Although the process of becoming a Guardian or Conservator can take a long time and cause frustrations among loved ones, the responsibility of being a Guardian and/or Conservator is important and, for those who do not routinely practice in this field, it can be understandably difficult for lay people to understand the responsibilities and timelines for required filings.
The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court launched a new service through the Office of Adult Guardianship and Conservatorship Oversight (OAGCO) called the Ombudsman Service Program (OSP). The OSP is intended to assist the public with questions about reporting requirements of guardians and conservators, court procedure, alternatives to guardianship, and conservatorship and procedures to restore rights. The OSP will be a wonderful tool regarding guardianships and conservatorships of adults, as it can provide additional information to those who have friends and family under guardianship or have questions about the process.
The OAGCO has also developed an online orientation program to assist those appointed as guardians and conservators, which consists of free short training modules. These training modules include information on initiating the petition for guardianship/conservatorship, how to complete guardian reports and conservators’ accounts and other important information that a guardian or conservator of an adult would need to know. This resource is excellent for those appointed as guardians and conservators of adults.
Additionally, the Court has rolled out new accounting forms for fiduciaries, which allows for more specificity on the type of account, and a new Guardian Care Plan Report Form, which allows for greater detail about the adult under guardianship.
You may reach out to the OAGCO by email at OAGCO@jud.state.ma.us or attend one of their monthly virtual Zoom sessions.
To learn more about our services for guardianship and conservatorship, click here. Our attorneys are happy to answer any questions you have regarding guardianship and conservatorship.
Attorney Meredith Havard concentrates her practice in the areas of guardianships, conservatorships, estate administration and estate planning.
This article is not legal advice and should not be taken as such or relied upon as legal advice.