GN 00502.300: Digest of State Guardianship Laws

changes
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~~Effective Dates: 05/15/2015 - Present~~
Effective Dates: 02/22/2018 - Present
~~TN 30 (03-04)~~
TN 49 (02-18)
GN 00502.300 Digest of State Guardianship Laws
A. Background
A. Purpose of the State digest
Based on regional chief counsel opinions, we have compiled a digest (see GN 00502.300 C.) of State guardianship laws that provide summary information on the State laws concerning the appointment of guardians and other persons who are placed in charge of the affairs of an adult who is incapable of managing his/her affairs. Rather than finding legal incompetence, many States now strive for limited guardianships when the individual retains some ability to manage his/her affairs. Each State synopsis provides the conditions under which the ruling/appointment constitutes a finding of legal incompetency. Where applicable, each synopsis also provides the conditions under which the ruling/appointment may NOT constitute a finding of legal incompetency or under which the ruling/appointment might indicate the need for a representative payee. Cautions have been footnoted.
An incompetent individual is a person who has been the subject of a judicial finding of incompetency and for whom a legal guardian has been appointed. However, the appointment of a legal guardian, by itself, does not necessarily mean the individual is legally incompetent.
~~B. Procedure~~
Based on regional chief counsel opinions, we have compiled a digest of State guardianship laws. This digest provides summary information about the appointment of guardians and other persons for individuals who are incapable of managing their personal or financial affairs. Many States now strive for limited guardianships when the individual retains some ability to manage his or her affairs.
Use the digest to determine if the court order of the appointment of a guardian means the beneficiary is legally incompetent. If, based on the State digest, the court order finds the beneficiary to be legally incompetent, develop and appoint a representative payee for the beneficiary.
Each State synopsis below provides the conditions under which the court’s order constitutes a finding of legal incompetency. Where applicable, each synopsis also provides the conditions under which the court’s order may NOT constitute a finding of legal incompetency or might indicate the need for a representative payee. See the footnotes in the digest for additional information where applicable.
If the court does NOT find the beneficiary legally incompetent in its order, use the digest to determine if the court order otherwise indicates the need for a representative payee. Also consider other evidence of capability (see GN 00502.020 - GN 00502.070).
NOTE: Legal guardians may have access to the records of the individuals they represent. A representative payee does not have the same access rights as a legal guardian, but has access only to information that is necessary to discharge the duties of a payee. For more information, see GN 03340.030 Providing Access– Incompetent Individual’s Rights.
B. How to use the State digest
Use the digest to determine if the court’s order appointing a guardian means the beneficiary is legally incompetent. If so, you must:
* Appoint a representative payee for the beneficiary.
* Enter “Yes” on the Court-Appointed Legal Guardian Details screen in the electronic Representative Payee System (eRPS) when you are asked, “Does the claimant have a court-appointed legal guardian?” For further information on this screen, see MS INTRANETERPS 009.007 Court-Appointed Legal Guardian.
* Document the details of the court order on the Court-Appointed Legal Guardian Details screen.
* Scan and retain the court order through the Non-Disability Repository for Evidentiary Documents (NDRED) using the Claims File Records Management System (CFRMS) or through the Electronic Disability Claims Folder (eDIB) using eView (for further instructions see GN 00301.322).
IMPORTANT: You may accept the original or a certified copy of the order.
If the court does NOT find the beneficiary legally incompetent, use the digest to determine if the court order otherwise indicates incapability of managing financial affairs and, therefore, the potential need for a representative payee. You should also consider other evidence of capability (see GN 00502.020 through GN 00502.070).
C. EXHIBIT –DIGEST OF STATE GUARDIANSHIP LAWS
State
~~State Rulings on Incompetency and Person Appointed~~
State Court Orders on Legal Incompetency and Type of Person Appointed
Alabama
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for incapacitated persons (lacking the capacity to make responsible decisions) or conservator for persons unable to manage property and business affairs effectively.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for incapacitated persons (lacking sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions) or conservator for persons unable to manage property and business affairs effectively.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Conservator
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a limited guardian or limited conservator requires a case-by-case analysis to determine if the incapacity or inability directly renders the claimant unable to handle benefit payments.
Ala. Code §§ 26-2A-20, 26-2A-102, 26-2A-108, 26-2A-130(c), 26-2A-148
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a limited guardian or limited conservator requires a case-by-case analysis to determine if the beneficiary is unable to handle benefit payments.
Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Limited Conservator
Ala. Code §§ 26-2A-105(c), 26-2A-148(a).
Alaska
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of guardian for an incapacitated person. (An incapacitated person lacks the ability to provide the essential requirements for the person’s health or safety). Appointment of a conservator to manage the estate and/or affairs of a protected person.
Conditions Under Which Order May Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for an incapacitated person does not necessarily constitute a finding of legal incompetence. The guardianship plan must be individually analyzed to determine if legal competency was found. However, appointment of a conservator to manage the estate and or affairs of a protected person constitutes a finding of legal incompetence.
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian, Full Guardian, Conservator
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a partial guardian who has fewer than all of the legal duties and powers of a full guardian. The court order must be reviewed carefully to determine whether it establishes legal incompetency or whether it otherwise indicates the need for a payee.
See Alaska Stat. §§ 13.26.005, 13.26.090, 13.26.113, 13.26.116, 13.26.165
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency:
Appointment of a partial guardian who has fewer than all of the legal duties and powers of a full guardian.
Term for Person Appointed: Partial Guardian
See Alaska Stat. § 13.26.113
American Samoa
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of guardian for a person mentally or physically incompetent to manage his own property.~~
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for a person mentally or physically incompetent to manage his own property.
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of guardian not made under American Samoa Code Annotated §§ 40.0401 - 40.0410.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian not made under American Samoa Code Annotated §§ 40.0401 - 40.0410.
Arizona
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of guardian for an incapacitated person. An incapacitated person is one who is impaired by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, mental disorder, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication or other cause, except minority, to the extent that he lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning his person.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for an incapacitated person. An incapacitated person is one who is impaired by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, mental disorder, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication or other cause (except minority), to the extent that he lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning his person.
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a limited guardian. The court order may specify limitations on the guardian’s powers and should be reviewed to determine whether it contains a finding of legal incompetency or otherwise indicates the need for a payee.
Term for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian
Arkansas
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of guardian due to incapacitation by reason of a disability such as mental illness, physical illness, chronic use of drugs, or chronic intoxication, to the extent of lacking sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate decisions to meet essential requirements for his health or safety or to manage his estate.
Conditions Under Which Order May Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency:
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Temporary Guardian (90 days).
Appointment of a guardian for an incapacitated person. An incapacitated person is: (1) a person impaired by reason of a disability such as mental illness, physical illness, chronic use of drugs, or chronic intoxication, to the extent of lacking sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate decisions to meet essential requirements for his health or safety or to manage his estate; (2) a person in the Department of Human Service’s custody as an endangered or impaired adult, 18 years of age or older; (3) a person under age 18 and whose disabilities have not been removed; (4) a person confined or detained by a foreign power; (5) a person who has disappeared; or (6) a person who is under age 21, has a guardianship to continue up to 21 years of age, and receives a guardianship subsidy paid for or approved by the Department of Human Services. Because the law states that “an incapacitated person for whom a guardian has been appointed is not presumed to be incompetent and retains all legal and civil rights except those which have been expressly limited by court order or have been specifically granted by order to the guardian by the court,” the court order appointing the guardian for the incapacitated person must be carefully reviewed to determine whether it contains a finding of legal incompetency or whether it otherwise indicates the need for a payee.
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of guardian or conservator due to advanced age or physical disability. The court order must be reviewed carefully to determine whether it contains a finding of legal incompetency or whether it otherwise indicates the need for a payee
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Temporary Guardian (90 days). See Ark. Code Ann. §§ 28-65-101, 28-65-104, 28-65-106, 28-65-201, 28-65-218 (2016)
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Conservator
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of conservator due to advanced age or physical disability. The court order appointing a conservator due to advanced age or physical disability must be carefully reviewed to determine whether it contains a finding of legal incompetency or whether it otherwise indicates the need for a payee.
Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator
See Ark. Code Ann. §§ 28-67-103, 28-67-105, 28-67-108 (2016)
California
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of conservator of the person or a conservator of the estate (or both) where there is a finding of incompetency. Generally, the appointment of a conservator of the person is for a person who is unable to provide properly for his or her personal needs, and the appointment of a conservator of the estate is for the person who is substantially unable to manage his or her own financial resources or resist fraud or undue influence.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a conservator of the person or a conservator of the estate (or both) where there is a finding of incompetency. Generally, the appointment of a conservator of the person is for a person who is unable to provide properly for his or her personal needs, and the appointment of a conservator of the estate is for the person who is substantially unable to manage his or her own financial resources or resist fraud or undue influence.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Conserver of the Person, Conservator of the Estate, Conservator of the Person & Estate.~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator of the Person, Conservator of the Estate, Conservator of the Person & Estate.
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a limited conservator for a developmentally disabled adult. The appointment does not preclude the limited conservatee from entering into transactions or types of transactions, except as provided by the court order appointing the limited conservator.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a limited conservator for a developmentally disabled adult. The conservatee is not presumed to be incompetent, and the court order shall define the powers and duties of the limited conservator.
Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Conservator
Colorado
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian. Guardians are appropriate only for incapacitated persons.~~
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian. Guardians are appropriate only for incapacitated persons.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Temporary Substitute Guardian
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a conservator or the entry of another protective order is not a determination of legal incompetence. However, the appointment of a conservator may be evidence of a beneficiary’s inability to manage or direct the management of financial affairs or benefits. Further development regarding the need for a representative payee is required.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a conservator or an emergency guardian or the entry of a protective order is not a determination of legal incompetence.
~~Term for Person Appointed: Conservator, Limited Conservator~~
Appointment of a limited guardian requires a case-by-case analysis to determine if the beneficiary is unable to handle benefit payments.
Term for Person Appointed: Conservator, Limited Conservator, Limited Guardian, Emergency Guardian
Connecticut
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the person is incapable of caring for himself or herself or incapable of managing or directing the management of his/her financial affairs or benefits.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court will involuntarily appoint a conservator of the estate if it finds the individual is incapable of managing his or her financial affairs or benefits. The court will involuntarily appoint a conservator of the person if it finds the individual is incapable of caring for himself or herself. The order will specify each duty and authority assigned to the conservator. The individual retains all rights and authority not expressly assigned to the conservator.
A court will appoint a plenary (full) guardian when it finds that the severity of the individual’s intellectual disability makes him or her totally unable to meet essential requirements for physical health or safety and totally unable to make informed decisions about matters related to his or her care.
Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator of the Person, Conservator of the Estate, Plenary Guardian
See Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. §§ 45a-650, 45a-676 (2016)
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator of the Person, Conservator of the Estate, Plenary Guardian, Limited Guardian~~
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Competent individuals may also request the appointment of a conservator to manage their financial affairs, but such an appointment is not a judicial finding of legal incompetency. Look at the specific findings made by the court to determine if the conservatorship is voluntary or based on legal incompetency.
A court may also appoint a limited guardian, based on a finding that the individual is able to make some, but not all, informed decisions about matters related to his or her care. Look at the order to determine the scope of the individual’s capacity to make decisions.
Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator of the Person, Conservator of the Estate, Limited Guardian
See Conn. Gen. State. Ann. §§ 45a-646, 45a-676 (2016)
Delaware
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian does not necessarily constitute a finding of legal incompetence. Guardianship appointments must be individually analyzed and court contact will be required to determine if legal incompetency was found.
Conditions Under Which Order May Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian does not necessarily constitute a finding of legal incompetence. Review the court order or contact the court, if necessary, to determine if legal incompetency was found.
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian, Guardian of the Person
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian of the property does not constitute a finding of legal incompetence, although it may indicate the need for a representative payee.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian of the property does not constitute a finding of legal incompetence, although it may indicate the need for a representative payee.
~~Term for Person Appointed: Guardian of the Property~~
Term for Person Appointed: Conservator, Guardian of the Property
District of Columbia
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian or conservator for an “incapacitated individual” does not automatically constitute a finding of legal incompetence. An individual found incapacitated shall retain all legal rights and abilities other than those expressly limited or curtailed in the order of appointment of a guardian or in a protective order. The court order should be analyzed and/or court contact made to determine competency.
Conditions Under Which Order May Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian or conservator for an “incapacitated individual” does not automatically constitute a finding of legal incompetence. An individual found to be incapacitated shall retain all legal rights and abilities other than those expressly limited or curtailed in the order of appointment of a guardian or in a protective order. Review the court order or contact the court, if necessary, to determine if legal incompetency was found.
~~Term for Person Appointed: Guardian, Limited Guardian, Conservator, Limited Conservator~~
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian, General Guardian, Limited Guardian, Conservator, Limited Conservator
Florida
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Order appointing a plenary guardian of an incapacitated person (one who lacks the capacity to manage property or meet essential health and safety requirements). Order appointing limited guardian of incapacitated person (when the lack of capacity affects the ability to manage benefits).
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Order appointing a plenary guardian of an incapacitated person (one who lacks the capacity to manage property or meet essential health and safety requirements).
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian, Plenary Guardian, Public Guardian
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian, Plenary Guardian, Limited Guardian Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute Legal Incompetency: Order appointing a limited guardian over an incapacitated person for whom the court order does not specifically delegate rights affecting the ward’s ability to manage finances and property.
Fla. Stat. Ann. §§ 393.12, 744.102, 744.2006(2), 744.2007, 744.3215, 744.331, 744.361.
~~Term for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Conservator, Guardian of the Property~~
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute Legal Incompetency: Order appointing a limited guardian of an incapacitated person or a guardian advocate of a developmentally disabled person for whom the court order does not specifically delegate rights affecting the ward’s ability to manage finances and property. The order will specify each right the incapacitated person is incapable of exercising and should be reviewed to determine if the court found a lack of capacity affecting the ability to manage benefits.
Term for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Limited Public Guardian, Conservator, Guardian of the Property, Guardian Advocate
Fla. Stat. Ann. §§ 744.102, 744.2005(2), 744.3085, 744.331, 744.361.
Georgia
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for an adult incapacitated by reason of mental illness, mental retardation, mental disability, physical illness or physical disability, chronic use of drugs or alcohol, or other cause. Such adult lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make significant responsible decisions concerning his or her person or is incapable of communicating them. Appointment of a guardian for an adult incapable of managing his or her estate.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian or conservator (or one of each) for an adult lacking sufficient capacity to make or communicate significant responsible decisions concerning health or safety. Appointment of a conservator for an adult lacking sufficient capacity to make or communicate significant responsible decisions concerning the management of property. Order(s) should be reviewed to determine whether the lack of capacity and delegated rights affect the incapacitated adult’s ability to manage benefits.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Conservator, Emergency Conservator, Emergency Guardian, Judge of the Probate Court (for amounts less than $15,000.00), County Guardian, Public Guardian, DVA Guardian
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian over the Person and/or Guardian over the Property.
Ga. Code Ann. §§ 29-1-1, 29-4-1, 29-5-1, 29-6-1, 29-7-4, 29-10-1.
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian over the property based upon detention by a foreign power or disappearance.~~
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian or conservator where an incapacitated adult may retain the ability to manage benefits.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian over the Property~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Conservator, Judge of the Probate Court (for amounts less than $15,000.00), County Guardian, Public Guardian, DVA Guardian
Ga. Code Ann. §§ 29-1-1, 29-4-1, 29-5-1.
Guam
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for an insane or incompetent individual. An incompetent person is any person who by reason of old age, disease, weakness of mind or other cause, is unable, unassisted, to properly manage and take care of himself or his property.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for an insane or incompetent individual. An incompetent person is anyone who by reason of old age, disease, weakness of mind or other cause, is unable, unassisted, to properly manage and take care of himself or his property.
