Eleven Easy Steps to Guardianship

1. Obtain packet of forms from Clerk of Court
2. Fill out Petition Form and get it notarized
3. Get medical doctor to fill out Physician's Report
4. Obtain a bond and fill out appropriate bond forms
5. Sign the Guardian's Oath and get it notarized
6. File all documents with Clerk and pay filing fees
7. Go to Judge's scheduler and ask to be put on Judge's docket
8. Have someone at least 18 years of age and not related serve the person with disabilities with all of the documents no later than 14 days before the upcoming court date.
9. Provide notice of upcoming court date to any adult siblings and non-custodial parent.
10. Appear before the Judge on the right day, at the right time, with all your papers in hand and the person with disabilities at your side and say "Thank You" when Judge grants your petition.
11. Obtain certified Letters of Office from Clerk of Court.

1. Make sure that you keep detailed records of the money/payments/assets received on behalf of the adult with disabilities, as well as the money expended on behalf of the adult with disabilities. 
2. Create a separate bank account where the adult with disabilities' money/payments are held. 
3. Be sure schedule regular medical and dental check-ups.
4. If the adult with disabilities relies on you for direct care and you are going to be out of town for a period of time, consider a stand-by guardian to handle that person's needs while you are away.
5. Pay separately for adult with disabilities' needs.  Keep those receipts as support for money expended.