Pennsylvania Guardian Handbook
Fiduciary Duty“A duty to act for someone else’s benefit, while subordinating one’s personal interests to that of the other person.” Black’s Law Dictionary, 581 (9th ed. 2009).
Final DecreeAn order of the court that represents the final decision on the question of incapacity. A Final Decree may indicate that a person is incapacitated and in need of guardianship, or that the petition for guardianship is denied.
Final ReportThe last "Report of Guardian of the Estate" or "Report of Guardian of the Person" that a guardian files due to the incapacitated person’s death, a court order ending the guardianship and/or the guardian’s appointment, transfer of guardianship, expiration of a limited duration order, or adjudication of capacity.
Financial ExploitationThe illegal or improper use of funds, property, or assets of a person under guardianship.
FlagA visual indicator, inserted by GTS, on an Inventory or annual report that alerts the court that a specific condition associated with a concern of loss or neglect scenario is present based on the data provided on the report.
GiftAny gift or donation given using the funds of a person under guardianship. All gifts and donations, regardless of monetary value, must be approved by the court.
Group HomeA home where a small number of unrelated people in need of care, support, or supervision can live together.
GuardianA fiduciary responsible for the care and management of the estate (i.e., a guardian of the estate) or the person (i.e., a guardian of the person) of an incapacitated person. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 102.
Guardian AgencyAn organization that employs professional guardians.
Guardian AlertAn electronic notification generated by the system when the guardian has been removed from a case for abuse, neglect or financial exploitation. When an alert is placed on a guardian, court staff in every county that has an active case for the guardian is notified and the guardian may be notified.