Guardianship Program

old women is smilingThe Guardianship program provides a variety of legal, clinical, and financial services from court-ordered legal corporate guardian to persons considered by the courts to be incapable of making important life decisions without the assistance of others.

Guardianship is an agreement authorized by the court under which a person (the guardian) has the legal right and duty to care for an incapacitated person (respondent). The court may also authorize a person to manage an incapacitated person's property and financial affairs under an agreement called a conservatorship.

The FSA Guardianship Program integrates the legal guidelines regarding guardianship of an incapacitated person set forth by the Massachusetts General Laws with a quality clinical case management approach and a full complement of fiscal fiduciary services.

The Family Service Association Guardianship Program offers a variety of specialized services for those needing assistance in managing their personal, medical, financial, and legal decisions. Since its inception in 1986, this program has provided a multi-disciplinary and professional team approach, utilizing a legal / clinical / financial model to providing guardianship and conservatorship services for those determined by the court to be legally incompetent by a physician or need assistance with management of their personal and/or financial affairs. Using the least restrictive options available, our staff engages the client in decision making, if they are capable, or makes substituted judgment if they are not.

Services Include:

Legal

  • Work in conjunction with area Attorneys who are petitioning the Probate Court to have FSA appointed as a Corporate Guardian, Conservator, Trustee, etc.
  • Attending court hearings
  • Preparing and assuring timely filing of documents as required for Probate Court pertaining to Guardianship / Conservatorship matters including, but not limited to, Roger’s Monitor, Court Inventories and Accountings, Guardian Care Plan Reports, etc.
  • Sale of real estate, motor vehicles and other assets as required
  • Connecting with specialists pertaining to evictions, estate planning, asset management, etc.

Clinical

  • Approving medical consents and procedures utilizing substituted judgment
  • Authorizing or monitoring medication in conjunction with medical professionals
  • Assisting with change in placement as need to assure safety and well-being of individual with consideration of least restrictive environment
  • Coordination of in-home services for individuals living in the community
  • Working with family members and natural supports of the individual
  • Oversight and coordination for purchase of personal items
  • Setting up pre-paid burial arrangements to the extent possible

Financial

  • Marshalling of assets
  • Opening and maintaining individual bank accounts, including receipt and payment of bills
  • Assuring timely filing of paperwork pertaining to Conservatorship matters for Probate Court
  • Obtaining and / or maintaining insurance coverage as appropriate including MassHealth benefits
  • Serving as Representative Payee handling receipt and oversight of Social Security benefits
  • Preserving assets to the greatest extent possible
  • Serving as VA Fiduciary for VA benefits

If you would like to learn more about the program or make a referral, complete this referral form below and someone will reach out to you.  Or, if you prefer, call the Guardianship number below.

Guardianship – Referral Form

For more Information about Guardianship Services

Call 508-646-9335