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian, General Guardian, Special Guardian
Hawaii
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for an incapacitated person. An incapacitated person is one who is impaired by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, advanced age, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication, or other cause (except minority) to the extent that the person lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning one’s person.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian or conservator for an incapacitated person. “Incapacitated person” means an individual who, for reasons other than being a minor, is unable to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions to such an extent that the individual lacks the ability to meet essential requirements for physical health, safety, or self-care, even with appropriate and reasonably available technological assistance.
~~Term for Person Appointed: Guardian of the Person~~
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian of the Person, Conservator of the Estate
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian which specifies areas in which the ward shall retain the power to make and carry out decisions concerning himself or herself.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian, which specifies areas in which the ward shall retain the power to make and carry out decisions concerning himself or herself.
Idaho
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for an incapacitated person. Incapacitated person is one who is impaired, except by minority, to the extent that he lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning his person. The term shall not refer to a developmentally disabled person. Appointment of a conservator for a protected person who is unable to manage his or he property and affairs effectively.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a general guardian or guardian with full powers for an incapacitated person. Incapacitated person is one who is impaired, except by minority, to the extent that he lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning his person. The term shall not refer to a developmentally disabled person, as there is a separate process for handling guardianships for persons with developmental disabilities. For an incapacitated person who is unable to manage his or her property and affairs effectively, appointment of a conservator constitutes a finding of legal incompetency. For a developmentally disabled person,1 appointment of a total guardian or total conservator constitutes a finding of legal incompetency.
~~Term for Person Appointed: Guardian, Conservator~~
Term for Person Appointed:
(for incapacitated persons):Guardian with full powers, General Guardian, Conservator, Limited Conservator
See Idaho Admin. Code §§ 15-5-101, 15-5-303, 15-5-304, 15-1-201, 15-13-102, 15-5-420, 15-5-426
(for developmentally disabled person):
Total Guardian, Total Conservator
See Idaho Admin. Code §§ 66-402, 66-404, 66-405
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency:
For an incapacitated person, appointment of a limited guardian who has fewer than all of the legal duties and powers of a general guardian. For a developmentally disabled person, appointment of a partial guardian who may have fewer than all of the legal duties and powers of a total guardian.
Term for Person Appointed:
(for incapacitated persons): Limited Guardian
See Idaho Admin. Code § 15-5-303
(for developmentally disabled persons): Partial Guardian
See Idaho Admin. Code § 66-404
Illinois
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Indicate a Need for a Payee: Appointment of a plenary guardian for a disabled person. All other guardianship appointments are ordered only to the extent necessitated by the individual’s actual mental, physical and adaptive limitations, and must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.
Conditions Under Which Order May Indicate a Need for a Payee: Appointment of a plenary guardian for a disabled person. All other guardianship appointments are ordered only to the extent necessitated by the individual’s actual mental, physical and adaptive limitations, and must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.
Terms for Person Appointed: Plenary Guardian
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a limited or temporary guardian. The limited guardianship removes from the disabled person only that authority which the court specifically gives to the limited guardian through a written order. Court contact may be necessary to determine if legal incompetency has been found.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute Legal Incompetency: (1) Appointment of a temporary guardian. Court contact may be necessary to determine if legal incompetency was found. (2) Appointment of a limited guardian. The appointment of a limited guardian does not constitute a finding of legal incompetence. The limited guardianship removes from the disabled person only that authority which the court specifically gives to the limited guardian through a written order.
Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Temporary Guardian
Indiana
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Court ruling or appointment finding the person legally incapacitated. An incapacitated person is an individual who (1) cannot be located upon reasonable inquiry; (2) has a developmental disability; or (3) because an incapacity (such as insanity, mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness, infirmity, habitual drunkenness, excessive use of drugs, incarceration, confinement, detention, duress, fraud, undue influence of others) is unable to provide self-care and/or manage his/her property, in whole or in part.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Court order finding the person to be an “incapacitated person” whose welfare the court finds would not be best served by limiting the scope of the guardianship. An “incapacitated person” is an individual who: (1) cannot be located upon reasonable inquiry; (2) has a developmental disability; or (3) because of an incapacity such as insanity, mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness, infirmity, habitual drunkenness, excessive use of drugs, incarceration, confinement, detention, duress, fraud, or undue influence of others, is unable to provide self-care and/or manage his or her property, in whole or in part.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Limited Guardian, Temporary Guardian, Successor Guardian, Conservator~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Temporary Guardian, Successor Guardian, Limited Guardian, Conservator
Iowa
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment of a guardian includes a finding that the individual is incompetent or is of unsound mind. A court appointment is made for a person whose decision-making capacity is so impaired he is unable to provide for personal safety or necessities or is unable to make, communicate or carry out important decisions concerning his personal affairs.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: There is no automatic presumption of complete incompetency or determination of unsound mind. The court order appointing a guardian includes a finding that the individual is incompetent or is of unsound mind, based upon a petition alleging that the individual is a minor or is a person whose decision-making capacity is so impaired that he or she is unable to care for personal safety or to attend to or provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care, without which physical injury or illness might occur.
The court will appoint the least restrictive guardianship possible, and is required to evaluate the subject’s functional limitations. Therefore, all orders of guardianship must be read thoroughly and further guidance should be requested if the order is unclear.
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: An appointment of a guardian or conservator that does not include a finding of incompetency must be individually analyzed and court contact will be required to determine if legal incompetency was found.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: An order appointing a guardian or conservator that does not include a finding of incompetency must be reviewed and court contact made, if necessary, to determine if legal incompetency was found.
Term for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Temporary Guardian, Standby Guardian, Conservator, Limited Conservator, Temporary Conservator, Standby Conservator
Kansas
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Court ruling or appointment finds the person to be incompetent or an adult with impairment in need of a guardian or a conservator. An adult with such an impairment is one whose ability to receive and evaluate relevant information, or to effectively communicate decisions, or both, even with the use of assistive technologies or other supports, is impaired such that the person lacks the capacity to manage such person’s estate, or to meet essential needs for physical health, safety or welfare, and who is in need of a guardian or a conservator, or both.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order finds that the individual is an adult or minor with an impairment in need of a guardian or a conservator, or both. Under those circumstances, the individual’s ability to receive and evaluate relevant information, or to effectively communicate decisions, or both, even with the use of assistive technologies or other supports, is impaired such that the person lacks the capacity to manage such person's estate, or to meet essential needs for physical health, safety or welfare, and who is in need of a guardian or a conservator, or both.
Terms Related to Person Responsible for Guardianship: Guardian, Conservator Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Court appoints a temporary guardian or temporary conservator. Analyze each case individually and contact the court if you need more information to determine the need for a representative payee.
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian, Conservator
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency:
~~Terms Related to Person Responsible for Guardianship:~~
The court order restricts the duties, powers, and responsibilities of the guardian and/or conservator. For instance, if the court appoints a temporary or limited guardian or conservator. Review the court order and contact the court, if necessary, to determine if legal incompetency was found.
~~Limited Guardian, Limited Conservator, Temporary Guardian, Temporary Conservator, Standby Guardian, Ancillary Conservator, Standby Conservator~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Limited Conservator, Temporary Guardian, Temporary Conservator, Standby Guardian, Ancillary Conservator, Standby Conservator
Kentucky
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Court ruling or appointment finds the individual totally disabled to manage financial affairs and/or totally disabled to manage personal affairs.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Court order finds the individual totally disabled to manage financial affairs or totally disabled to manage personal affairs (if the court order does not appoint a guardian or conservator, however, the disability finding has no legal effect). Court orders grants curatorship (not of/for a convict) for a person who has deemed himself or herself unfit to manage his or her person or property by reason of advanced age or physical disability.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Conservator, Curator (not Curator of/for convict), Testamentary Guardian, Testamentary Conservator, Standby Guardian, Standby Conservator
Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 387.510, 387.590, 387.660, 387.690, 387.700, 387.750
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Conservator, Curator (not Curator of/for convict)~~
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute Incompetency: Court order finds individual partially disabled. Review the court order and contact the court, if necessary, to determine if legal incompetence was found.
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute Incompetency: Court ruling or appointment finds individual partially disabled. A case-by-case analysis and court contact will be required to determine if legal incompetence was found or if the ruling/appointment otherwise indicates the need for a payee.
Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Limited Conservator, Testamentary Limited Guardian, Testamentary Limited Conservator, Standby Limited Guardian, Standby Limited Conservator
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Partial Guardian, Partial Conservator, Limited Guardian, Limited Conservator~~
Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 387.510(2), (4), 387.590, 387.690, 387.750
Louisiana
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Court ruling or appointment finds, due to an infirmity, a person is unable consistently to make reasoned decisions regarding the care of his person and property, or to communicate those decisions, and whose interests cannot be protected by less restrictive means. Such a person is adjudged a full interdict.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a curator for a full interdict. A court orders the full interdiction of a person where the court order finds, due to an infirmity, that a person of the age of majority or an emancipated minor is unable consistently to make reasoned decisions regarding the care of his person and property, or to communicate those decisions, and whose interests cannot be protected by less restrictive means.
Term for Person Appointed: Curator
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Court ruling or appointment adjudges the person to be a limited interdict.~~
See La. Civ. Code Ann. arts. 389, 392, 395; La. Code Civ. Proc. Ann. arts. 4551, 4561 (2016)
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a curator or limited curator for a person the court has found to be a limited interdict. The court appointing a curator or limited curator for a limited interdict order must be carefully reviewed to determine whether it contains a finding of legal incompetency or whether it otherwise indicates the need for a payee.
Terms for Person Appointed: Curator, Limited Curator
See La. Civ. Code Ann. arts. 390, 392, 395; La.Code Civ. Proc.Ann.arts. 4551, 4551, 4561 (2016)
Maine
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Court ruling or appointment finds the person legally incapacitated. An incapacitated person is any person who is impaired by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, chronic drug use, chronic intoxication or other cause except minority to the extent he lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions regarding his person.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order finds that the appointment of a guardian is necessary or desirable as a means of providing continuing care and supervision of a legally incapacitated person. An incapacitated person is any person who is impaired by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, chronic drug use, chronic intoxication or other cause (except minority) to the extent he or she lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions regarding his or her person.
A court may also appoint a conservator based on its finding that the individual is unable to manage his or her property and affairs effectively for reasons such as mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication, confinement, detention by a foreign power, or disappearance.
Terms for Persons Appointed: Guardian, Fiduciary
Terms for Persons Appointed: Guardian, Conservator
See Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 18-A, §§ 5-304, 5-401 (2009)
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A protective order may or may not indicate that the protected person lacks the ability to effectively manage or apply his estate to necessary ends. Legal competency must be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: When the order appointing a guardian or conservator is limited in scope, it may or may not indicate that the protected person lacks the ability to make responsible decisions about his or her care or manage his or her property and affairs effectively. Legal competency (or capacity) must be determined on a case-by-case basis.
~~Terms for Persons Appointed: Conservator~~
Terms for Persons Appointed: Limited Guardian, Limited Conservator
See Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 18-A, §§ 5-304(a), 5-408 (2009)
Maryland
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian of the person. Such an appointment is based on a finding that a person lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning his person, including provisions for health care, food, clothing, or shelter, because of any mental disability, disease, habitual drunkenness, or addiction to drugs, and that no less restrictive form of intervention is available which is consistent with the person’s welfare and safety.
Conditions Under Which Order May Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian of the person is not evidence of incompetency of the disabled person (MD C s13-706). Guardianship appointments must be individually analyzed and court contact will be required to determine if legal incompetency was found.
An appointment of a guardian of person is based on a finding that a person lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning his person, including provisions for health care, food, clothing, or shelter, because of any mental disability, disease, habitual drunkenness, or addiction to drugs, and that no less restrictive form of intervention is available which is consistent with the person’s welfare and safety. MD code s13-705
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian of the person~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian of the Person
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court appointment of a guardian of an individual's property has no bearing the issue of capacity of the alleged disabled person to care for his own person.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a guardian of an individual's property has no bearing on the issue of capacity of the alleged disabled person to care for his own person. Analyze each case individually and contact the court if you need more information to determine the need for a representative payee.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian of the property~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian of the Property
Massachusetts
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the person legally incompetent and appoints a guardian. An incompetent person is defined as a mentally ill person; mentally retarded person; a person unable to make or communicate informed decisions due to physical incapacity or illness; a person who by reason of mental weakness, mental retardation or physical incapacity is unable to properly care for their property.
Conditions Under Which Order May Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency:
A court may appoint a plenary (full) guardian for an incapacitated person, who is defined as having a clinically diagnosed condition that results in an inability to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions to such an extent that the individual lacks the ability to meet essential requirements for physical health, safety, or self-care, even with appropriate technological assistance. A guardian protects the person only, not the person’s property. A full/plenary guardianship generally removes from an incapacitated person all personal decision-making responsibility and authority.
A court may also appoint an unlimited conservator for a person to be protected, based in part on the individual’s inability to manage property and business affairs effectively because of a clinically diagnosed impairment in the ability to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions, even with the use of appropriate technological assistance. A conservator protects the person’s property and business affairs. A full/plenary conservatorship generally removes from a person to be protected all control over his or her assets.
Terms for Persons Appointed: Guardian, Conservator
See Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 190B, §§ 5-306, 5-401 (2009)
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a limited guardian or conservator requires a case-by-case analysis to determine if the beneficiary is unable to handle benefit payments. The concept of limited guardianship or conservator allows the Court to address specific areas of incapacity and tailor guardianship decrees (letters) to meet an individual’s unique circumstances. Individuals may be competent for one purpose and not competent for another. For example, if appropriate, a guardianship may be limited or apply only to
medical treatment decisions.
Terms for Persons Appointed: Limited Guardian, Limited Conservator, Temporary Guardian, Temporary Conservator
See Mass. Gen. Laws. Ann. ch. 190B, §§ 5-306, 5-401, 5-412A (2009)
Michigan
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court appointment of a plenary guardian for a developmentally disabled individual, a full guardian for a legally incapacitated individual, or a conservator for a protected individual.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court appointment of a plenary guardian for a developmentally disabled individual, a full guardian for a legally incapacitated individual, or a conservator for a protected individual.
Terms for Person Appointed: Plenary Guardian, Full Guardian, Temporary Guardian of an Incapacitated Person, Conservator for a Protected Person.
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court appointment of a partial guardian for a developmentally disabled individual, a limited guardian for an individual who lacks some capacity, a conservator for an individual who has requested one because of age or physical infirmity, or a limited conservator with limited responsibilities. An order of commitment or a judicial order or other determination that a person requires treatment or hospitalization does not constitute a finding of incompetency.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: (1) A court appointment of a partial guardian for a developmentally disabled individual, a limited guardian for an individual who lacks some capacity, a conservator for an individual who has requested one because of age or physical infirmity, or a limited conservator with limited responsibilities. (2) An order of commitment, a judicial order, or other determination that a person requires treatment or hospitalization does not constitute a finding of incompetency.
Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Partial Guardian, Limited Conservator, Temporary Guardian, Testamentary Guardian, Conservator
Minnesota
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court appointment of a guardian for a person ruled to be incapacitated. An incapacitated person is a person who, for reasons other than being a minor, (1) lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible personal decisions; and (2) has demonstrated deficits in behavior which evidence an inability to meet personal needs for medical care, nutrition, clothing, shelter, or safety.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a guardian for a person ruled to be incapacitated. An incapacitated person is a person who, for reasons other than being a minor, (1) lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible personal decisions; and (2) has demonstrated deficits in behavior, which evidence an inability to meet personal needs for medical care, nutrition, clothing, shelter, or safety.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Temporary Substitute Guardian~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Temporary Substitute Guardian, Unlimited Guardian
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court appointment of a conservator for a protected person. Unlike the court appointment of a guardian, the appointment of a conservator does not require a judicial finding that the person is incapacitated.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a conservator for a protected person. Unlike the court appointment of a guardian, the appointment of a conservator does not require a judicial finding that the person is incapacitated.
