Julie McCowan Law

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 Read our clear, practical guide to know your rights and the steps to take when institutions push for outdated requirements.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

04/12/2026

04/08/2026

Being appointed as a guardian is an important responsibility, and it can come with a lot of questions.

If you’ve been appointed through the Oakland County Probate Court, it’s essential to understand your legal duties, including what’s expected of you when it comes to care, decision-making, and reporting.

Our latest guide breaks it all down in a simple, easy-to-understand way:
✔️ Your responsibilities as a guardian
✔️ What the court requires from you
✔️ Ongoing duties and reporting obligations
✔️ What to expect moving forward

Whether you’re newly appointed or just looking for clarity, this resource is here to help you navigate your role with confidence.

🔗 https://www.jmccowanlaw.com/post/educational-guide-your-responsibilities-as-guardian-in-oakland-county-probate-court

This post explains what you must do as a guardian for an adult in Oakland County, Michigan. It is designed to help you stay organized, avoid problems with the Court, and make sure your loved one receives proper care. Please consult your attorney or the probate court if you have questions.1. Keep the...

04/08/2026

One of the perks of self-employment and the ability to work remotely is having the freedom to travel. This past week I spent time visiting family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.