What happens if SSI benefits were stopped because the beneficiary had too much money saved in a bank account? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, if SSI stops because the beneficiary’s bank balance went over the SSI resource limit, Social Security will usually suspend benefits starting with the first month the person was…
Do I need to get a guardianship bond in the new state even if the original state didn’t require one? – North Carolina Short Answer Often, yes. When an out-of-state guardianship is brought into North Carolina, the Clerk of Superior Court can require a bond under North Carolina’s rules—especially if the guardianship involves managing money…
What can we do if disability benefits were stopped and the agency refuses to discuss the case unless the adult child appears in person? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, when an adult child cannot communicate or manage benefits, the practical fix is usually to get legal authority so a parent (or another…
Can a non-family caregiver legally control all finances under a durable power of attorney, and what limits apply? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, an elderly person can name a non-family caregiver as the agent under a durable power of attorney (DPOA), and that agent can control finances to the extent the…
Now that I have guardianship, what are my responsibilities for managing my relative’s money and benefits? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, managing an adult ward’s money and benefits usually falls on the guardian of the estate (or a general guardian). The core responsibilities are to take control of the ward’s assets, use…
What’s the difference between a power of attorney and a guardianship, and which one do I need if my parent can’t sign documents anymore? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a power of attorney is a private document a competent parent signs to authorize someone else to act for them, usually for finances…
How do I get legal guardianship for an adult dependent who can’t communicate or care for themselves? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, legal guardianship for an adult usually requires two court steps: (1) a Clerk of Superior Court proceeding to have the adult legally found “incompetent,” and (2) a separate appointment of…
Can I be reimbursed from my parent’s funds for the care-facility payments I’ve been covering personally once I’m appointed? – North Carolina Short Answer Often, yes—if a North Carolina clerk of superior court appoints a guardian of the estate (or general guardian) and the payments were reasonable, necessary, and supported by records. Reimbursement is typically…
How do I keep managing the protected person’s finances and property while the guardianship transfer is still pending? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a guardian’s authority usually continues under the existing court order until a court enters a final order confirming the transfer and terminating the North Carolina case. During the “pending”…
Do I need to set up a special needs trust before my sibling can receive an inheritance? – North Carolina Short Answer Not always, but often a special needs trust (or a pooled trust subaccount) should be in place before the inheritance is paid out if the sibling receives means-tested benefits like Medicaid or SSI.…
