Who We ARE

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Who We ARE *

The Michigan Judicial Probate Integrity Project Wants to Bring Back Integrity Through Accountability

The Michigan Judicial Probate Integrity Project (MJPIP) is a grassroots, volunteer—led effort dedicated to exposing systemic failures in Michigan’s Probate courts and advocating for meaningful reform. We are working together to protect the elderly and disabled who are being harmed in our probate courts.

Map of Michigan showing Great Lakes, cities, highways, and lakes with overlay text 'Michigan The Great Lakes State'.

We would like to see the pilot program that the Michigan Elder Justice initiative implemented in 4 counties spread to include all of Michigan. Together we hope to be a protect vulnerable adults, support families, and expose judicial misconduct within Michigan’s probate courts. Our work is grounded in research, lived experience, and the shared stories of countless families who have faced unlawful, unethical, or retaliatory practices in a court system that lacks meaningful oversight.

We exist because Michigan’s probate courts hold enormous power—yet operate with almost no transparency or accountability. This has created an environment where vulnerable adults can be isolated, estates can be depleted, families can be silenced, and statutory rights can be ignored without consequence.

We are here to change that.

We are Michigan families who have personally experienced:

   •   Judicial misconduct

   •   Statutory violations

   •   Abuse of discretion

   •   Improper use of the Mental Health Code

   •   Isolation of vulnerable adults

   •   Retaliatory sanctions or contempt threats

   •   Hearings without recordings or notice

   •   Estate exploitation under court control

Our experiences are not isolated. They form a pattern repeated across the state, in county after county, courtroom after courtroom.

Through documentation, FOIA requests, public records, interviews, and firsthand accounts, we are building the most comprehensive picture of probate-related judicial misconduct Michigan has ever seen.

Why We Started This Project

The Michigan Judicial Integrity Project began after families discovered that the systems meant to protect vulnerable adults were instead allowing:

   •   Misuse of guardianship and conservatorship

   •   Backdated or altered court orders

   •   Improper appointments of guardians, GALs, or conservators

   •   Unlawful isolation from family

   •   Lack of due process

   •   Denial of evidence and testimony

   •   Zero consequences for court actors violating the law

When families sought help through official channels—APS, SCAO, the Judicial Tenure Commission, the Attorney Grievance Commission—they found doors closed, cases dismissed, or concerns ignored.

It became clear:

Michigan has no functioning accountability system for probate courts.

That is when this project was born.

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What We Do

The Michigan Judicial Integrity Probate Project is committed to:

Bringing Integrity back to Probate Court Through Accountability

Integrity is the Goal

Accountability is the Mechanism

✔ Gathering and analyzing statewide data

Through FOIA requests, court records, and empirical evidence, we expose patterns of abuse, misconduct, and statutory violations.

✔ Supporting victims of probate-related judicial misconduct

Families deserve a voice, a platform, and a pathway to justice.

✔ Crafting meaningful legislative reforms

✔ Raising public awareness

We shine a spotlight on court practices that have stayed hidden for far too long.

✔ Building a statewide coalition

We bring together families, lawmakers, advocates, and professionals who believe Michigan deserves a fair, just, and accountable Probate Court.

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Our Vision

A Michigan where:

   •   Probate Courts follow the law

   •   Vulnerable adults are protected

   •   Families are respected

   •   Court-appointed professionals are held accountable

   •   Judges face consequences for misconduct (Impeachment)

   •   Transparency replaces secrecy

   •   Oversight replaces unchecked power

This is not just a project—

it is a movement for truth, accountability, and justice.

