The following questions and answers are meant to offer some general information on guardianships. Please contact us for a consultation.

• What is a guardianship?
• When is a guardianship appropriate?
• What is an informed decision?
• What types of guardianship are available?

What is a guardianship?

Guardianship is a court procedure through which a person or organization is given the responsibility to care for and make decisions for another individual over the age of 18 who is not competent to handle his/her own affairs.

When is a guardianship appropriate?

When an individual is not able to make or communicate informed decisions (i.e. medical or financial decisions) independently, which may be due to a stroke, dementia, mental retardation, mental illness, autism, downs syndrome, senility, a closed head injury or other condition.

What is an informed decision?

What types of guardianship are available?

• Guardian of the Person: Handles personal affairs, medical decisions, decisions about where the person lives, participation in educational or vocational programs, etc.
• Guardian of the Estate: Handles financial affairs, investment decisions, real estate and personal property, bills, payments, etc.
• General Guardian: Has the responsibilities of both of the above.