GUARDIANSHIP

A Guardian is a person appointed by the Court to make decisions concerning a person’s physical needs. An incapacitated person is someone who is physically and/or mentally unable to care for themselves. In some cases, the person has a chronic use of drugs or alcohol, is confined, or is being detained by a foreign power, or has disappeared.

A Guardian may be appointed when a person can no longer makes decisions regarding their personal needs. In some cases a Guardian might become necessary because the person might have suffered a stroke or other illness and be unable to respond or make medical decisions alone.

Once a petition for appointment of a Guardian is filed, a physician must examine the ward and submit a written report to the Court. If Temporary Letters are being requested, a physician’s report must accompany the Petition. In addition, the Court will appoint a Court Representative and a Guardian Ad Litem.