The role of guardian can be complex and challenging, and every Pennsylvanian with a guardian deserves the highest level of care. Thank you for taking on the essential role of being a guardian for a vulnerable person. As you provide needed support for the person with a guardianship, while helping them retain the highest possible level of freedom to make decisions, this handbook will be one of many resources available to you.
Many guardians in Pennsylvania are caring for their family members and loved ones. For these guardians, there can be added challenges and complications when navigating their responsibilities as guardian. Guardians may feel conflicted in their dual roles as a loved one and a guardian. There are resources and support available to guardians in these and other challenging situations. More information can be found in Where Can I Go for Help?
This handbook is organized into several sections, starting with a general overview of guardianship with cross-references to later sections containing more detailed information for your role as guardian of the person and/or guardian of the estate. Additional topics include other guardianship situations, elder abuse and exploitation, and the online Guardianship Tracking System (GTS). There are links to forms and other resources, and a glossary is included to assist you with guardianship terminology.
This handbook is a resource only and is not intended to provide legal advice. If you have questions or concerns about the information in this handbook, please contact your local clerk of the orphans' court, an attorney, or the GTS Help Desk, depending on the nature of your concern. While policies and procedures described in this handbook are meant to serve as general guidelines, the court overseeing the guardianship may have different policies and procedures that must be followed.
Throughout this handbook there are references to Alleged Incapacitated Person (AIP) and Incapacitated Person (IP). While this language is used to be consistent with the language used in court forms and guardianship law, different terms have become more common in other settings including “person with a guardian” and “person with diminished capacity.” Regardless of the term used, the person remains a unique individual who has interests, hopes, and dreams, that do not lose value or meaning because a guardian is appointed.