In California, Professional Guardians play a vital role in the well-being of the state’s elderly and disabled. Let’s face it: In today’s society, Guardians are essential. And with great power comes great responsibility and, also, a greater risk of system abuse. The and that is why there are checks put in place by the California legal system to those in most need of protecting. A Guardianship Bond is one of those checks. Mandatory licensing by the office of the California Consumer Affairs is another (see here for more info: http://www.fiduciary.ca.gov/). The Guardianship bond is required when a person may be deemed incapacitated by the court by either infirmity or age. In these cases, the probate court may appoint a guardian to handle the incapacitated person’s (ward) financial and physical affairs. Requiring a guardianship bond ensures the person is not mistreated or taken advantage of financially.
It has been many years since the tradition structure of family living dissipated. Rarely now do you find three generations of a family living together and and rarely do parents have the time or resources to care for the permanently disabled. Things that used to be common are now the exception. And families must trust strangers to care for grampa. A story I recently read on SantaCruz.com by author Georgia Perry got me thinking about this. (See story here: http://www.santacruz.com/2012/07/31/guardianship_case_highlights_plight_of_elderly/)
Loved ones shouldn’t be frightened by the occasional bad story. Rather, they should be careful. Because, by and large, California’s Professional Guardians are a wonderful and trustworthy group. And they care they provide can make you life, and the life of a disabled loved one, so much better.
If you are looking for a professional guardian or are already a Fiduciary and are interested in learning more about the requirements for a Guardianship Bond in California, please contact the bond experts at Jurisco and their helpful staff will provide you with all the information you require.