Full guardianship. In cases where an individual is deemed completely incapacitated, a full adult guardianship, or plenary guardianship, transfers all decision-making authority to the guardian. This includes managing financial matters, healthcare decisions and daily living arrangements. The individual loses all rights to make personal decisions, as the guardian is fully responsible for their well-being.
Voluntary guardianship. An individual who needs assistance with handling self-care and the management of their property due to age or physical condition can ask the court to place them into a voluntary guardianship. The court will appoint a guardian to manage some or all of the property, and it may be terminated at any time by way of a court filing.
Emergency temporary guardianship. This short-term guardianship is granted in urgent situations where an individual is at immediate risk of harm or exploitation. The court appoints a temporary guardian to make critical decisions, dictated by a written order from the court, until a more permanent solution is established. This type of guardianship typically lasts only until a full hearing can be conducted.
Guardian advocacy for developmental disabilities. This is a special form of guardianship for individuals with developmental disabilities who need help with certain decisions but do not require a full guardianship. Guardian advocacy allows the individual to retain some rights while providing them with the support needed for specific areas, typically healthcare or financial matters.
Guardian advocacy for mental health treatment. The court may appoint a guardian advocate, usually a family member, upon the recommendation of a psychiatrist who believes an individual cannot competently consent to treatment. The guardian advocate must agree to the role once petitioned by the court, and their powers are limited to medical decisions until effective treatment allows the court to declare the individual competent once again.
Preneed guardianship. An individual can designate a preneed guardian in advance, planning for the possibility that they may become incapacitated in the future. This allows them to choose who will serve as their guardian if the need arises, offering peace of mind and ensuring that their preferences are respected.