee 
is required, it can be paid by credit card. Go to the G2G link and follow these instructions. The 
G2G link can also be found by visiting 7thcircuitcourt.com, clicking the Payment tab and 
concluding with clicking the Make a Payment button. Once the payment is confirmed, the court 
clerk will process the documents. 
Personal Protection Orders (domestic relationship): The YWCA of Greater Flint, is currently 
assisting the community and court as the central point of information and filing. Click HERE for 
instructions. 
Juvenile Division Hearings for detained youth and hearings on other emergency petitions will 
be conducted weekdays via zoom conferencing between the court, attorneys, parents and 
youth. 
Service of petitions and court orders relative to preliminary hearings will be done by email to 
the professional email address, listed with the State Bar of Michigan, for each of the attorneys of 
record. Counsel for parents or youth will provide a hard copy to their clients. 
After hours child abuse and neglect petitions can be filed at oncall@7thcircuitcourt.com. 
During regular business hours, emergency child abuse and neglect petitions can be emailed 
to geneseecourtreports@7thcircuitcourt.com. 
Non-emergency child abuse and neglect petitions can be emailed 
to   courtfilings@7thcircuitcourt.com. 
PROBATE COURT 
The following filing operations should be observed at this time: 
• A filing that requires a filing fee must be sent via regular mail to the Probate Court, 900S. 
Saginaw Street, Room 502, Flint MI 48502. 
• A document that does not requires a filing fee (e.g. proof of service, 
guardianship/conservatorship inventory, GAL report, etc.) may be sent to the Probate 
Court via regular mail, fax 810.257.3234 or email (probatecourt@co.genesee.mi.us), or 
staff email address. 
• The Court will return copies via regular or return mail. 

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GENESEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT

Duncan M. Beagle, Chief Judge of Probate

Jennie E. Barkey, Presiding Judge of Probate

F. Kay Behm, Judge of Probate

Assigned to the Circuit Court

Samuel A. Olson, Administrator/Probate Register

Telephone: (810) 257-3528

Fax: (810) 257-3234

900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 502

Flint, Michigan 48502

DATE: March 24, 2020

TO:

Genesee County Probate Attorneys and Court Patrons

FROM: Sam Olson, Genesee County Probate Court Administrator/Register

RE: COVID-19 – Probate Court Operations

Executive Order 2020-21

As you are likely aware, yesterday Governor Whitmer issued executive order 2020-21 directing Michigan

residents to “remain at home or in their place of residence to the maximum extend feasible.” The

executive order takes effect today, March 24, and continues through April 13. Under the order, all in-

person government activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life, or to supporting those

businesses and operations that are necessary to sustain or protect life, are suspended. Although court

workers are considered “critical infrastructure workers,” this order has required the Probate Court to

further curtail operations and on-site personnel.

Court leadership met yesterday afternoon to assess what the Governor’s order means to the Genesee

County courts. In evaluating court operations, the presiding Judges agreed to effectively scale back many

non-emergency proceedings.

For the Probate Court, this means the Court will be primarily closed for general in-person

purposes, with the exception of emergency guardianships brought by MDHHS (Adult Protective

Services or Child Protective Services) or the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, and Petitions

for Mental Health Treatment brought by Genesee Health System.

While the current climate remains fluid, the Court will “re-open” for expanded operations no earlier than

April 20, 2020. This of course remains subject to change.

The following process has been adopted for the emergency matters:

Emergency Guardianships

- Adult Guardianships: Individuals should contact MDHHS at 855-444-3911 or Sergeant Jillian Macey

with the Sheriff Department’s Elder Abuse Team at 810-424-4403 (office) or 810-730-4773 (cell).

- Minor Guardianships: Individuals should contact MDHHS at 855-444-3911 or DHS-CPS-

CIGroup@michigan.gov.

Petitions for Mental Health Treatment

- Petitioners seeking to petition for a pick-up order should contact Genesee Health System at 810-348-

0374.

If there are any other matters you believe require immediate action based on the Governor’s order, you

are free to contact me directly at 810-424-4426 (office) or 810-516-2799 (cell) to discuss.

The Court is currently reviewing files for the weeks of March 30 and April 6 to determine what files, if

any, can enter without a hearing (i.e. those with Waivers/Consents from all interested parties). The

majority of the files, if not all, will be adjourned by the Court.

