Dear Attorneys,
My parents asked me if I would be willing to be a plenary guardian for my younger sister, who is 19 years old. I’m only a couple years older than her and I’m not sure if I should be responsible for her. What does “plenary guardian” mean, anyway?
Sincerely,
Plenary Perplexed
Dear Plenary,
If your parents asked if you wanted to be your sister’s plenary guardian, then it is likely that your sister has some sort of disability that would render her unable to make certain decisions for herself. If that is the situation, usually an application is filed in probate court and the court can appoint a plenary guardian for someone who needs another adult to be in charge of matters involving his or her healthy or safety. Alternatively, if your sister has the ability to make some, but not all, decisions for herself, then the court could appoint a limited guardian to assist with matters of health and safety. Essentially, if you agreed to become your sister’s plenary guardian, you would be in charge of selecting programs for her (for example housing, education, medical, therapeutic, etc.). You may want to consider seeking your own attorney to guide you through the probate process for this. It is definitely a big responsibility, but your parents clearly trust that you would act in your sister’s best interest if they requested this of you.
Wolf & Shore Law Group is here to make your probate guardianship matters easier, not harder. Call us if you have any questions about how to start the process, or if you have questions even after you have started. Ever argue with a woman? Let Wolf & Shore Law Group go to work for you. Call us at 203.745.3151 or email us at info@wolfandshorelaw.com.
Very Truly Yours,
Wolf & Shore Law Group
