Estate Planning : Guardianship Proceedings

A guardianship estate may be opened if necessary for both minor children and disabled adults. A guardian is needed for a minor child if neither parent is living or able to make decisions on behalf of the child. Disabled adults may require a guardian to make financial or other decisions on their behalf. As with probate estates, establishing a guardianship estate involves an initial court appearance to open the decedent’s estate, and may include further court appearances to advise the court of the status of the estate administration. The assets of the disabled person are administered by their guardian, with the supervision of the Probate Court.