Text on a dark background reads: 'How Michigan Probate Judges Can Be Impeached' with two red lines under 'Can Be Impeached'.
A graphic with the title 'Step 1: Misconduct Occurs' in bold, listing reasons such as due process violations, ignoring statutes, fraud on the court, abuse of authority, and collusion with court-appointed attorneys. The background features flames and a gavel near a courthouse.
A presentation slide with a red and black background, titled 'Step 2: Evidence & Complaints.' It lists four types of complaints: Judicial Tenure Commission, Attorney Grievance Commission, Michigan Supreme Court, and Legislative Complaints. There is an image of a yellow filing folder filled with documents in the bottom right corner.
A presentation slide titled 'Step 3: Investigation & Record' with bullet points 'Misconduct Documented' and 'Transcripts & Affidavits' next to a stack of files, a magnifying glass, and lined paper.
Slide with the title 'Step 4: Impeachment Initiated' and a list mentioning 'House of Representatives' and 'Articles of Impeachment,' with an image of the United States Capitol building and an American flag.
Slide titled 'Step 5: Senate Trial' with bullet points 'Impeachment Trial' and '2/3 Vote to Convict.' A gavel rests on a sound block in front of a black leather chair.
A gavel resting on a sound block in front of a black office chair, with a presentation slide behind detailing Step 6: Removal from Office, mentioning it involves removal from office and banishment from judicial role.
Contact Us
Michigan Judicial emblem with scales of justice, gavel, and a courtroom column, over a map of Michigan with the words 'Michigan Judicial' and the phrase 'Probate Integrity Project'.
Badge with a shield shape logo that reads 'Michigan Task Force' in the center, with an outline of Michigan and a fish, surrounded by the words 'Guardianship' and 'Conservatorship' and 'EST. 2021' at the bottom.
Guardianship Reform supporters holding protest signs in an bowling alley, wearing blue shirts that say 'STOP trafficking our elderly & disabled.' The signs oppose trafficking related to elderly and disabled rights.
Infographic titled "How Michigan Probate Judges Can Be Impeached" outlining six steps: 1. Misconduct Occurs with icons for court and gavel; 2. Evidence & Complaints with file folders; 3. Investigation & Record with documents and magnifying glass; 4. Impeachment Initiated with U.S. Capitol building; 5. Senate Trial with courtroom image; 6. Removal from Office with judge's gavel and chair. Text emphasizes that the Judicial Tenure Commission is not the only remedy, and the legislature has the power to impeach.
Two women standing next to a sign that reads 'Welcome to the Annual Senior Summit hosted by State Senator Jeremy Moss' in an indoor setting with a brick wall background.
Two women seated at a desk speaking into microphones during a court hearing on civil rights, judiciary, and public safety at the Binsfield Office Building in Lansing. The woman on the left has long red hair and is wearing a patterned blouse; the woma
A woman being interviewed by a reporter with a camera in a hotel lobby.
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People attending the Michigan House Judiciary Committee Meeting in Room 521 at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing, with some seated and others standing around, engaged in conversation.
People sitting at a long table in a courtroom or hearing room during testimony at a judiciary hearing. Caption mentions investigator Cynthia Mifsud testifying about a mother placed under guardianship.
A Michigan House Subcommittee meeting in a wood-paneled room with several people sitting around a U-shaped table. Some members are on the dais, and others are seated around the room. There are chairs along the sides, some occupied and some empty. A w
Woman with long red hair speaking at a microphone in a conference room.
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A room with several people seated around a wooden conference table, some standing and engaged in discussion, with a large screen displaying the time 11:21 and a monitor on the wall showing the Michigan House Subcommittee Meeting agenda. The room has
People seated around a table during a Michigan House Committee meeting in Lansing, with some individuals standing behind, and a mix of men and women engaged in discussions.
Four women standing outside a building, taking a group selfie and smiling.
Three professionally dressed individuals standing inside a grand historic building with stone arches and a staircase in the background, holding a photo album.
Group of protestors on courthouse steps holding signs with various messages.
People sitting at a wooden table in a courtroom or hearing room, participating in a testimony at judiciary proceeding, with some taking notes and others using laptops. A news banner at the bottom mentions Cynthia Mifsud and a case involving her mothe
Two individuals holding a sign that reads 'Stop Mental Abuse' during a daytime outdoor event.
A group of people gathered indoors, with one man speaking into a microphone while others listen. A woman holds up a phone, possibly recording or taking a photo. There are chairs and a yellow wall in the background.
A woman standing outside holding a sign that reads "Stop Abusive Guardians Isolating Elders From Us." She is next to an open vehicle trunk, in front of a building with the number 1200, and there are trees in the background.
