FAQ

In what county should I file a guardianship?

In a minor guardianship, the petitioner would file in the county where the minor resides or is present at the time the proceeding is commenced.

In a guardianship for an incapacitated individual, the petitioner would file in the county where the incapacitated individual resides or is present. If the incapacitated individual is admitted to an institution by court order, the petitioner would file in the county in which that court is located.

How do I become a guardian?

To become a guardian, you must file a petition, pay the fee, serve interested persons, and appear at a hearing. Generally, anyone may petition to become a guardian.

What is the difference between a full minor guardianship and a limited minor guardianship?

A full minor guardianship may be initiated by anyone, as long as certain criteria are met. A limited guardianship is a voluntary guardianship which may only be initiated by a parent who has physical custody of the child. Also, the guardian powers differ. In a full minor guardianship the guardian may consent to marriage or adoption; however in a limited minor guardianship, the guardian may not consent to either marriage or adoption.

What is the difference between a full adult guardianship and a limited adult guardianship?

In a full adult guardianship the guardian may attend to the ward's entire needs; however, in a limited adult guardianship the guardian may only act for the purposes stated in the Letters of Guardianship.

Why do I have to fill out this Annual Report on Guardianship when you have already sent someone out to review it?

You, as the guardian , are required by law to file an annual report every year. The court, by law, must also conduct an investigation called a review. The guardianship review is a personal consultation conducted by a court appointed person. The guardianship review is only conducted every three years for adults or once a year for minors until age 6.

What do I do, as guardian, if the ward dies?

If a ward dies, the guardian must provide a death certificate to the court within 14 days so that the file may be closed and the guardian may be released.

What situation justifies an emergency hearing on a guardianship?

An emergency guardianship hearing would be warranted when medical decisions are immediately necessary to save the ward from serious injury, illness, or death. If an emergency hearing is requested, Bay County Probate Court requires a letter from the hospital or doctor indicating the medical emergency. Any hearing that is scheduled for a date and time other than the next regularly scheduled hearing date is considered an emergency hearing.

What is the difference between a guardianship and a conservatorship?

A guardian has responsibility over the ward's health care and well being, whereas, a conservator has responsibility over the ward's finances and assets. Be aware that a guardian may handle regular income such as pension or social security without a conservatorship.

Who pays the guardian ad litem (GAL) fees for adult guardianship cases?

Generally GAL fees are paid by the petitioner.

What do I do if a protected individual dies?

If a protected individual dies, the conservator must file a final account within 56 days. After the account is allowed, the personal representative must file a receipt for any remaining funds so the order discharging the conservator can be entered and the conservatorship file closed.

Can I, as a conservator, invest the minor’s funds?

You must get court approval before investing any of the minor's funds in stocks, mutual funds or annuities. You do not need permission to deposit the funds in an FDIC insured account at a bank for instance.

I filed a Verification last year. Do I have to file one again?

Verification on Deposit forms must be filed every year on minor conservatorships to ensure that the minor's funds are properly preserved.

Who must file a Verification of Funds?

A conservator for a minor is required to file a Verification on Deposit with the court on a yearly basis.

Who fills out the Verification of Funds?

A representative of the financial institution where the funds are held must fill out and sign the Verification on Deposit.

How do I become a conservator?

To become a conservator, you must file a petition, pay the fee, serve interested persons, and appear at a hearing. Generally anyone interested in the welfare of the ward may petition to become a conservator.

What is the difference between a conservatorship and a guardianship?

A conservator has responsibility over the ward's finances, whereas the guardian has responsibility over the ward's health care and well being.

Who pays the guardian ad litem (GAL) fees for adult conservatorship cases?

GAL fees are paid by the petitioner.