Duties of a Guardian in DC
When someone has been appointed a guardian for someone, they must know what their duties and responsibilities are. The court appoints someone a guardian for another person because the person does not have the capacity to take care of himself/herself. These responsibilities are serious and someone who doesn’t treat them as such can cause lasting damage to another person’s health. Speak with a DC guardianship lawyer to learn more about the duties that come with becoming a guardian.
Primary Duties of a Guardian in DC
A guardian is charged with the task of making decisions that are in the best interests of the ward. Certainly, the guardian may take the ward’s wishes or an incapacitated person’s wishes into account as part of their decision-making, but the guardian’s task is making the best decision that he or she can on behalf of the ward.
Essentially, the guardian is responsible for the care, custody, and living situation of the ward—subject to any of the limitations imposed by the DC court. Generally, a guardian makes sure that the ward is in a safe environment and that the living situation is appropriate for the ward’s level of need. The guardian usually ensures that he ward is fed, has necessities and receiving medical treatment. The guardian may also provide for companionship or social activity for the ward. The guardian often visits the ward on a monthly basis to check on all those matters.
Caring for a Ward
The guardian is the person who will make the primary healthcare decisions for the ward—for example, what treatment a ward should receive. They will monitor the ward’s health or may arrange for the ward to be taken to the doctors or healthcare providers when that is required. As a result, a ward’s physical well-being is under the care of the guardian. If you have more concerns about the responsibilities of a guardian, contact a DC guardianship lawyer today.
Reasons a Person Would Want to Avoid Process
The guardianship or conservatorship process is costly and requires continued court oversight. It’s a very onerous burden for a conservator, a guardian, and a ward. A guardianship lawyer can The other reason to avoid the process is that, throughout the process, the court may make decisions or may decide to appoint someone that you may not have chosen to act on your behalf while you had capacity.
If the process can be avoided, it is usually more cost effective for the ward’s assets. In addition, a medical power of attorney and durable power of attorney can be prepared to act in emergency situations. The process of appointing a guardian or conservator can often take several months, during which it would be helpful to have an experienced DC guardianship attorney by your side. In that delay, there might not be anyone available to act on the ward’s behalf.
Guiding Principles in Fulfilling DC Guardianship Duties
Generally, a guardian in DC is supposed to use the best interests of the ward when fulfilling his or her duties. A guardian must ensure that the ward is as well cared for as possible and that the ward’s daily needs are met. The guardian may take into consideration the will and values of the ward of the incapacitated person when making a decision for the ward, but the guardian will generally be tasked with making the best decision possible.