Contact pension plans and any other sources of income to become authorized to act on behalf of the person with a guardian. Update the mailing address and direct deposit information associated with the plans.

☐ Sort through all mail received by the person with a guardian.

Identify and set up a bill payment schedule and budget.

☐ Determine if a credit report or credit freeze is necessary.

Locate prior income tax returns or file a request to receive previous tax returns from the Internal Revenue Service.

Arrange for annual preparation and filing of any required local, state, and federal income tax returns.

Determine status of credit card accounts and, if appropriate, close the accounts. If the past due balance is in collection and funds are available to pay, negotiate a lump sum payment to close the account.

Safeguard all property and assets owned by the person with a guardian.

If the person with a guardian has a car or any other vehicle, obtain all keys and the title. Check to make sure the vehicle is inspected, insured, and registered.

If there is a safe deposit box, complete an inventory of the contents and determine whether to keep the box open or to close it.

Search the person with a guardian's residence and create an inventory of important papers such as wills, deeds, cash, jewelry, photos, and other valuables, and remove them to a safe place.

If needed, have jewelry and valuables appraised to determine the appropriate value to include on the inventory report that is required to be filed with the court and for insurance purposes.

☐ Determine who has a key to the residence and if locks need to be changed at the residence of the person with a guardian.

If the person with a guardian is no longer in his or her home and the home is vacant, make sure proper insurance coverage is maintained.

If the person with a guardian's home is to be sold:

Obtain an appraisal; and

Notify the court as prior approval is needed for the sale of the home; and

Arrange for the sale or removal of furnishings or other items.

Place money from any sale (home, vehicle, other personal items, etc.) in a guardianship or representative payee account.

Obtain court approval before using funds to pay attorney fees or a guardian's expenses.

☐ Determine and pay property taxes as needed.

File a petition with court if there is a need to invade (use funds) from principal (savings, etc.).

Determine if funeral plans have been pre-arranged. If not, initiate prepaid funeral and burial plans by establishing an irrevocable burial fund or trust agreement.

Maintain a log of transactions and interactions with financial institutions.