It quickly adds up. Some reports are filed with the court, but they get little scrutiny. Guardians file annual reports on the condition of the wards and how often they visit. Conservators, and occasionally temporary guardians, file reports on what someone owns and how much it's worth. Burton Hawn and his friends say he had a van and a house full of furniture, with appliances, three televisions, antique pieces and a stereo.
Conservators also file annual financial reports with the court on how they spent their wards' money.
In Oakland County, reports are basically checked to see that they are signed, that the numbers appear to be accurate and that one year's ending balance matches the next year's beginning balance, said Lisa Symula, Oakland County probate register. In Wayne County, Chief Judge Milton Mack Jr. said reports are looked at by an auditor, analyst and guardian ad litem, who investigates whether a guardian is needed. It gets back to court resources. But it took more than two years and a lawyer hired by the family to wrestle the money from the guardian. It is very tough to know.