Guardianship

Each Puget Sound Guardian client receives a  tailor made care practice to suit his or her unique and ever-changing needs.

 

A Puget Sound Guardian is:

A Knowledgeable Person... Just as you select with care the person who is your legal adviser, so should you select with care the person who will be appointed by the courts to serve as a Guardian for you or your loved one should the need arise.

A Coordinator of Services... A Guardian arranges for everything from bill paying, to yard work, health care, social visits, or any other services necessary for the client's comfort, safety, and overall well being. Everything is coordinated by a Guardian for the benefit of an incapacitated person.

A Financial Manager... The Guardian is responsible for the marshalling and protection of assets and income of the client. The Guardian is also charged with selecting the best financial manager to secure the best methods of investment for those assets that will preserve the value and deliver the necessary income to provide the client an optimum level of care and comfort. For each person whom a Guardian serves, an Annual Accounting of those assets is presented and approved by the courts.

An Advocate... A Guardian actively advocates for protection of the client. This advocacy covers all aspects of the client's life and well being, from coordination of pet services to assuring that advanced directives are honored by medical providers.

 

Types of Guardianship Offered by Puget Sound Guardians:

Guardian of the Person
When the court appoints a Full Guardian of the Person, the Guardian has responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:

• Determine place of residence
• Consent to and monitor health treatment
• Coordinate social services such as education, outings, and community integration
• Coordinate end-of-life decisions
• Act as payee for private and government benefits
• Report to the court about guardianship status at least annually

Guardian of the Property (or Estate)
When the court appoints a Full Guardian of the Estate, the Guardian has responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:

• Gather and protect property and assets from loss
• Obtain appraisals of property
• Receive income for the estate
• Pay bills and expenses as required
• Obtain court approval prior to selling assets
• Report to the courts on the estate / guardianship of the property at least annually