Guardianships are established when, due to mental disability,
or other reason, a person is unable to manage their own personal and financial
affairs. If the Court determines that guardianship is necessary, the Probate
Judge will appoint a guardian and designate the specific powers and duties for
the guardian to assume while promoting the independence of and protecting the
best interests of the Ward (person under guardianship). Depending on the
competency of the Ward, the Court may limit the control of the guardian to very
limited tasks or give the Guardian full control. The three types of
guardianships that are under the jurisdiction of the Probate Court in the State
of Vermont are: Guardianship of a Minor, Guardianship of a Mentally Disabled
Adult, and Voluntary Guardianship. Under the Family Court of the State of
Vermont, there is another type of Guardianship called a Special Service
Guardian, which is for adults with developmental disabilities. Please see the
Family Court for more information about the Special Service Guardianship.
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