~~The appointment of a guardian by a parent’s or spouse’s will is not a determination of incapacity; however, the guardian must go to the court to confirm the appointment.~~
The appointment of a guardian by a parent or spouse’s will is not a determination of incapacity; however, the guardian must go to the court to confirm the appointment.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Limited Guardian, Conservator, Limited Conservator, Emergency Guardian
Mississippi
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment of a guardian or conservator over the person.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a guardian for an adult person.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Clerk of the Chancery Court
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Guardian of the Person, Conservator of the Person~~
Miss. Code Ann. §§ 93-13-15, 93-13-21, 93-13-121, 93-13-125, 93-13-129
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court appointment of a conservator for reasons of advanced age, physical incapacity or mental weakness.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court appointment of a conservator for reasons of advanced age, physical incapacity, or mental weakness. Review the court order for a finding regarding incompetency. Contact the court if you need more information to determine the need for a representative payee.
Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator
Miss. Code Ann. §§ 93-13-251, 93-13-255, 93-13-259
Missouri
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the person is legally incapacitated and appoints a guardian or conservator.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency:
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian conservator~~
Letters of guardianship may be issued when the court finds a person is incapacitated. Incapacitated is defined as being unable, due to a physical or mental condition, to receive and evaluate information or to communicate decisions to such an extent that the individual lacks capacity to meet essential requirements for food, clothing, shelter, safety or other care such that serious physical injury, illness, or disease is likely to occur.
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: The court finds a person partially incapacitated, disabled, or partially disabled, or the court appoints a limited guardian, or limited conservator. Analyze each case individually and contact the court if you need more information to determine legal competency.
Letters of conservatorship may be issued when the court finds a person is disabled. Disabled is defined as being unable, due to a physical or mental condition, to receive and evaluate information or to communicate decisions to such an extent that the person lacks ability to manage his financial resources.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Limited Conservator.~~
A person who has been adjudicated incapacitated or disabled or both shall be presumed to be incompetent. A person who has been adjudicated partially incapacitated or partially disabled or both shall be presumed to be competent
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Conservator
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: When the court finds a person partially incapacitated or partially disabled or both, that individual is presumed to be competent. The court may appoint a limited guardian or limited conservator. Review the letters of appointment or court order carefully and request additional information from the court, if necessary.
Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Limited Conservator
Montana
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: None.~~
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: None.
~~An incapacitated person for whom a guardian has been appointment is not presumed to be incompetent. Please contact the court for additional information in determining in capability.~~
An incapacitated person for whom a guardian has been appointed is not presumed to be incompetent and retains all legal and civil rights except those that have been expressly limited by court order or have been specifically granted to the guardian by the court. Therefore, it is always necessary to examine the order of appointment to determine if the beneficiary is unable to handle benefit payments.
Terms for Person Appointed: Full Guardian, Limited Guardian
Nebraska
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment appoints or qualifies a person as guardian of an incapacitated person. An incapacitated person is any person who is impaired by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication, or other cause (except minority) to the extent that the person lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning himself or herself.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: The court order appoints a guardian for an incapacitated person. An incapacitated person means any person who is impaired by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication, or other cause (except minority) to the extent that the person lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning himself or herself. However, when finding that a guardianship should be created, the guardianship will be limited unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that a full guardianship is necessary.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appoints a limited guardian or limited conservator, whose duties shall be specified in the letters of appointment of the Guardian or Conservator or appoints a guardian or conservator for specified areas.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a limited, temporary, or standby guardian or conservator, whose duties are specified in the letters of appointment of the guardian or conservator, or appointing a guardian or conservator for a specific time or purpose.
Analyze each case individually and contact the court if you need more information to determine legal competency.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Conservator, Limited Conservator, Temporary Conservator~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Temporary Guardian, Conservator, Standby Guardian Limited Conservator, Temporary Conservator, Standby Conservator
Nevada
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the beneficiary incompetent. An incompetent person includes any person who, by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, advanced age, disease, weakness of mind or any other cause, is unable, without assistance, properly to manage and take care of himself or his property
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order finds the beneficiary incompetent. An incompetent person includes any person who, by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, advanced age, disease, weakness of mind or any other cause, is unable, without assistance, to properly manage and take care of himself or his property
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Guardian of the Person, Guardian of the Estate, or Guardian of the Person and Estate, General Guardian, Guardian ad Litem
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: The court will appoint a special guardian if it finds that the person for whom a guardian is sought is of limited capacity and in need of a special guardian. The court will not appoint a guardian for a person whom the court finds competent and not in need of a guardian.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: The court will appoint a special guardian if it finds that the person for whom a guardian is sought is of limited capacity and in need of a special guardian. The special guardian has the powers set forth in the court’s order. The court will not appoint a guardian for a person whom the court finds competent and not in need of a guardian.
Terms for Person Appointed: Special Guardian
New Hampshire
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment that finds the person legally incapacitated and appoints a guardian.~~
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a guardian is also a finding that the person is legally incapacitated (i.e., the person lacks the capacity to care for him or herself or his or her estate).
~~Terms for Persons Appointed: Guardian of the Person, Guardian of the Person and Estate.~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian of the Person, Guardian of the Estate
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: An appointment of a conservator.~~
See N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 464-A
~~Terms for Persons Appointed: Conservator~~
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a conservator. Such appointments are voluntarily requested by individuals who believe they are unfit to manage their property or financial affairs. They do not reflect a court finding of legal incompetency.
Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator, Temporary Guardian, Guardian Ad Litem (does not have same powers as Guardian)
See N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 464-A
New Jersey
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the person incapacitated and appoints a guardian. An incapacitated person is a person who is impaired by reason of mental illness or mental deficiency to the extent that he or she lacks sufficient capacity to govern himself or herself and manage his or her affairs.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order finds the person incapacitated and appoints a general guardian. An incapacitated individual is a person who is impaired by reason of mental or physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs, chronic alcoholism, or other cause (except minority) to the extent that the individual lacks sufficient capacity to govern himself or herself and manage his or her affairs.
Terms for Person Appointed: General Guardian, Plenary Guardian, Testamentary Guardian
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Testamentary Guardian, Guardian for Person, Guardian for Estate, Guardian for Person and Estate.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order finds the person lacks capacity to do some, but not all, of the tasks necessary for self-care. A court order appointing a conservator or guardian ad litem.
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: The appointment of a guardian ad litem is not any indication of incompetence or incapacity.
Review the court order to see whether it indicates an incapability of managing financial affairs. Contact the court if you need more information to determine the need for a representative payee.
Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Limited Guardian of the Person, Limited Guardian of the Estate, Limited Guardian of the Person and Estate, Conservator, Pendente Lite Temporary Guardian, Special Guardian.
New Mexico
New Mexico recognizes limited conservatorship for specified purposes, tailored to the individual case when the incapacitated person can manage some but not all aspects of their financial affairs.
Conditions Under Which Order May Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian or conservator for an incapacitated person. An incapacitated person means any person who demonstrates partial or complete functional impairment by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication, or other cause, except minority, to the extent that the person is unable to manage his or her personal affairs or unable to manage his or her estate or financial affairs or both.
The law provides that an incapacitated person for whom a guardian or conservator has been appointed retains all legal and civil rights except those which have been expressly limited by court order or have been specifically granted to the guardian or conservator by the court. The law also provides that a court may find a person totally incapacitated or incapacitated only in specific areas. Thus, the court order appointing the guardian or conservator for the incapacitated person must be carefully reviewed to determine whether it contains a finding of legal incompetency or whether it otherwise indicates the need for a payee.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Limited Guardian, Conservator, Limited Conservator
See N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 45-5-101, 45-5-301.1, 45-5-304, 45-5-311,45-5-312, 45-5-401,45-5-407(2016)
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment of a guardian based on a finding that the person has partial or complete functional impairment by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication, or other cause, except minority, to the extent that the person is unable to manage his or her personal affairs or unable to manage his or her estate or financial affairs or both.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a conservator where a person has property that may be wasted or dissipated, funds are needed for his support or that of his dependents, protection is necessary to obtain or provide funds, AND the person is unable to manage his estate and financial affairs effectively for reasons such as confinement, detention, by a foreign power, or disappearance. The court appointing a conservator might not make a finding as to whether the person is also incapacitated.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Limited Guardian~~
Appointment of a limited conservator if it determines that the incapacitated person is able to manage some but not all aspects of his estate and financial affairs.