Please continue to utilize the case search functions on the court’s website (www.gcprobatecourt.com) to

check the status of your case(s).

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GENESEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT

Duncan M. Beagle, Chief Judge of Probate

Jennie E. Barkey, Presiding Judge of Probate

F. Kay Behm, Judge of Probate

Assigned to the Circuit Court

Samuel A. Olson, Administrator/Probate Register

Telephone: (810) 257-3528

Fax: (810) 257-3234

900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 502

Flint, Michigan 48502

DATE:

March 17, 2020

TO:

Genesee County Probate Attorneys and Court Patrons

FROM: Sam Olson, Genesee County Probate Court Administrator/Register

RE: COVID-19 – Probate Court Operations

Building Access & Filing

Pursuant to Local Administrative Order 2020-05J, signed yesterday afternoon by Chief Judge Duncan M.

Beagle, the Genesee County Probate Court is closed except for essential operations as outlined in the

LAO. In summary, the Genesee County Courthouse is closed, with access to limited entry available

only for emergency or time-sensitive filings.

Please review the following regarding additional operational details in light of yesterday’s announcement:

General Filing:

The following filing operations should be observed as this time:

• A filing that requires a filing fee must be sent via regular mail to the Probate Court, at 900 S. Saginaw

Street, Room 502, Flint, MI 48502.

• A document that does not require a filing fee (e.g., Proof of Service, Guardianship/Conservatorship

Inventory, GAL Report, etc.) may be sent to the Probate Court via regular mail, fax (810-257-3234), or

email (probatecourt@co.genesee.mi.us, or staff email address).

• The Court will return copies via regular mail, or return email.

This information will be posted to Genesee County Probate Court website (www.gcprobatecourt.com).

Probate staff is working hard to update the case management system with the most recent orders. Please

utilize the case search functions on the website to review specific cases.

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GENESEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT

Duncan M. Beagle, Chief Judge of Probate

Jennie E. Barkey, Presiding Judge of Probate

F. Kay Behm, Judge of Probate

Assigned to the Circuit Court

Samuel A. Olson, Administrator/Probate Register

Telephone: (810) 257-3528

Fax: (810) 257-3234

900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 502

Flint, Michigan 48502

DATE:

March 13, 2020

TO:

Genesee County Probate Attorneys and Court Patrons

FROM: Sam Olson, Genesee County Probate Court Administrator/Register

RE: COVID-19 – Probate Court Operations

Additional Details / Points of Clarification

The Probate Court continues to be in regular contact with county leadership to examine the rapidly-

evolving situation. I wanted to address some specific operational issues that may assist as we progress

into next week:

Adjournments

• The Probate Court would welcome stipulated adjournments of petitions/motions presently set

before the Court. This is not a mandatory directive, but rather should be based on the exigency of

the particular request in consultation with other interested parties and attorneys. The Court is

likewise examining the dockets for the next two-three weeks to adjourn matters given the current

situation and attendant risks.

• For the upcoming week of March 16, 2020, all Tuesday and Thursday matters set for

9:00am will be adjourned by the Court to early April. Orders to follow.

Waivers/Consents

• As provided yesterday, the Court has created a GCPC 690 Objection to Petition form in an effort

to readily enter orders without the need for a formal hearing. Along this same line, the Court

would similarly welcome the filing of PC 561 Waiver/Consent forms for all interested parties in

an effort to enter orders without a hearing. Objections to Petition and Waivers/Consents will not

have a filing fee associated with them.

Objection to Petition Form – Service Time

• If you have previously set a hearing before the Court and still have time to effectuate proper

service before the date, please serve the GCPC 690 Objection to Petition form and file a Proof of

Service with the Court.

“Electronic” Filing

• For any paper/document that does not require a filing fee, litigants are welcome to send

documents to the Court via email or fax. The Court has created an email address

(probatecour[email protected]nesee.mi.us) to communicate logistics regarding hearings, etc. Feel free to

utilize this email address for filing, as well as emails to staff, etc.

• The Court’s fax number is 810-257-3234.

“Call” Docket Scheduling

• As a point of clarification, any new filing will still set a date and time for hearing.

• This hearing date will serve as a control date for purposes of effectuating proper notice and

service to interested parties.

