How to Make an Adult a Ward of the State
Adults who are incapable of making thoughtful decisions in their lives due to mental or physical disabilities sometimes become wards of family members or friends. If you are an adult who needs to become a ward and you do not have anyone willing to become your guardian you can become a ward of the state you live in. In order to become a ward of the state you must apply for guardianship through the court system.
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Instructions
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Request reports from doctors, case workers and counselors stating the adult needs someone to manage their important decisions for them. These professionals may write letters recommending a guardian or provide proof through the medical or case files that the person needs a guardian. Gather all the information into one file folder so it is accessible.
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Collect a petition for guardianship form from the county court house in the county the adult lives in. The name of the petition may vary. Write down and document on the form the adult's name and contact information. Explain the reasons the adult needs a guardian and that there are no family or friends to fill the role.
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Return the petition for guardianship to the county courthouse and pay the filing fee. Check with the courthouse what form of payment is accepted.
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Attend the hearing regarding the state guardianship of the adult ward. Provide the documentation you collected to the judge.
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Supply the judge with any additional information if he requests it. Answer all of the judge's questions about the adult honestly. The adult in question should also attend the hearing so he can answer the judge's questions.
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Review the judge's decision. If the judge approves state guardianship he will appoint a state guardian for the adult and explain the guardian's responsibilities and authority.
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