Guardianship and Alternatives
Guardianship is designed to protect and promote the well-being of those whose functional limitations prevent them from making their own decisions.
Guardianship is a legal relationship between a competent adult and a person over the age of 18 whose disability causes incompetency (a ward).
A ward is a person who by reason of incapacity (as a minor or incompetency) is under the control of a guardian.
Guardianship is usually sought by family members, social service agencies, or health care providers whose purpose is to protect the ward. Guardians other than family members may be appointed by the court.
Guardianship can be requested by anyone who is interested in the proposed ward`s well-being. In most instances, an attorney is retained to file a petition in the probate court in the county of residence of the ward. The proposed ward is entitled to legal representation at the hearing. The Court will appoint an attorney if the proposed ward does not have an attorney.
Guardianship Programs
These agencies offer opportunities for volunteers to serve as volunteer guardians for incompetent indigent older adults. Training and support is provided by the agency.
Cincinnati Area Senior Services
2368 Victory Parkway, Suite 300
Cincinnati, OH 45206
513-721-4330
LifeSpan
513-868-3210
888-597-2751
1900 Fairgrove Avenue (Route 4)
Hamilton, OH 45011
Alternatives to Guardianship
Representative or Protective Payee is a person who is appointed to manage Social Security, Veterans' Administration, Railroad Retirement, Welfare Assistance or other State or Federal benefits or entitlement program payments on behalf of an individual.
The Protective Payee Program's mission is to keep the most vulnerable of clients from becoming homeless and to provide them with necessities such as food and shelter. Potential clients include any developmentally-disabled person who cannot manage his or her income to meet basic needs, and who has no family. Referrals come from mental health and developmental disability agencies.
Cincinnati Area Senior Services Representative Payee
513-559-4523
FreeStore FoodBank
Customer Connection Center
112 E. Liberty Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-241-1064
Resources
ProSeniors Ohio's Guardianship System
ProSeniors Alternatives to Guardianship Fact Sheet
ProSeniors Guardianship Pamphlets
Ohio Bar Association Fact Sheets