What is the court process for guardianship?

In North Carolina, the court process for guardianship is complex. First, a petition must be filed in the county where the proposed ward (the person who needs protection) lives. The petition must contain a description of why guardianship is necessary and the proposed guardian’s qualifications. Next, the court will appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to investigate the situation and represent the ward’s best interests. The GAL may interview the proposed ward, the proposed guardian, family members, and other people familiar with the ward’s situation. After the investigation, the court will hold a hearing to consider the evidence and determine whether guardianship is necessary. The court may appoint a consultant to evaluate the ward’s mental capacity and decide if the proposed guardian is suitable. If the court approves the guardianship, it will issue an official order appointing the guardian. Once appointed, the guardian must take certain steps to protect the ward’s interests. This includes filing timely reports with the court, managing the ward’s assets, and getting court approval before making certain financial decisions. The guardian must also file a termination report with the court when guardianship is no longer necessary. The guardianship process in North Carolina is complex and can be overwhelming. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can ensure that the process runs smoothly and the ward’s needs are adequately met.

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What is the court process for guardianship?

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