Perhaps you know someone who needs extra help with their personal or financial affairs, and have heard others talk about becoming a guardian for an ailing relative or a disabled family member. People that might need guardianship include those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, disabilities, or chronic illness. Read the article below for more information about what guardianship entails and what it means for you as the guardian.
What is a guardian?
A guardian is appointed by the court to make personal and/or financial decisions for an adult that has been determined by the court to be unable to manage their own affairs. This person is referred to as the “ward.” Before appointing a guardian, the court must first make a determination that the ward is so incapable of handling his or her own affairs that the right to handle his or her personal or financial decisions should be taken away and given to another person. Guardianship is an extreme measure and securing one should only happen when “no less restrictive alternative” is available.
