Guardianship is a legal process that removes decision-making rights from an individual who can no longer make sound judgments about themselves or their property due to issues like susceptibility to fraud. The court determines who will act as guardian and what level of authority they will have over living arrangements, medical care, or finances. Setting up guardianship can be expensive and emotionally difficult, so it should only be pursued after other options have failed or are not available, and legal counsel should be consulted.

1. 4/24/2018 Caring for Your Parents | Legal Issues : Guardianship | PBS
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/caringforyourparents/handbook/legalissues/guardianship.html 1/2
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Legal Issues
Guardianship
Guardianship (or conservatorship) is a legal process used when a
person can no longer make sound decisions to protect his or her
person or property, or when the court establishes that an elder
has become susceptible to fraud or undue influence. Because
establishing a guardianship removes considerable rights from the
individual, it should only be used after other alternatives have
been ineffective or are unavailable. The court decides who the
guardian (sometimes called a conservator) will be: a family
member, a friend, a professional certified guardian, a public
guardian (such as a state agency), a bank, a volunteer, or a
nonprofit agency.
The court also decides how much authority to give to the
guardian. A guardian might be appointed only to make decisions
about living arrangements, personal needs, and medical care or
a guardian might be appointed only to make decisions about
finances and property.
Setting up a guardianship can be expensive and emotionally
difficult. If you think your elder needs a guardian, first talk with
a lawyer about the requirements in your state.
AARP offers useful information on guardianships.
The National Guardianship Association, Inc. (NGA) provides
standards for guardians. Each standard is explained in
detail and provides guidance to guardians in the private and
public sectors.
Continue to Finding Legal Services...
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2. 4/24/2018 Caring for Your Parents | Legal Issues : Guardianship | PBS
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