Guardianship is a legal relationship in which someone (the guardian) is authorized by the clerk of superior to be a substitute decision maker for an incompetent adult (protected persons). Incompetence is determined in a court proceeding and means an adult is unable to manage his or her own affairs, or is unable to make important decisions.
Three types of guardian:
Guardian of the person (makes decisions in most areas of the individual under guardianship's life, such as where they live, what type of care they receive, medical decisions)
Guardian of the Estate (has authority to manage the individual under guardianship's income and property) and
General Guardian (has the powers and duties of both guardian of the person, and guardian of the estate)
Anyone, including a family member, a representative of social services, mental health center, health department, or anyone else who knows the person, may file a written request (a petition) with the clerk of superior court alleging that an adult should be declared incompetent and have a guardian appointed. Every clerk's office has forms that may be completed and filed for the petition. Currently the Adult Protective Service Unit may file a petition on individuals who are either indigent, or in need of protection, and have no one who can or will act in their behalf.
Guardianship services include:
Case management
Monthly assessments of individual under guardianship's needs (by visiting with the individual under guardianship, communicating with health providers, and other persons who are involved with the individual under guardianship)
Development of a service plan
Quarterly assessments and yearly assessments
File necessary reports with the court/estate division