• ○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.