Guardianship cases can be filed by anyone with a concern about the welfare of an individual. The prospective guardian need not be a family member. Guardianship of an Adult is obtained when a person wishing to be the Guardian of an Adult files a Petition for Guardianship with the court and the Judge rules to appoint the Guardian. The person filing the paperwork is referred to as the " Petitioner ";  the person requiring management is referred to as the " Ward ".

• Guardianship
• Conservatorship
• Guardianship/Conservatorship

Guardianship refers to the person and not his/her property. If the Court determines a Guardianship is needed, an Order Appointing Guardian will be signed and filed.

Conservatorship refers to the protection of a person's estate or property and is filed when a person is in need of monetary management. For an Adult Conservatorship, the Court must find the adult is incapable of managing his/her own affairs. The Court may appoint an attorney, physician or investigator for the individual to report to the Court as to the individual's incapacity. If the Court determines that a Conservatorship is needed, an Order Appointing Conservator will be filed.

Guardianship/Conservatorship cases are filed when both a person and his/her assets are in need of management.

• Guardianship/Conservatorship of an Adult

Forms are available at any of the Clerk of the Court office locations.

Once it is decided which type of management the person needs, the Petitioner should file a Petition for Appointment of Guardian, a Petition for Appointment of Conservator, or a Petition for Guardianship/Conservatorship in the Superior Court. Along with the Petition, the Petitioner will file a Cover sheet, Affidavits, and a Notice of Hearing.

Annual reviews will be set to determine the necessity to continue the Guardianship and/or Conservatorship. The Petitioner will need to file annual reports (and in Conservatorship cases annual accountings will need to be filed) to keep the Judge informed of the level of incapacity of the ward and the necessity for the continuance of the Guardianship and/or Conservatorship. If the reports are filed by their due date, it will not be necessary for You to personally appear for the review hearing.

Note: If you have any questions or concerns regarding your duties as a Guardian/Conservator, you will need to contact an attorney.