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court appointment of a conservator where a person has property that may be wasted or dissipated, funds are needed for his support or that of his dependents, AND for reasons such as confinement, detention by a foreign power, or disappearance, he is incapacitated or unable to manage his estate and financial affairs effectively.
The court order appointing a conservator or limited conservator must be carefully reviewed to determine whether it contains a finding of legal incompetency or whether it otherwise indicates the need for a payee.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator, Temporary Conservator~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator, Temporary Conservator , Limited Conservator,
See N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 45-5-101, 45-5-401, 45-5-407 (2016)
New York
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Court order appointing a guardian refers to the individual as a “person with incapacities.”~~
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Court order appointing a committee or finding a person to be incompetent. However, this type of order will be rare.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Committee
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: The appointment of a guardian (on or after April 1, 1993) or conservator does not indicate a person is legally incompetent. Examine the court documents for a determination of legal competency and contact the court if you need more information to determine the need for a representative payee.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: The appointment of a guardian (on or after April 1, 1993) or conservator does not indicate a person is legally incompetent. Review the court order to see whether it indicates an incapability of managing financial affairs. Contact the court if you need more information to determine the need for a representative payee.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Conservator, Guardian ad Litem
North Carolina
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment of a guardian finding the adult incompetent. An incompetent adult is an adult or emancipated minor who lacks sufficient capacity to manage his or her own affairs or to make or communicate important decisions concerning such person, family, or property, due to mental illness, mental retardation, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, inebriety, senility, disease, injury, or similar cause or condition.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a guardian and finding the adult incompetent. An incompetent adult is an adult or emancipated minor who lacks sufficient capacity to manage his or her own affairs or make or communicate important decisions concerning such person, family, or property, due to mental illness, mental retardation, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, inebriety, senility, disease, injury, or similar cause or condition.
Terms for Person Appointed: General Guardian, Guardian of the Estate, Public Guardian, Guardian (for veterans),Ancillary Guardian, Successor Guardian
Terms for Person Appointed: General Guardian, Guardian of the Person, Public Guardian, Ancillary Guardian
N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. §§ 35A-1101, 35A-1112, 35A-1120, 35A-1202, 35A-1280, 35A-1293; cf. N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. §§ 34-2, 34-5 (related to the Veterans’ Guardianship Act).
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetence are: A court ruling or appointment where there are express terms of limitation on the guardian’s powers or duties. An appointment for a temporary period prior to adjudication of incompetence.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetence: A court order where there are express terms of limitation on the guardian’s powers or duties. An appointment for a temporary period prior to adjudication of incompetence.
~~Term for Person Appointed: Guardian, Guardian of the Person, Guardian of the Estate, Interim Guardian~~
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian, Guardian of the Person, Guardian of the Estate, Interim Guardian, Limited Guardian, Standby Guardian, Alternate Standby Guardian, Guardian ad litem
N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. §§ 35A-1101, 35A-1114, 35A-1202, 35A-1212(a), 35A-1241, 35A-1370, 35A-1372-1374.
North Dakota
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment indicates that a person is mentally incompetent.~~
Conditions Under Which Order May Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for an incapacitated person.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Full Guardian, Limited Guardian.~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Full Guardian
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a conservator~~
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a conservator or a limited guardian.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator~~
Appointment of a limited guardian requires a case-by-case analysis to determine if the beneficiary is unable to handle benefit payments.
Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator, Limited Guardian
Ohio
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment of a guardian constitutes an adjudication of incompetency. An incompetent is a person who, because of mental or physical illness or disability, mental retardation, or chronic substance abuse, is so mentally impaired that he is incapable of taking proper care of self or property or fails to provide for his/her family or others for whom he/she is charged by law to provide.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a guardian constitutes an adjudication of incompetency. An incompetent is a person who, because of mental or physical illness or disability, intellectual disability, or chronic substance abuse, is so mentally impaired that he or she is incapable of taking proper care of self or property or fails to provide for his or her family or others for whom he or she is charged by law to provide.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Interim Guardian, Emergency Guardian, Guardian of Estate or Person or both, Limited Guardian
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: An appointment of a conservator does not constitute a finding of incompetency. A competent adult may petition the court to place his or her person and/or any or all real or personal property under a conservatorship for a definite or indefinite period of time.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: An appointment of a conservator does not constitute a finding of incompetency. A competent adult may petition the court to place his or her person and any or all real or personal property under a conservatorship for a definite or indefinite period of time.
Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator
Oklahoma
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the person is legally incapacitated. An incapacitated individual is 18 or older and is incapacitated due to mental illness, mental retardation or developmental disability, physical illness or disability, drug or alcohol dependency, or a similar cause AND the individual lacks capacity to meet essential requirements for health and safety, or is unable to manage finances.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for an incapacitated person. An incapacitated person is 18 or older and is impaired due to mental illness, mental retardation or developmental disability, physical illness or disability, drug or alcohol dependency, or a similar cause AND the individual lacks capacity to meet essential requirements for health and safety, or is unable to manage finances. The law states that the term “incapacitated person” is the same as “incompetent person” (but does not include a “partially incapacitated person”).
~~Term for Person Appointed: Guardian~~
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian, General Guardian, Special Guardian
See Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 30, §§ 1-108,1-109,1-110, 1-111, 1-119, 3-111, 3-112, 3-115 (2016)
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for a partially incapacitated person. A partially incapacitated person means an incapacitated person who is impaired only to extent that without the assistance of a limited guardian the person is unable to meet essential requirements for physical health or safety, or to manage finances or to engage in all of the activities necessary for the effective management of his financial resources. The law states that “[a] finding than an individual is a partially incapacitated person shall not constitute a finding of legal incompetence” and that the person shall retain all legal rights and abilities other than those expressly limited in the court’s order.
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the person to be partially incapacitated and impaired only to extent that person is unable to meet essential requirements for physical health or safety, or to manage finances or the person is incapacitated due to physical disability.
Appointment of a conservator due to a person’s physical disability alone.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator, Guardian, Limited Guardian, Special Guardian~~
The court order appointing a guardian for a partially incapacitated person or appointing a conservator due to a person’s physical disability must be carefully reviewed to determine whether it contains a finding of legal incompetency or whether it otherwise indicates the need for a payee.
Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator, Guardian, General Guardian, Limited Guardian, Special Guardian
See Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 30, §§ 1-108,1-109,1-110,1-111,1-119, 1-120, 3-111, 3-112, 3-113, 3-114, 3-115, 3-211, 3-212, 3-215 (2016)
Oregon
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the person to be incapacitated. Incapacity is a condition in which a person’s ability to receive and evaluate information effectively or to communicate decisions is impaired to such an extent that the person presently lacks the capacity to meet the essential requirements for the person’s physical or safety. In addition, Oregon’s Letters of Guardianship and Letters of Conservatorship are legal evidence of incapability for the purpose of determining the need for a representative payee, even if the letters do not specify that the beneficiary is financially incapable or legally incompetent.
Conditions Under Which Order May Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a Guardian for an incapacitated person does not necessarily constitute a finding of legal incompetence. Incapacity is a condition in which a person’s ability to receive and evaluate information effectively or to communicate decisions is impaired to such an extent that the person presently lacks the capacity to meet the essential requirements for the person’s physical health or safety. Letters of Guardianship must be individually analyzed to determine legal competency.
Oregon’s Letters of Conservatorship are legal evidence of incapability for the purpose of determining the need for a representative payee, even if the letters do not specify that the beneficiary is financially incapable or legally incompetent.
