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We all hope to be able to manage our affairs and care for ourselves well into our later years. But when someone loses the ability to care for himself or handle important aspects of his life, it may become necessary to have a guardian appointed to help handle those things for him. North Carolina provides for three types of guardians: guardian of the estate; guardian of the person; and general guardian.
Guardian of the Estate. A guardian of the estate is appointed to handle the ward’s property, finances and similar matters.
Guardian of the Person. A guardian of the person is appointed to oversee the ward’s personal care.
General Guardian. A general guardian is responsible for his ward’s estate and personal care.
The guardianship process starts with the filing of an incompetency petition, the formal document which asks the court to determine whether a guardian is necessary. At a hearing, a judge will consider evidence, including testimony from a medical professional. If the judge determines that a guardian is necessary, he or she will appoint an appropriate person, who may be a family member or friend.
The attorneys at Garrity & Gossage, LLP can help you apply for appointment as a guardian. Please call us at (704) 841-0661 for more information. |