Group of four people protesting against elderly abuse, holding signs and standing next to banners and a large photo of an elderly woman.
A badge with a shield shape. It features a silhouette of a plane, an outline of Michigan, and the text 'Michigan Task Force' and 'Guardianship Conservation' with 'Est. 2021' at the bottom.
A woman standing outdoors holding a framed photo of an older woman. Behind her, a table displays posters and images related to political activism or protest.
Senator Kerri Kasem speaking at a Senate hearing, with other officials seated behind her.
Government officials seated at a long wooden table in a formal meeting room with dark blue curtains, an American flag, a state flag, and a seal on the wall behind them. A woman stands at a podium to the right. A TV graphic at the bottom shows the top
Two women standing together in a formal meeting room, smiling at the camera. One woman is holding a photo, and the other is wearing a blue blazer and has a lanyard around her neck. There are people and signs in the background, including a sign that s
A woman with blonde wavy hair smiling in front of a government building with a statue and well-maintained lawn.
Three women standing inside an ornate, grand hall with a decorative ceiling, large chandeliers, and detailed gold and blue interior design. They are posing for a photo near a gold railing, with a patterned carpet under their feet.
A woman with blonde hair smiling in front of a historic government building and a statue of a man in a suit holding a bag.
Inside a legislative chamber with wooden desks, people working, and a raised platform with a large chair and flags, decorated with ornate columns, lamps, and a mural of a lion.
Shannon Tannis
A woman with red hair wearing a blue coat and holding papers is standing outside a police car, speaking to a female officer inside the vehicle. The police car has a sign on the side reading 'Protect Alert' and is parked on a city street with building
Two people sitting at a wooden table in a conference room, looking at a laptop and a large monitor displaying a report titled 'VULNERABLE ADULT INCIDENT REPORT'.
A woman in a black jacket and dark pants gesturing with her hand toward a man in a gray blazer, blue shirt, beige pants, and brown shoes, who is leaning on a table inside a building with tiled floor, large gray column, and a vending machine in the ba
Digital directory screen showing names, district numbers, room numbers, and office locations for the Michigan House of Representatives.
Map of Michigan showing lakes, cities, roads, and natural features with the text "Michigan The Great Lakes State" overlayed.
People seated and standing in a conference room, some holding papers, with a large screen on the wall showing a woman speaking.
Senate Hearing
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A woman speaking into a microphone during a gathering, holding a photo of two people. Behind her is a sign with partly visible text and colorful stars.
Senior Advocates
A woman with red hair speaking at a hearing in a government chamber, sitting at a desk with a microphone. There are other people in the background. The lower third graphic indicates it is a Senate subcommittee hearing about appropriations, correction
A woman with blonde hair and glasses speaking into a microphone during a hearing at a formal government setting, with a colorful carpet and wooden furniture around.
Four women smiling inside a government building, with a police badge emblem on the wall behind them and an officer at a desk.
Group of three women protesting at an indoor venue, holding signs opposing trafficking of elderly and disabled people. They wear blue shirts with message 'Stop Trafficking Our Elderly & Disabled' with slogans to follow laws and protect rights.
Two women standing outdoors wearing blue T-shirts with the message "STOP trafficking our elderly & disabled."
Two women standing on a sidewalk in front of a building, both wearing blue shirts with a message against trafficking of elders, smiling at the camera.
Group of five women and one man, some wearing blue 'STOP Smoking Only' t-shirts, gathered together indoors, smiling for the photo with a woman in white in the background.
Six adults standing together in an indoor setting, smiling, with a mix of casual and business attire.
Protesters holding signs advocating for judiciary accountability, with messages like 'Indict Dana Nessel the Gate Keeper,' 'Prosecute Oakland County,' 'Say No Court Guardians,' and 'Read the Hammond Report.' They are standing outside a building with
A group of people holding protest signs outside a building, with one person showing a photo to another, and a woman wearing a Santa hat among the protesters.
Two women in a conference room, one smiling with long blonde hair and the other holding a yellow ticket or receipt, which shows some printed text and handwritten notes.
People walking towards a historic government building with classical architecture, a large dome, and multiple windows on a cloudy day.
Group of five people sitting outdoors at a protest or rally, wearing blue shirts with slogans. One person holds a sign that says "Judges please follow laws! Americans depend on you." There are tents, various artworks, and other people in the backgrou
Supporters of Justice for the Elderly and Disabled
Jody White and Chris Abood advocating for the Elderly and Disabled
State Bar of Michigan event
Advocating for the Elderly and disabled at the Ann Arbor Art Fair