Terms for Appointed: Conservator, Guardian
See Oreg. Rev. Stat. §§ 125.005, 125.300, 125.400
Pennsylvania
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finding a person totally incapacitated. An incapacitated person is an adult whose ability to receive and evaluate information effectively and communicate decisions in any way is impaired to such a significant extent that he is partially or totally unable to manage his financial resources or to meet essential requirements for his physical health and safety.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order finding a person totally incapacitated. An incapacitated person is an adult whose ability to receive and evaluate information effectively and communicate decisions in any way is impaired to such a significant extent that he is partially or totally unable to manage his financial resources or to meet essential requirements for his physical health and safety.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Plenary Guardian~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Plenary Guardian of the Person
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the person "partially incapacitated" and appoints a limited guardian of person or estate. Except in areas designated by court order as areas over which the legal guardian has power, a partially incapacitated person retains all legal rights.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order finds the person "partially incapacitated" and appoints a limited guardian of person or estate. Except in areas designated by court order as areas over which the legal guardian has power, a partially incapacitated person retains all legal rights.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian of Person, Limited Guardian of Estate~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian of the Person, Limited Guardian of the Estate
Puerto Rico
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the person to be an unemancipated minor, an insane or demented person, a deaf and dumb person who cannot understand or communicate effectively by any means, or a prodigal or habitual drunkard.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order finds the person to be an unemancipated minor, an insane or demented person, a deaf person who cannot understand or communicate effectively by any means, a prodigal or habitual drunkard, or an individual who has been declared a drug addict by final judgment.
Terms for Person Appointed: Tutor, Guardian, Testamentary Tutor, Testamentary Tutor over the Person, Testamentary Tutor over the Property, Testamentary Tutor over the Person and the Property
Rhode Island
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the person to be totally incapacitated.~~
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a guardian is also a finding that the person is totally, legally incapacitated.
Terms for Persons Appointed: Guardian
~~Terms for Persons Appointed: Guardian, Good Samaritan Guardian~~
See 33 R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 33-15-4 (2007)
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the person to be less than totally incapacitated.~~
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a more limited guardianship based on a finding that the person is less than totally incapacitated. In such cases, review the findings in the court order to determine the nature of the person’s limitations. An order appointing a conservator means that the court found the person incapable of properly caring for his or her property.
Terms for Persons Appointed: Limited Guardian, Temporary Guardian, Guardian ad Litem, Conservator, Good Samaritan Guardian
See 33 R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. §§ 33-15-4, 33-15-4.1, 33-15-7, 33-15-8.1, 33-15-44
South Carolina
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finding the person to be incapacitated by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, advanced age, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication, or other cause (except minority) to the extent that he/she lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning his/her person or property
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order finding the person to be incapacitated by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, advanced age, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication, or other cause (except minority) to the extent that he or she lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning his or her person or property. Review the court order for a finding regarding incapacity. Contact the court if you need more information to determine the need for a representative payee.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Conservator
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ordering the appointment of a limited guardian explaining the specific legal disabilities to which a partially disabled ward is subject. Analyze each case individually and contact the court if you need more information to determine the need for a representative payee.
S.C. Code Ann. §§ 62-1-201, 62-5-101, 62-5-303-304, 62-5-401, 62-5-407, 62-5-426; cf. 62-5-700-62-5-716 (related to interstate guardianship under the South Carolina Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act).
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian~~
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ordering the appointment of a limited guardian explaining the specific legal disabilities to which a partially disabled ward is subject. A court ordering the appointment of a temporary guardian. Analyze each case individually and contact the court if you need more information to determine the need for a representative payee.
Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Temporary Guardian
S.C. Code Ann. §§ 62-5-304(C), 62-5-310.
South Dakota
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: An appointment of a guardian or conservator of a protected person contains a finding of legal incompetence.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Only if the court order specifically includes a finding of legal incompetence.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian~~
The appointment of a guardian or conservator does not constitute a general finding of legal competence unless the court so orders. Therefore, it is always necessary to examine the order of appointment to determine if the court has made a specific finding regarding incompetency (and if not, whether the beneficiary is unable to handle benefit payments).
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Conservator, Limited Guardian, Limited Conservator
Tennessee
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finding the person disabled and in need of full supervision, protection and assistance by reason of mental illness, physical illness or injury, developmental disability, or other physical or mental incapacity.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order finding a person with a disability, meaning any person eighteen (18) years of age or older determined by the court to be in need of partial or full supervision, protection and assistance by reason of mental illness, physical illness or injury, developmental disability, or other mental or physical incapacity.
Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator, , Guardian (for minors), District Public Guardian, District Public Conservator, Fiduciary (for a person with a disability), Standby Fiduciary (for a person with a disability)
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 34-1-101, 34-1-119, 34-1-126, 34-3-107, 34-7-104; cf. 34-8-101-34-8-503 (related to interstate guardianship under the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act).
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Court orders or appointments that find a disabled person in need of partial supervision, protection and assistance by reason of mental illness, physical illness or injury, developmental disability or other physical or mental incapacity. Review the court order for a finding regarding partial disability. Contact the court if you need more information to determine the need for a representative payee.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator, Guardian ad Litem, Guardian (for veterans), Public Guardian~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator, , Guardian (for minors), District Public Guardian, District Public Conservator, Fiduciary (for a person with a disability), Standby Fiduciary (for a person with a disability), Emergency Guardian, Emergency Conservator
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Court orders or appointments that find a disabled person in need of partial supervision, protection and assistance by reason of mental illness, physical illness or injury, developmental disability or other physical or mental incapacity.
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 34-1-101, 34-1-119, 34-1-126, 34-1-132, 34-7-104.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator, Guardian ad Litem, Guardian (for veterans), Public Guardian~~
Texas
~~Texas1 ,2~~
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency:
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finding the person to be incapacitated. An incapacitated person is an adult person who, because of physical or mental condition, is substantially unable to provide his food, clothing, or shelter, to care for his physical health, or to manage his financial affairs; OR a person who must have a guardian to receive funds from a governmental source.
Appointment of a guardian with full authority over an incapacitated person. The law provides in general that all of the following mean an incapacitated person: a person who is mentally, physically, or legally incompetent; a person who is judicially declared incompetent; an incompetent or an incompetent person; a person of unsound mind; or a habitual drunkard. Under guardianship law specifically, an incapacitated person is a minor or an adult person who, because of physical or mental condition, is substantially unable to: provide his food, clothing, or shelter; care for his physical health; or manage his financial affairs; OR a person who must have a guardian to receive funds from a governmental source.
Term for Person Appointed: Guardian
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court finding that the individual lacks capacity to do some, but not all, of the tasks necessary to care for himself or manage his property, and the court appoints a guardian with limited powers as specified in the court order.
See Tex. Estates Code Ann. §§ 1001.003, 1002.012, 1002.017, 1101.151 (2016)
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Limited guardian, Temporary guardian~~
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a temporary guardian over a person. The law provides that a person for whom a temporary guardian is appointed may not be presumed to be incapacitated.
Appointment of a guardian with limited authority over an incapacitated person. If the court finds that the individual lacks capacity to do some, but not all, of the tasks necessary to care for himself or manage his property, the court may appoint a guardian with limited powers as specified in the court order.
The court order appointing a temporary guardian over a person or appointing a guardian with limited authority must be reviewed carefully to determine whether it contains a finding of legal incompetency or whether it otherwise indicates the need for a payee.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Temporary Guardian
See Tex. Estates Code Ann. §§ 1002.012, 1101.152, 1251.001, 1251.002, 1251.010 (2016).
U.S. Virgin Islands
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order or appointment finding the person to be an insane person, an idiot, a lunatic, a person incapable of conducting their own affairs, a spendthrift, or a mentally incompetent veteran.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order or appointment finding the person to be an insane person, an idiot, a lunatic, a person incapable of conducting their own affairs, or a spendthrift.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Testamentary Guardian
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: The court ruling or appointment appoints a “guardian ad litem.”~~
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: The court order appoints a “guardian ad litem.”
Utah
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finding the person incapacitated. A guardian of an incapacitated person has only those powers, rights, and duties respecting the incapacitated person or ward in the order of appointment.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order finding the person incapacitated. A guardian of an incapacitated person has only those powers, rights, and duties respecting the incapacitated person or ward that are specified in the order of appointment. If the order of appointment does not contain a specific limitation on the guardian’s power, the guardian has the same powers, rights, and duties that a parent has with regard to a minor child.
Contact the court for additional information when using this evidence to assist in a determination of the degree of incapacitation.
