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Guardianship is a legal relationship in which someone (the guardian) is authorized by the clerk of superior court to be a substitute decision maker for an incompetent adult (the ward). Incompetence is determined in a court proceeding and means an individual is unable to manage his own affairs, or is unable to make important decisions.

There are three types of guardian:

• Guardian of the person (makes decisions in most areas of the ward's life, such as where they live, what type of care they receive, medical decisions)
  
• Guardian of the Estate (has authority to manage the ward's income and property) and
  
• General Guardian (has the powers and duties of both guardian of the person, and guardian of the estate)

Anyone, including a family member, a representative of a department of social services, mental health center, health department, or anyone else who knows the person, may file a written request (a petition) with the clerk of superior court alleging that an adult should be declared incompetent and have a guardian appointed. Every clerk's office has forms that may be completed and filed for the petition. Currently the Adult Protective Service Unit may file a petition on individuals who are either indigent, or in need of protection, AND HAVE NO ONE WHO CAN OR WILL ACT IN THEIR BEHALF.

The Department of Social Services currently serves as Guardian for a number of wards, who either have no family, or none available to serve in that capacity.

Guardianship Services include:

• Case management
• Monthly assessments of ward's needs (by visiting with the ward, communicating with health providers, and other persons who are involved with the ward)
  
• Development of a service plan
  
• Quarterly assessments and yearly assessments
  
• File necessary reports with the court/estate division

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm

Appointment Procedure

Anyone having question about guardianship should call our Intake Line at 250-5814, and a Social Worker will talk with you.

How are services paid for?

No fee for this service.

Supervisor

Roxann Sizemore
Supervisor
roxann.sizemore@buncombecounty.org
(828) 250-5721

For a listing of county-wide programs & services offered by Buncombe County Government, please visit our Services For Adults section.