How do I get adult guardianship in Georgia for a dependent adult son?

Guatanabe asked...

I live in Decatur, Georgia. How do I get adult guardianship of my son? He has cerebral palsy and can't fend for himself.

 

Expert Answer

Barbara Repa, a Caring.com senior editor, is an attorney, a journalist specializing in aging issues, and the author of Your Rights in the Workplace (Nolo), now in its 10th edition.

First make sure you want and need what you seek. An adult guardianship or conservatorship is a fairly drastic measure, but can be set up after a judge decides that a person can't take care of individual personal care and finances.

The person or people named to act as a conservator on behalf of the incapacitated older person will then be responsible for ensuring:

    * appropriate housing
    * health and medical care
    * food and clothing
    * housekeeping and personal care
    * transportation and recreation, and
    * legal counsel in all legal matters.


If a conservator is also appointed for the person’s estate will also be responsible for:

    * managing all aspects of the person’s finances
    * protects all assets
    * applying for benefits, and
    * paying bills.

Your first stop for good information about specifics for filing and possible legal help with it would be the Decatur Probate Court, which handles such matters.

You may also get some referrals and information about possible alternatives from United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia.