Guardianship in New Jersey

Guardianship in New Jersey2021-12-07T06:03:55-04:00

Understanding Court Appointed Authority Regarding the Person and Finances of Another in New Jersey

New Jersey Guardianship Attorney

Guardianship in New Jersey

In New Jersey, a guardian may be appointed by a court when an incapacitated person can no longer make their own decisions. Impaired decision-making may be the result of dementia, a severe illness, or a developmental disability. The guardian is tasked with making decisions for their “ward”. Such legal authority often authorizes decision-making regarding living arrangements, medical decisions, and/or finances.

Legal Standard for New Jersey Guardianships

First, the court must find “by clear and convincing evidence” that a person lacks the mental capacity to make their own decisions. It is not enough that the person makes bad or illogical decisions. A loss of mental capacity must be shown. This requires medical evidence.

New Jersey Court Appointed Attorney

A New Jersey court appointed attorney will represent the alleged incapacitated person. This attorney will review medical records and interview the proposed guardian, caretakers, and certain interested parties. If there is good reason to oppose the guardianship, the court appointed attorney must do so. Many times, however, guardianship petitions are not opposed, and guardianship is granted.

Legal Authority for New Jersey Guardianship

Once guardianship over an incapacitated person has been granted by a court in New Jersey, the guardian will normally be required to post a bond and file an inventory of the ward’s assets within ninety days of appointment. The guardian becomes a “fiduciary” charged with handling assets and making decisions solely in the best interest of the ward. A guardian should consider the preferences of the ward and carry out the ward’s wishes whenever possible.

When is a Guardian Required to Report to the Court

Once a year, the guardian is required to file annual reports with the court. This includes a “Well-Being” report containing a physician’s letter and the guardian’s observations of the ward’s health. This also includes a financial report, itemizing how the ward’s money was used in the past year.

New Jersey Power of Attorney

If the incapacitated person properly appointed a power of attorney and health care proxy before losing capacity, guardianship proceedings may not be necessary. Inadequate or legitimately disputed documents may be ineffective, making guardianship in New Jersey necessary.

Help is Available

It is important that you see an attorney if you believe that someone may need a guardian. The correct reports and legal documents must be filed with the court. Finding an attorney who is skilled in this area of law is important. You should question your attorney about his or her experience in handling guardianships.

Guardianships are a major part of an Elder Law Attorney’s practice. In addition, an Elder Law Attorney will know about alternative solutions if a guardianship is not appropriate, such as powers of attorney, medical directives, or protective action.

Acting in the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and its New Jersey Chapter, attorney Robert J. Shanahan Jr. is also counsel to Volunteer Guardianship One on One Inc., a non-profit group which trains volunteers to act as guardians for those who have no family to act on their behalf.

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