Examine the order of appointment to determine whether there is a limitation on the guardian’s power and for additional evidence regarding the degree of incapacitation.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Temporary Guardian~~
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Temporary Guardian, Emergency Guardian
Vermont
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment of a total guardian for a ward. A ward is a mentally disabled person who is at least 18 years old, is mentally ill or mentally retarded or the person is unable to manage, without supervision of a guardian, some or all aspects of his or her personal care or financial matters.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a guardian is also a finding that the individual is unable to manage any or all aspects of his or her personal care and financial affairs.
Terms for Persons Appointed: Guardian
~~Terms for Persons Appointed: Total Guardian~~
See Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 14, § 3069 (2011)
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment of a limited guardian or a guardian for a spendthrift.~~
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a limited guardian. In such cases, review the findings in the court order to determine the nature of the person’s limitations.
~~Terms for Persons Appointed: Limited Guardian, Temporary Guardian, Public Guardian~~
Terms for Persons Appointed: Limited Guardian, Temporary Guardian, Public Guardian, , Guardian Ad Litem, Guardian of the Property (for non-residents)
See Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 14, §§ 3066, 3069, 3081, 3092
Virginia
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment that finds that a person is incapacitated. An incapacitated person is an adult who has been found by a court to be incapable of receiving and evaluating information effectively or responding to people, events, or environments to such an extent that the individual lacks the capacity to (i) meet the essential requirements for his health, care, safety, or therapeutic needs without the assistance or protection of a guardian or (ii) manage property or financial affairs or provide for his or her support or for the support of his legal dependents without the assistance or protection of a conservator.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order that finds that a person is incapacitated. An incapacitated person is an adult who has been found by a court to be incapable of receiving and evaluating information effectively or responding to people, events, or environments to such an extent that the individual lacks the capacity to (i) meet the essential requirements for his health, care, safety, or therapeutic needs without the assistance or protection of a guardian or (ii) manage property or financial affairs or provide for his support or for the support of his legal dependents without the assistance or protection of a conservator.
Terms for Person Appointed: Conservator, Guardian
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointments of “limited” and “temporary” guardians and conservators should be reviewed for findings of incapacity. A finding that the individual displays poor judgment, alone, shall not be considered sufficient evidence that the individual is an incapacitated person.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointments of “limited” and “temporary” guardians and conservators should be reviewed for findings of incapacity. A finding that the individual displays poor judgment, alone, shall not be considered sufficient evidence that the individual is an incapacitated person.
Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Temporary Guardian, Limited Conservator, Temporary Conservator
Washington
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds that a person is incapacitated (by reason of minority or mental illness, developmental disability, senility, habitual drunkenness, excessive use of drugs, other mental incapacity), with respect to either managing his or her property or caring for himself or herself, or both.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: Appointment of a guardian for an incapacitated person. A person is incapacitated and, therefore, incompetent if, (by reason of minority or mental illness, developmental disability, senility, habitual drunkenness, excessive use of drugs, or other mental incapacity), the person has demonstrated inability to adequately manage his or her property or financial affairs, care for himself or herself, or both.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, See Wash. Rev. Stat. § 11.88.010
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency:
Appointment of a Limited Guardian who has fewer than all of the legal duties and powers of a Guardian.
~~Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Limited Guardian~~
Term for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian
See Wash. Rev. Stat. § 11.88.010(2)
West Virginia
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment specifies that the appointment is because the “protected person” is mentally incompetent. A protected person is an adult individual, eighteen years of age or older, who has been found by a court, because of mental impairment, to be unable to receive and evaluate information effectively or to respond to people, events, and environments to such an extent that the individual lacks the capacity: (A) To meet the essential requirements for his or her health, care, safety, habilitation, or therapeutic needs without the assistance or protection of a guardian; or (B) to manage property or financial affairs or to provide for his or her support or for the support of legal dependents without the assistance or protection of a conservator.
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order specifies that the appointment is because the “protected person” is mentally incompetent. A protected person is an adult individual, eighteen years of age or older, who has been found by a court, because of mental impairment, to be unable to receive and evaluate information effectively or to respond to people, events, and environments to such an extent that the individual lacks the capacity: (A) To meet the essential requirements for his or her health, care, safety, habilitation, or therapeutic needs without the assistance or protection of a guardian; or (B) to manage property or financial affairs or to provide for his or her support or for the support of legal dependents without the assistance or protection of a conservator.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Conservator
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment of a guardian that specifies that the appointment is because the “protected person” is mentally handicapped or mentally retarded, the appointment of a guardian would not constitute a finding of legal incompetence. Court should appoint least restrictive guardianship or conservatorship possible.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order appointing a guardian that specifies that the appointment is because the “protected person” is mentally handicapped or mentally retarded, the appointment of a guardian would not constitute a finding of legal incompetence. Court should appoint least restrictive guardianship or conservatorship possible.
Terms for Person Appointed: Limited Guardian, Limited Conservator, Temporary Guardian, Temporary Conservator
Wisconsin
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the person to be incompetent or a spendthrift.~~
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order finds the person to be incompetent or a spendthrift.
An incompetent person is one whom a court has found substantially incapable self-care or of managing his/her property because of infirmities of aging, developmental disabilities, or other like incapacity. A spendthrift is a person who, because of intoxicants or drugs, gambling, idleness, debauchery, or other wasteful conduct, is unable to attend to business or is likely to affect the health, life, or property of himself/herself or others so as to endanger his/her own support or the support of his/her dependents, or to expose the public to such support.
An incompetent person is one whom a court has found is (1) aged at least 17 years and 9 months, and (2) because of an impairment, is unable effectively to receive and evaluate information or to make or communicate decisions to meet the essential requirements for his or her physical health and safety or to manage his or her property or financial affairs. A spendthrift is a person who, because of the use of alcohol or other drugs, gambling, or other wasteful conduct, is unable to manage effectively his or her financial affairs or is likely to affect the health, life, or property of himself or herself or others so as to endanger his or her support and the support of any dependents, or expose the public to responsibility for such support.
Terms for Person Appointed: Guardian, Standby Guardian
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court finding of limited incompetency will specify the legal rights the person remains competent to exercise.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: (1) A court finding of limited incompetency. A court finding of limited incompetency will specify the legal rights the person remains competent to exercise. (2) Appointment of a conservator. A court appointment of a conservator does not constitute evidence of the competency or incompetency of the individual whose income and assets are being administered.
Terms for Person Appointed: Temporary Guardian, Limited Guardian of Property, Conservator
Wyoming
~~Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment finds the person to be incompetent~~
Conditions Under Which Order Constitutes a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order specifically finds the person to be incompetent.
Terms Related to Person Responsible for Guardianship: Guardian, Conservator, Guardian of the Estate, Guardian of the Property, Temporary Guardian.
Conditions Under Which Ruling/Appointment Might Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court ruling or appointment may appoint a guardian on voluntary petition if the petitioner is not a mentally incompetent person.
Conditions Under Which Order May Not Constitute a Finding of Legal Incompetency: A court order may appoint a guardian or conservator on voluntary petition even if the petitioner is not a mentally incompetent person.
~~Terms Related to Person Responsible for Guardianship: Guardian, Limited Guardian~~
The court order should be examined in order to determine if the court made a finding of incompetency.
Footnotes:
[1]
If the court order for guardian, curator or conservator does not state the individual is incapable by reason of unsound mind or one of the terms which indicates unsound mind, the court must be contacted to determine if mental incompetency was addressed. It cannot be assumed that the appointment of a guardian, curator or conservator equates to a finding of legal incompetency.
~~[2]~~
The appointment of a conservator constitutes a finding of legal incompetency only if the order specifics that the court determined that the person was unable to manage his/her property or affairs effectively because of conditions which are listed
A “developmental disability” means a chronic disability which appears before the age of twenty-two (22) years of age and (a) is attributable to an impairment, such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or other condition found to be closely related to or similar to one (1) of these impairments that requires similar treatment or services, or is attributable to dyslexia resulting from such impairments; and (b) results in substantial functional limitations in three (3) or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, or economic self-sufficiency; and (c) reflects the need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment or other services which are of lifelong or extended duration and individually planned and coordinated.

POMS Reference

GN 00502.300: Digest of State Guardianship Laws