What role does the court-appointed guardian ad litem play in the guardianship process? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina adult guardianships, the court appoints an attorney as guardian ad litem (GAL) to represent the respondent (the adult alleged to be incompetent) unless the respondent hires their own lawyer. The GAL must meet the…
What legal remedies exist when a guardian is appointed based on housing discrimination? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, no one can be placed under guardianship without a filed petition, notice, and an adjudication of incompetence after a hearing (or a short, emergency interim order with strict limits). If a facility was appointed…
How do I arrange the required bond to serve as guardian for my aunt? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a bond is required before a guardian of the estate or a general guardian can receive or manage the ward’s money or property. If you live out of state, you must also appoint…
What process do I follow to restore my rights as my adult child’s guardian? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you have two possible paths. If there was no lawful incompetency adjudication, ask the Clerk of Superior Court to void and terminate the guardianship and revoke the facility’s letters. If there was a…
How do I prove in court that the state-appointed guardian isn’t acting in my best interests? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you ask the Clerk of Superior Court to modify, suspend, or remove the guardian by filing a motion or verified petition in the existing guardianship case. You must present specific, credible…
Do I need to file a motion to restore capacity when no incompetency finding was ever made? – North Carolina Short Answer Under North Carolina law, a restoration of capacity motion is used only when a court has already adjudicated the adult incompetent. If no adjudication of incompetence was ever made, there is nothing to…
Do I need to notify all heirs before filing a guardianship petition? – North Carolina Short Answer No. In North Carolina, you do not notify “all heirs” before filing. You file a verified petition with the Clerk of Superior Court. After filing, the sheriff must personally serve the respondent (your parent), and you must mail…
Can I have a trusted family member reinstated as my guardian instead of DSS? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, you (the ward) can ask the Clerk of Superior Court to remove the current guardian (including DSS) and appoint a different, suitable guardian if a change is in your best interests. The…
Can I challenge a guardian appointment if the court never adjudicated my child’s competency? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, a guardian for an adult may be appointed only after the Clerk of Superior Court first adjudicates the person incompetent based on clear, cogent, and convincing evidence. If no incompetency adjudication ever…
How do I protect my sibling from financial abuse and risk of homelessness under guardianship? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you can file a verified guardianship petition asking the Clerk of Superior Court to adjudicate your sibling incompetent and appoint a neutral professional guardian (a corporate guardian or a county agency) to…