Guardianship
When an individual is unable to make or communicate decisions about their personal care or finances, a judge may appoint a guardian. In Illinois, guardians may be appointed for both children and adults. These guardianships can encompass management of individuals, known as Guardianship of a Person, as well as management of an individual's estate and finances, known as Guardianship of an Estate.
Court Forms, including blank reports, can be located with the Circuit Clerk of each County, and made available here.
Responsibilities of a Guardian
Even though you may be a family member:
- Your role as guardian is a special legal relationship with legal responsibilities that are different from your role as parent or other family member;
- You must comply with the Illinois Probate Act and the court order appointing you as guardian;
- Your actions as the legal guardian of a ward are accountable to the court.
Source: Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
Keep your contact information up to date with the court through the Circuit Clerk’s Office.
You have a responsibility to return to court.
There are some decisions that require the Judge’s approval, and this will require you to return to court.
The court may require you to make a report periodically about the ward or the ward’s estate.
If you file a written report before the court date, you may not need to attend the next court date. Review the court order.
If you do not file the report with the Circuit Clerk and fail to attend court, the court may find you in contempt and revoke your Letters of Office.
Progress Report forms can be found with the Circuit Clerk’s Office in your County.
Annual Accounting forms can be found with the Circuit Clerk’s Office in your County.
Special considerations if you are guardian of an adult:
An online training is required, unless waived by the court, within one year of your appointment as a guardian of an adult-person with a disability and you must file the certificate of training completion with the court that appointed you. A certificate of completion will be provided to you upon completion of this training.
The training is available at: https://gac.illinois.gov/osg/guardianshiptrainings.html
