Overcoming Challenges in Guardianship Cases for Older Adults

When an older adult is no longer able to make personal, medical, or financial decisions due to dementia or another cognitive impairment, someone may need to step in to protect their well-being and manage their affairs. If the individual has executed valid powers of attorney for health care and finances, those documents typically designate trusted agents to act on their behalf.

However, when no valid power of attorney exists—or if the appointed agents are unavailable—families may be left with limited options. In such situations, guardianship proceedings may be necessary, but these cases can be complex, emotionally charged, and procedurally challenging.

When Guardianship Becomes Necessary

Guardianship (or conservatorship, in some states) is a legal arrangement in which the court appoints a guardian to make decisions for an incapacitated adult. Depending on the person’s needs, the court may grant:

• Full (plenary) guardianship – The guardian assumes broad authority over personal and financial decisions.
• Guardianship of the property – The guardian manages the person’s finances only.
• Limited guardianship – The court specifies which decisions the guardian can make, preserving as much autonomy as possible.

Unlike powers of attorney, guardianship requires court involvement. The petitioner must demonstrate that the older adult is unable to manage their affairs and that the proposed guardian is appropriate for the role. This process involves medical evaluations, court filings, and hearings—all of which can become contentious or complicated.

Common Challenges in Guardianship Cases

Each guardianship case is unique, but several issues commonly arise during the process. Anticipating and addressing these challenges can help families navigate the legal system more effectively.

Disagreements About the Need for Guardianship

One of the first obstacles families may face is disagreement about whether guardianship is necessary. Some relatives may believe the older adult is still capable of making decisions, while others may see clear signs of decline. These disputes can delay proceedings or derail them entirely.

In some cases, the individual at the center of the guardianship proceeding (the alleged incapacitated person or “AIP”) may actively contest the need for a guardian. They may assert that they still have the capacity to make their own decisions and oppose the loss of autonomy that guardianship entails. When this occurs, the matter may proceed as a contested case with the AIP represented by an independent attorney. The AIP’s objection, combined with the findings of a medical evaluation and testimony from family members or professionals, will be carefully considered in determining whether guardianship is warranted and, if so, what form it should take. These cases often require additional hearings and can significantly extend the timeline of the proceeding.

To resolve such disagreements, a recent medical evaluation by a qualified physician is often essential. The physician’s report can provide evidence of the individual’s capacity—or lack thereof—and help the court determine whether guardianship is appropriate. In cases where the adult retains some capacity, the court may consider a limited guardianship or explore less restrictive alternatives.

Difficulties Proving Incapacity

Establishing incapacity is a legal requirement for guardianship. Courts typically require medical evidence in the form of a physician’s certification or report. If the proposed ward has not seen a doctor recently or if the documentation is outdated, the court may deny the petition or order a new evaluation, delaying the case.

To avoid delays, petitioners should ensure that a current, comprehensive medical evaluation is included with the initial filing. This can strengthen the case and streamline the court process.

Disputes Over Who Should Serve as Guardian

Even when everyone agrees that a guardianship is necessary, conflicts can arise over who should be appointed. Siblings may disagree, or blended families may have competing interests. Multiple petitions can lead to contentious litigation.

Courts will ultimately decide who is most suitable to serve. In some cases, co-guardianship may be appropriate. To reduce conflict, families may turn to mediation—a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps resolve disputes and build consensus.

If family members cannot reach an agreement and the conflict is too great, the court may decide that appointing a neutral third party, such as a professional guardian or attorney, is in the best interest of the incapacitated person. While courts generally prefer to appoint a willing and qualified family member, unresolved disputes can lead to conclusion that an independent guardian would better avoid bias and ensure objective decision-making. This outcome can come as a surprise to families and underscores the importance of resolving disagreements early in the process whenever possible.

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Challenges After Appointment

Once appointed, guardians are responsible for the ongoing care and decision-making for the person under guardianship. Challenges that may arise include:

• Failure to file annual reports – Guardians are typically required to submit annual updates to the court, detailing the person’s care and financial management. Missing reports can result in penalties or removal.
• Guardian resignation or incapacity – If a guardian becomes unable to serve, a new appointment must be made. Naming a successor guardian in the initial petition can help avoid a lapse in care.
• Requests to terminate or modify the guardianship – The person under guardianship may wish to regain autonomy or request a different guardian. If medical evidence supports the change, the court may revise or end the guardianship.

Preventive Strategies

Families can minimize complications by planning ahead and taking proactive steps:

• Obtain timely and thorough medical evaluations to support the petition.
• Work with a mediator to resolve disputes before court involvement escalates.
• Nominate a successor guardian in case the initial appointee can no longer serve.
• Maintain accurate records and stay up-to-date on court reporting requirements.

Engaging an experienced elder law attorney can also be invaluable in managing the legal, procedural, and interpersonal aspects of a guardianship case.

Alternatives to Guardianship

Courts are generally required to consider whether less restrictive options exist before granting a guardianship. These may include:

• Powers of Attorney – If the individual still has capacity, they may be able to execute new documents.
• Living Trust – A revocable living trust can serve as an important incapacity planning tool. When properly drafted and funded, it allows a successor trustee to take over management of the trust assets if the grantor becomes incapacitated—without court intervention. This can prevent the need for a guardian of the property and ensure continuity in paying bills, managing investments, and providing for the grantor’s care. In both New Jersey and New York, living trusts are widely used as part of comprehensive estate and incapacity planning to avoid guardianship.
• Supported Decision-Making – An informal arrangement where the person chooses someone to assist with decision-making.
• Representative Payee – For those who need help managing Social Security benefits only, the SSA can appoint a representative payee without court involvement.

Conclusion

Guardianship may be necessary when an older adult lacks the capacity to manage personal or financial decisions and has not appointed a power of attorney. The process can be emotionally and legally complex, especially when family disagreements, insufficient medical documentation, or procedural missteps arise.

With careful planning, clear communication, and professional guidance, families can navigate the guardianship process more smoothly and ensure that their loved one receives the support they need. You may need to discuss this with an attorney licensed in your state.

Additional Reading

• What to Do If You’ve Been Appointed Guardian of an Older Adult