Guardianship of an Adult
A guardianship proceeding is the legal process whereby a Court may appoint a guardian to manage the personal care or financial affairs of an incapacitated individual. Without a valid medical directive, an incapacitated individual may need a third party to obtain the legal authority to make personal or health care decisions. Similarly, without a valid financial power of attorney, an individual may need someone to make financial decisions on their behalf. Even with proper advance planning documents, Court intervention may be necessary in circumstances where an individual requires protection from himself or herself or from a third party. This proceeding generally occurs in the Probate Court in the district in which the person in need of guardianship resides.
Court Proceedings
To initiate a guardianship proceeding, an interested person may file a petition containing certain required information, such as the interested parties, specific reasons with supporting facts, and financial information. After the filing of the petition, the Court will order an evaluation of the person for whom guardianship is sought (the respondent) and appoint counsel if none has already been retained. The Court requests that the evaluation be completed within 30 days and the Court will schedule the hearing on a date within 15-30 days from filing of the medical evaluation. At least 14 days prior to the hearing, there will be required notices to all interested parties. At the hearing, the Court will review the record and make a determination regarding the appointment of the guardian and the extent of his or her powers.
A guardianship proceeding is the legal process whereby a Court may appoint a guardian to manage the personal care or financial affairs of an incapacitated individual. Without a valid medical directive, an incapacitated individual may need a third party to obtain the legal authority to make personal or health care decisions. Similarly, without a valid financial power of attorney, an individual may need someone to make financial decisions on their behalf. Even with proper advance planning documents, Court intervention may be necessary in circumstances where an individual requires protection from himself or herself or from a third party. This proceeding generally occurs in the Probate Court in the district in which the person in need of guardianship resides.
Court Proceedings
To initiate a guardianship proceeding, an interested person may file a petition containing certain required information, such as the interested parties, specific reasons with supporting facts, and financial information. After the filing of the petition, the Court will order an evaluation of the person for whom guardianship is sought (the respondent) and appoint counsel if none has already been retained. The Court requests that the evaluation be completed within 30 days and the Court will schedule the hearing on a date within 15-30 days from filing of the medical evaluation. At least 14 days prior to the hearing, there will be required notices to all interested parties. At the hearing, the Court will review the record and make a determination regarding the appointment of the guardian and the extent of his or her powers.
