How long is a guardianship in effect?

In Virginia, the length of a guardianship is determined by the court on a case-by-case basis. A guardianship may be in effect for as long as the court determines is necessary to protect the best interests of the ward (the person for whom the guardianship is created). Generally, a guardianship is in effect until the ward is able to manage their own affairs and make their own decisions. When a guardianship is established, the court will specify the rights and duties of the guardian. Those rights and duties may include making decisions about the ward’s health care, living arrangements, and financial matters. The guardian must act in the best interests of the ward, and must follow all court orders related to the guardianship. In some cases, an “open-ended” guardianship may be established without a specified end date. In this type of guardianship, the guardian will have to obtain approval from the court to terminate the guardianship at any time. Alternatively, the court may establish a specific end date when the guardianship will come to an end, although the court may also extend the guardianship if necessary. Ultimately, the length of a guardianship in Virginia is determined by the court on a case-by-case basis. The court will always strive to ensure that its orders are in the best interests of the ward.

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