Guardianship of the Person

When the court appoints a guardian of the person, the guardian may have the following responsibilities

  • Determine residence and monitor ward
  • Consent and release of confidential information
  • Make end-of-life decisions.
  • Act as representative payee
  • Maximize independence in least restrictive manner
  • Report to the court about the guardianship status at least annually

Guardianship of the Estate or Property

“Estate” is defined as real and personal property, tangible and intangible, and includes anything that may be the subject of ownership.

When the court appoints a guardian of the the estate, the guardian is assigned the following responsibilities:

  • Marshall and protect assets.
  • Obtain appraisals of property.
  • Protect property and assets from loss.
  • Receive income for the estate.
  • Make appropriate disbursements.
  • Obtain court approval prior to selling any asset.
  • Report to the court the status of the estate with Inventory Report and Annual Accountings

A Plenary Guardian

A plenary guardian is guardian over the Person and the Estate.

  • Determine residence and monitor ward
  • Consent and release of confidential information
  • Make end-of-life decisions.
  • Act as representative payee
  • Maximize independence in least restrictive manner
  • Report to the court about the guardianship status at least annually
  • Marshall and protect assets.
  • Obtain appraisals of property.
  • Protect property and assets from loss.
  • Receive income for the estate.
  • Make appropriate disbursements.

Voluntary Guardian

A Voluntary Guardian is appointed by the person who needs a guardian to act on his or her behalf before the person is incapacitated. The Voluntary Guardian is assigned the following responsibilities:

  • Determine residence and monitor ward
  • Consent and release of confidential information
  • Make end-of-life decisions.
  • Act as representative payee
  • Maximize independence in least restrictive manner
  • Report to the court about the guardianship status at least annually
  • Marshall and protect assets.
  • Obtain appraisals of property.
  • Protect property and assets from loss.
  • Receive income for the estate.
  • Make appropriate disbursements.