Protesters at an outdoor demonstration holding signs challenging judge Owdzie's rulings, with tents and booths in the background and a mix of people walking or standing.
A group of protesters holding signs that address issues related to guardianship, judges, and judicial accountability at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Some signs suggest concerns about guardianship problems and law rights.
Protesters holding signs at a street rally, surrounded by tents and trees, advocating for Guardianship Reform.
Guardianship Reform Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Protesting Guardianship at Ann Arbor Art Fair
Group of people sitting outside at a protest or rally, holding signs that say 'Judges Please Follow Laws! Americans Depend On You'. They are wearing blue shirts with messages to stop trafficking and child abuse, with some holding a dog. There are ten
Four women standing in front of a directory sign at a courthouse, wearing blue shirts with the message 'STOP trafficking our elderly & disabled'.
Group of seven diverse people standing together indoors, with some wearing protest shirts against trafficking of elders and disabled. They are smiling, posing for the photo in front of a brick wall and large windows.
Group of people at a rally protesting against trafficking and disability discrimination under a tent, wearing matching blue T-shirts with the message 'STOP TRAFFICKING & DISABLED', and a woman in yellow with a similar message.
People sitting at a long table under a large tent during an outdoor event, eating and socializing. Three women in blue shirts with protest messages, one woman in a patterned blouse, and others in the background.
Three people at a bingo game under a large tent. Two are seated at a table with bingo cards, and one woman is standing behind them. All three are wearing blue shirts with a message protesting human trafficking.
Four people standing outside, wearing blue shirts that read 'STOP trafficking our elderly & disabled.' One person is in a wheelchair; all are smiling.
An elderly woman wearing sunglasses on her head and a blue campaign shirt holding a sign and pointing to a folder, standing outdoors on a parking lot with a man in a wheelchair in the background, and trees and traffic in the distance.
A woman holding a protest sign about Oakland probate arrest for rocket launching, listing four judges with a note about stolen elder funds. She's wearing sunglasses, a wide-brimmed sun hat, a blue shirt with a message about stopping elder trafficking
A woman with glasses and a blue shirt holding a booklet and a glass of water, speaking to a seated woman with blonde hair and a pearl necklace in a courtroom or official setting.
A woman and a man taking a selfie indoors. The woman is smiling, wearing a blue shirt, and has a purple sash and a button. The man is slightly behind her, smiling, wearing a dark blazer over a light striped shirt. The background features framed pictu
Four smiling individuals standing inside a room, with a window showing a cityscape outside. The two women on the ends are wearing purple sashes that say 'Alzheimer's Association.' The woman on the far left is wearing a blue T-shirt with white text, a
Colorful protest sign reads 'TASK FORCE FIGHTING BACK... EXPOSING CORRUPTION' with decorative stickers on some letters, held by a person at a public demonstration. A dog sits on a person's lap in the background surrounded by other protesters.
A woman sitting on a bench holding a megaphone and a sign that reads 'Crime Stoppers We Speak Up!', with people standing and talking behind her outside a building.
Advocates
Person holding protest signs that criticize Oakland County Courthouse and judge decisions.
Ted Scarborough Senior Advocate
A woman and a man standing together indoors at a formal event, smiling for the camera. The woman is holding books and wearing a black outfit with a name tag, and the man is wearing a dark suit with a yellow patterned tie.
Logo of the Michigan Judicial Probate Accountability Project featuring a circular design with a balance scale in front of a map of Michigan, with purple and white coloring.
Protest rally in front of the Michigan Capitol building with people holding signs and American flags. Overlaid text emphasizes legislative emergency, protections, accountability, and reforms, with themes of impeachment, oversight, reform, and a peace
Three people walking down a hallway, viewed from behind. The woman on the left is wearing a bright pink coat and carrying a large black bag. The man in the middle is wearing a dark jacket and khaki pants, carrying a black folder. The man on the right
Two people are having a conversation in a hallway. One person is holding a microphone and appears to be listening, while the other is gesturing with their hand. Both are wearing dark jackets.
Two women sitting at a table reviewing documents, with one woman using her phone.
Traci Kornac Show Cause Hearing
Allegan Michigan Court
Jody White and Shannon Tannis examining files
Tom Howe Senior Advocate
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Jodie White and Valerie (Host of the Real Black Coffee No Sugar No Cream)
Jody White Senior Advocate and Contributor
Rosalyn Harris Senior Advocate and Contributor
April Donovan Senior Advocate
A woman with long blonde hair smiling in a cozy, wood-paneled room.
A smiling woman with glasses resting on her head, wearing a black jacket, standing against a plain light-colored wall.