What is a guardianship?

A guardianship is a legal arrangement in which an individual (referred to as a “guardian”) is appointed to make decisions and manage the affairs of a person unable to do so for themselves (referred to as a “ward”). This arrangement is generally put in place when a person is elderly, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to care for their affairs. In the state of North Carolina, a guardianship must go through the court process, in which a judge will determine if the individual is in need of a guardian. The guardian is appointed by the court and is responsible for managing the ward’s medical care, finances, and other daily tasks. This may include paying bills, making medical decisions, and handling any legal affairs. The guardian is also responsible for communicating with government agencies, such as Social Security and Medicare, in order to ensure proper care and assistance is received for the ward. The guardianship process is designed to protect both the ward and the guardian. For the ward, the guardianship ensures that their needs are being met in a secure and legal manner. For the guardian, it ensures that they are not in a position to be abused or taken advantage of by the ward, and that they have the legal authority to make decisions for the ward. Overall, a guardianship is a legal arrangement meant to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of a person who is unable to care for themselves. This arrangement is particularly important for elderly individuals in the state of North Carolina, as it helps to ensure that their rights and needs are being respected.

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What is a guardianship?

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