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My Grandmother appointed me POA 6 years ago after deciding she was getting to the point where she needed someone to take care of her affairs when her eyesight and hearing diminished. Her children at the time were not willing to take care of her needs because of a family dispute. They left her in an assisted living facility and told her to fend for herself. She was scared and called me to help. I in turn called my lawyer to see what could be done to help her. He suggested a doing a durable power of attorney. So that is what we did. My grandmother was still able to sign her name and state what her wishes were. I was not at the facility when the document was signed by witnesses and her lawyer. Her children were notified by the administrator of the facility before this took place. No one came to stop the proceedings. No one made an attempt to contact her or myself. Now, she is 101 diagnosed with dementia and all of a sudden her children want guardianship of her. I was served court papers stating that they desired guardianship and that I desired to relinquish my POA. That was a false statement. My lawyer said to show up to court with my POA paperwork and present it to the judge. The judge said that POA had nothing to do with guardianship and that her children's stature of next of kin would be in their favor. I find out Monday what the court decides. We live in Michigan. I am not certain if that makes any difference. I am not familiar with the laws or bi-laws.

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The judge gave me guardianship over my Grandmother!! I am so excited and happy. The judge said she didn't have to, but seeing how I have been her POA for 6 years she could see I was the one to stay with. There is someone watching over me and my Grandmother. Thanks to all for your responses and supportive outlook. You really did help me overcome my fears of whatever outcome was to be of this situation.
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Michigan, CONGTATULATIONS!
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I'm delighted the judge weighed all the factors properly, and delighted that you're so delighted! Well done you. Be gracious with those aunts, now, won't you? Not that they're likely to come bothering you any time soon...
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I'm not familiar with Michigan laws, but unfortunately for you, what the judge told you is, in general, the way it is.

There are so many duties that go along with being guardian over another. Paperwork, applying for funds to pay for things, reports to the court, court costs.

It might be a good thing for this obligation to come to an end for you. You can go back to being the granddaughter who visits grandma and you no longer have to worry about her medical or financial needs. Just trying to see it from a different point of view. I hope that Monday's decision is whatever you hope it to be.
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I am still going to keep things the way they are. They can call and visit. Inquire about her health and are still invited to attend healthcare conferences. I hope they know how much they mean to their mother. She may have dementia but she still knows us all. I hope this will be the end of our family feud. The aunts may not like me much but I will not keep them from their mother, ever.
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I can't really say I am worried about my Grandmother's care. I know her children will be good to her. I guess I was just having a hard time letting go of taking care of her. I have done it for so long and feel hurt and betrayed that the others are now taking an interest after 6 long years have passed. I have done all the jumping thru hoops for the medical and financial to stay up to date on everything. I have contacted them when a crisis arose. I didn't feel I should have to contact them for minor problems. The one child only causes havoc on the personnel that care for my grandmother. I wanted a calm, undisturbed, comfortable environment for my grandmother. The people that have cared for her in assisted living and now in Long Term Care have been phenomenal. I could not have done such a wonderful job as they have. I will be ok if the judge rules in the others favor. But I don't agree with how it came to be. I was only trying to protect my grandmother and her caregivers from disgruntled family.
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I have just lost POA for mom's hubby of eight years. He is competent for the most part and was "told" by his only daughter that lives 2000 miles away. Though she has hired a geriatric care manager to do for him what I was doing. It is like a kick in the gut and initially I was quite angry. And he did not realize the full impact of changing the POA, losingme and now a GCM he doesn't like very much. We will see what he decides to do, there is only one way, change the POA back. I don't think his attorney even talked with him. And he told me he did not understand what his daughter and the GCM were pulling off. Wait and see.
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Bless you, poppet. Just goes to show the judge knew what she was about, eh? Best of luck, hope things go well from here.
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Thank you gladimhere for sharing your story. I appreciate it. I hope everything turns out well for you and your family.
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Michigan - glad things went your way. I have a similar situation and thought maybe i can post it here
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