Recognizing that an adult loved one can’t make decisions for themselves is difficult. There are instances in which you may need to seek guardianship of that adult. This is often the case if the person is suffering from cognitive decline, mental illness or a catastrophic injury.
It’s critical for you to understand what you’ll be responsible for if you opt to pursue a guardianship of that individual and the court grants your petition. One of the most important things to remember is that guardianships are only possible if there’s clear and convincing evidence of the person’s incapacity because it effectively will strip them of their civil rights.
What decisions does a guardian make for the adult?
Guardianship means that you’ll have to make all major decisions for the person unless the guardianship has terms that limit it to only certain duties. With full guardianship powers, you’ll have to make decisions for their healthcare, living arrangements and estate management. You may also make financial decisions for them, which will likely come with certain oversights to ensure the finances are handled in their best interests.
It’s critical that you understand exactly what duties you’ll have to fulfill, so you can be sure that you’re up for the task. You also need to ensure that you meet all the requirements to hold this duty for your loved one. Working with someone who’s familiar with these matters may be beneficial because it may help to reduce your stress as you work through it.
