What is a guardianship of the person?

A guardianship of the person is a legal arrangement in which an individual (called a guardian) is appointed by the court to make decisions on behalf of an incapacitated person (called a ward). In New Hampshire, a guardianship of the person is created to protect the welfare and best interests of the ward. The guardian is responsible for the care and management of the ward’s personal and financial affairs. A guardianship of the person is used when a ward is unable to make informed decisions for themselves. This could be due to a physical or mental impairment, or the ward’s young age. Depending on the nature of the ward’s impairments, the court may or may not grant the guardian the authority to make decisions for the ward. A guardian can be granted the authority to make healthcare decisions, educational decisions, housing decisions, and more. A guardian can also be granted the authority to make financial decisions, such as managing money, filing taxes, and making investments. However, guardianships of the person in New Hampshire generally do not include the authority to transfer a ward’s assets or make them available for estate planning purposes. The guardian must also obtain court approval before taking certain actions, such as selling the ward’s property. Finally, guardians must keep detailed records of all decisions they make on behalf of their ward. This includes documentating all expenses and providing regular reports to the court. Guardianship of the person is a serious legal arrangement that should not be taken lightly.

Related FAQs

How is a conservatorship different than a guardianship?
How are guardianship decisions made?
Who is eligible for guardianship?
How can a person become a guardian?
How do you select an appropriate guardian?
What is the difference between a guardian and a conservator?
How can a guardian be removed from their position?
Can a guardian make medical decisions on behalf of a ward?
What is a temporary guardianship?
What is the difference between guardianship and conservatorship?

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