Michigan Guardianship Annual Report (PC 654)

What the Annual Report Is

Once the probate court appoints you as guardian of a minor, the job isn't over at the hearing. Michigan law requires every guardian to file an Annual Report of Guardian on Condition of Minor — SCAO Form PC 654 — every year within 28 days after the anniversary of your appointment.

This is the court's way of checking that the child is safe, healthy, and properly cared for. The report goes to the same probate court that issued your guardianship order.

What the Report Covers

PC 654 asks for a current snapshot of the child's life:

• Living arrangement — where the child currently resides and with whom
• Physical and mental health — any medical conditions, treatments, hospitalizations, or significant health developments since the last report
• Education — where the child is enrolled, their grade level, and how they're doing academically
• Social and emotional well-being — the child's adjustment, relationships, and general functioning
• Contact with biological parents — whether the parents have had visits, phone contact, or other communication with the child
• Guardian's circumstances — any changes in your own health, employment, or living situation that affect your ability to serve as guardian

The form also asks whether you believe the guardianship should continue and whether any modifications to the arrangement are needed.

When to File

Your first report is due within 28 days after the first anniversary of the court's appointment (PC 653). After that, each report is due within 28 days after the next appointment anniversary.

Some counties send a reminder notice before the due date. Others don't. Mark the anniversary date on your calendar the day the guardianship is granted and set a reminder for a month before — the report takes some time to prepare, and filing it late creates problems.

If you cannot file by the deadline, contact the probate court promptly to ask how to handle a late report.

What Happens If You Don't File

Missing the annual report can prompt court follow-up and puts the guardianship at risk of suspension. If you miss a deadline, contact the probate court promptly.

Tips for a Complete Report

The report doesn't need to be long or elaborate. The court wants current, accurate information — not a narrative essay. A few practical suggestions:

Keep a running file throughout the year. Note significant medical visits, report cards, changes in school, contacts with the parents, and any incidents. When the anniversary comes around, you'll have the information ready instead of trying to reconstruct twelve months from memory.

Be honest about challenges. If the child is struggling in school or has behavioral issues, say so. The court isn't looking for perfection — they're looking for a guardian who's engaged and aware. Hiding problems looks worse than reporting them.

Report any changes in your own situation. If you've moved, had a health issue, changed jobs, or if another adult has moved into or out of the household, include it. The court needs to know the child's living environment is stable.

Attach documentation if it helps. Report cards, medical summaries, or letters from therapists can support your report, especially if the child has had significant developments.

Filing the Report

File PC 654 with the probate court that issued the original guardianship order. MiFILE availability and other filing methods vary by county. Check with your probate court clerk for the accepted method.

Ask the probate court whether a filing fee applies to the annual report.

The Michigan Guardianship and Custody Court Process Guide includes a post-appointment compliance calendar that tracks your annual report deadline alongside other ongoing obligations, so nothing falls through the cracks after the hearing.

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