Introduction ..... 1 Guardianship Basics ..... 2 What is a Guardianship? ..... 2 Types of Guardianship ..... 2 Person, Estate, or Both ..... 2 Emergency or Long-Term ..... 3 Limited or Plenary ..... 3 Is a Guardianship Necessary? ..... 3 Supported Decision-Making ..... 3 Advance Directives ..... 4 Health Care Representative ..... 4 Supportive Relationships, Community Services, and Residential Settings ..... 4 Representative Payee ..... 5 Veterans Affairs Fiduciary ..... 5 Trusts ..... 5 ABLE Accounts ..... 5 Limited Guardianship ..... 5 How is a Guardianship Created? ..... 5 Petitioning for a New Guardianship ..... 5 Due Process Protections ..... 6 Attorneys and Their Roles ..... 6 Pre-hearing Process ..... 6 Hearing ..... 6 Final Decree ..... 7 Surety Bond ..... 7 Notification of Appointment ..... 7 Interested Parties ..... 7 Emergency Guardianship Process ..... 7