How to apply for Adult Guardianship Program — Guardian of Last Resort (Georgia)

Who it's for

Georgia's Adult Guardianship Program steps in when a probate court has decided that an adult can no longer make important decisions for themselves and no family member or other suitable person is willing or able to serve as guardian. The court can appoint the Department of Human Services as the guardian of last resort; DHS case managers then act as the person's surrogate decision-maker, advocate for them, and coordinate and monitor the services they need. DHS can serve only as a full guardian — not as a conservator of money or property, and not as a temporary medical-consent guardian. Families, hospitals and care facilities raise the need through the probate court in the person's county; for information call the Division of Aging Services at 1-866-552-4464.

What you'll need

• A probate court petition for guardianship in the adult's county (the court determines incapacity)
• Medical or psychological evaluation the court requires

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Adult Guardianship Program — Guardian of Last Resort (Georgia). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need a probate court petition for guardianship in the adult's county (the court determines incapacity), medical or psychological evaluation the court requires — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm that a guardian is needed through the probate court in the adult's county. Only a probate court can decide that an adult lacks capacity and appoint a guardian.
2. Gather the probate court petition for guardianship and the medical or psychological evaluation the court requires.
3. Apply online or call the Division of Aging Services at 1-866-552-4464 for information about the Adult Guardianship Program.
4. Complete the probate court process in the adult's county. Families, hospitals, and care facilities may raise the need through the court.
5. Be ready for DHS to be considered only if no family member or other suitable person is willing or able to serve as guardian.
6. Remember that DHS can serve only as a full guardian. DHS does not serve as conservator for money or property or as a temporary medical-consent guardian.

What to expect: After the court process, the probate court decides whether the adult lacks capacity and whether a guardian should be appointed. If no willing or suitable private guardian exists, the court may appoint DHS as guardian of last resort. If appointed, DHS case managers act as the person’s surrogate decision-maker, advocate, and service coordinator. There is no renewal. This is not legal advice.

Renewals

none