• At the date and time set for the hearing, the Court will call the case, with or without parties in

attendance.

o If the file is incomplete, the petitioner will receive an adjournment to serve on all parties.

o If an Objection to Petition is filed, or if the Court has a question regarding the relief

requested, parties will receive an Order for Adjournment setting an evidentiary hearing,

pre-trial, or non-jury trial.

o If the file is complete, no Objection is filed and the Court has no questions, the Court will

enter an order granting the relief requested.

Guardianship/Conservatorship Seminar

• The guardianship/conservatorship seminars regularly held on Tuesdays at 12:00pm noon are

cancelled until further notice. Upon the appointment of a guardian/conservator, the Court will

provide a packet of material to new fiduciaries. The material is available on the Probate Court

website, www.gcprobatecourt.com via the following pathway:

o Forms dropdown → Adult Conservatorship → Appoint Conservator of an Adult →

Accounting Procedures & Instructions for Completing Annual Account of Fiduciary

MCR 2.107(C)(4) – Alternative Electronic Service

• Pursuant to MCR 2.107(C)(4), parties may agree to alternative electronic service among

themselves by filing a stipulation in the matter. Please file such an agreement with the Court if

agreed upon.

Acceptance of Appointment / Letters of Authority

• For any petition seeking the appointment of a fiduciary, the petitioner should be submitting, at the

time of initial filing, a completed and signed Acceptance of Appointment, along with completed

Letters of Authority, in anticipation of the entry of an order appointing the fiduciary.

• This will allow the Court to readily process the documents upon entry of the order, thereby

alleviating the necessity to follow-up with the Court for filing of the documents after appointment.

Please note at this time the Court is NOT banning anyone from the courthouse/courtroom.

Rather, in an effort to avoid unnecessary risks to court patrons and personnel, we have provided options

to appear in court remotely and/or enter orders without the need for a formal, in-person hearing.

We encourage COMMUNICATION to the Court regarding the logistics on any matter you currently

have set (e.g., whether an adjournment will be sought, whether you intend to hold an in-person hearing,

whether you intend to conduct a hearing via video or telephone, etc.). Please refers to the Zoom

instructions/material posted on the Probate Court website, www.gcprobatecourt.com. This will help the

Court appropriately plan and manage its dockets in the coming weeks.

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GENESEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT

Duncan M. Beagle, Chief Judge of Probate

Jennie E. Barkey, Presiding Judge of Probate

F. Kay Behm, Judge of Probate

Assigned to the Circuit Court

900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 502

Flint, Michigan 48502

Samuel A. Olson, Administrator/Probate Register

Telephone: (810) 257-3528

Fax: (810) 257-3234

DATE:

March 12, 2020

TO:

Genesee County Probate Attorneys and Court Patrons

FROM: Sam Olson, Genesee County Probate Court Administrator/Register

RE: COVID-19 – Probate Court Operations

The Genesee County Court leadership is reviewing court operations consistent with the Michigan

Supreme Court, Genesee County and local health officials to respond to COVID-19. Based upon the

emergency declaration of Governor Whitmer and communication from Bridget M. McCormack, Chief

Justice, Michigan Supreme Court, the Probate Court has implemented the following measures to continue

operations in probate proceedings while protecting the health of probate litigants:

Remote Hearings

• The Probate Court will utilize Zoom video/audio conferencing for litigants to appear for hearings

o Specific instructions regarding Zoom and phone appearances can be found on the Genesee

County Probate Court website: www.gcprobatecourt.com.

o The following email address has been created to coordinate with and ask questions to the

court regarding remote hearings: probatecour[email protected]nesee.mi.us.

Vulnerable Persons

• The Probate Court will utilize remote hearings to ensure vulnerable persons (i.e., at-risk

individuals age 60 and over) need not travel to and appear physically at court proceedings. The

Court will rely on court-appointed counsel and guardian ad litems to represent and convey the

interests of the vulnerable person. Any objection to a petition will be set for a contested hearing.

Annual Accounts

• Petitions to Allow Accounts will be heard without a formal hearing, consistent with Local

Administrative Order 2004-08, unless contested or objected to, in writing, by an interested party.

Objection Form

• Petitioners shall be required to serve a GCPC 690 Objection to Petition form on all interested

parties, with a Proof of Service to be filed evidencing service of the form.

Further information about Genesee County Court operations may be obtained by accessing the Circuit

Court website, www.7thcircuitcourt.com. The website includes a tab for any COVID-19 updates related

to the courts.