Guardianship Evaluation in Michigan
Comprehensive, court-ordered custody evaluations that assess parenting capacity, parent-child relationships, and the best interests of the child — conducted by Dr. Stacy Nuar, PsyD, LP, a licensed psychologist with specialized custody and parenting evaluation training from Palo Alto University.
What Is a Guardianship Evaluation?
A guardianship evaluation is a psychological assessment conducted to help a court determine whether an individual needs a guardian or conservator to manage their personal, medical, or financial affairs. These evaluations are used in probate court proceedings when questions arise about a person’s capacity to make safe and informed decisions for themselves.
At Bright Pine Behavioral Health, guardianship evaluations are conducted by Dr. Stacy Nuar, PsyD, LP. Dr. Nuar evaluates both minor guardianship cases — where a child needs a guardian other than their parents — and adult guardianship cases involving individuals who may be incapacitated due to cognitive decline, mental illness, developmental disability, or other conditions.
Who Refers Guardianship Evaluations?
Guardianship evaluations are referred by courts (probate, family, or guardianship courts), attorneys representing the petitioner or respondent, adult protective services, healthcare providers, and family members or concerned parties
What the Evaluation Assesses
The guardianship evaluation is designed to answer specific questions about an individual’s capacity across several domains.
Cognitive Capacity
Assessment of orientation, memory, attention, reasoning, and executive function — the foundational cognitive abilities required for independent decision-making.
Functional Abilities
Evaluation of the individual’s ability to manage activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating) and instrumental activities (finances, medications, transportation, household tasks).
Decision-Making Capacity
Assessment of the ability to understand, appreciate, and reason through decisions about personal care, medical treatment, finances, and living arrangements — evaluated domain by domain.
Risk Factors
Evaluation of vulnerability to self-neglect, financial exploitation, physical harm, or other risks that may warrant protective oversight.
Alternatives to Guardianship
Assessment of less restrictive alternatives such as supported decision-making, powers of attorney, representative payees, or community services that may allow greater autonomy
Records and Collateral
Review of medical records, legal documents, and collateral interviews with family members, caregivers, and treating providers. The individual’s expressed wishes and preferences are documented.
What the Report Covers
The guardianship evaluation report provides the court with a detailed assessment including: reason for evaluation and referral source, methods and instruments used, clinical findings (medical, psychiatric, cognitive, functional), assessment of decision-making capacity with specific examples, evaluation of the individual’s ability to manage personal, financial, and healthcare affairs, identification of risks and vulnerabilities, discussion of alternatives to guardianship, and recommendations regarding the need for guardianship (full, limited, or none).
The report also includes suggested supports, services, or accommodations; a statement regarding the individual’s preferences and expressed wishes; and relevant legal and ethical considerations including the least restrictive alternative.
Probate Court Testimony
Dr. Nuar is available to provide testimony in probate court regarding her evaluation findings. She has testified in guardianship proceedings and can present her findings clearly and defensibly when the court requires it.
Your Evaluator
Dr. Stacy Nuar, PsyD, LP
Dr. Nuar brings extensive clinical and forensic experience to every evaluation. With a Doctorate of Psychology and specialized training in child custody and parenting evaluations from Palo Alto University through the AAFP, she conducts each assessment with the thoroughness and objectivity that legal proceedings demand.
Dr. Nuar stays current with evolving forensic methodology and ethical standards. Her evaluations are structured to be clear, defensible, and directly useful to attorneys, judges, and the individuals she evaluates.
Who We Work With
Individuals & Families
- Parents involved in custody or parental fitness cases
- Individuals facing court-ordered evaluations
- Immigration applicants needing psychological documentation
- People involved in guardianship or conservatorship proceedings
- Personal injury claimants requiring neuropsychological assessment
Attorneys & Referring Professionals
- Family law attorneys handling custody and parental fitness cases
- Immigration attorneys seeking hardship or asylum evaluations
- Criminal defense attorneys needing competency assessments
- Employers and HR departments requesting fitness for duty evaluations
- Probate attorneys involved in guardianship petitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a guardianship evaluation cover both children and adults?
Yes. Dr. Nuar conducts guardianship evaluations for both minor guardianship cases — where a child needs a guardian other than their parents — and adult guardianship cases involving individuals who may be unable to manage their own affairs.
Can a guardianship evaluation recommend something other than full guardianship?
Yes. The evaluation may recommend full guardianship, limited guardianship (where the individual retains autonomy in some domains), or no guardianship if the assessment finds the individual retains sufficient capacity. The report also discusses less restrictive alternatives such as supported decision-making or powers of attorney.
Who pays for the guardianship evaluation?
Guardianship evaluations are private pay. Fees are discussed directly with Dr. Nuar during the initial consultation.
Will Dr. Nuar testify in probate court?
Yes. Dr. Nuar is available to testify in probate court about her evaluation findings when the court requires it.
How long does the evaluation take?
The number of sessions depends on the complexity of the case. Some evaluations can be completed in fewer sessions, while others — particularly those involving extensive medical records or multiple collateral contacts — may require more time.
Parental Fitness Evaluation
Evaluations focused on a single parent’s capacity to provide adequate care and safety for their child. Often initiated by CPS or the court.
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Child Custody Evaluation
Comprehensive custody evaluations examining parenting capacity, parent-child relationships, and the best interests of the child.
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Court-Ordered Psychological Evaluation
General psychological evaluations ordered by the court to address mental health status, behavioral functioning, or case disposition.
