LEGAL GUARDIAN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

A guardian must be a mature and responsible adult who is capable of fulfilling their responsibilities. Preference is given to family and other relatives when appointing a guardian. If a family member is not available, a volunteer is nominated. All volunteer guardians are registered with our department and are on the state registry.

Responsibilities are determined by the court and will depend upon whether a full guardianship is ordered or a partial one (meaning of the person only or estate only).

• Making decisions regarding care, such as: place of residence, medical services, and social needs
• Acting as an advocate for the ward
• Securing necessary services to meet the needs of the ward
• Reporting to the court as requested  

• Receive all income 
• Pay for the ward's care and expenses out of the ward's income 
• Invest the ward's assets wisely 
• Report to the court on an annual basis

• The court and the Department of Human Services will be actively involved in overseeing the ward's care and are always available to you for questions or concerns.  
• The Guardian Assistance Program provides free training, education, and support to guardians in Outagamie County. Attend a training, call with questions, or meet with staff when needed to help you fulfill your role as a guardian of person, estate, or both. Easter Seals Guardian Assistance Program

You are liable for any negligence on your part for the misappropriation of funds and for any willful or inexcusable refusal or failure to file your annual account or provide for the care of your ward. You are not responsible for paying for your ward's care or expenses out of your personal income or for providing personal care of the ward.

When family exists but are not serving as guardian, the guardian should consider them whenever possible. The guardian is responsible for the final decision.

Guardians may deduct certain expenses from the ward's estate if the ward's assets are sufficient.

You should inform the Probate Office and our department as soon as possible of this request. A successor guardian must be found before you can be discharged. There is a form that needs to be completed. Resignation of Guardian or Conservator

In 2025...

... guardians provided services to 10 wards

... wards had a personal representative advocating in their best interests

... wards were not a number on a corporate guardian list 

A guardian is an individual appointed by the court to act as an advocate for a person who has been found to be incompetent. Responsibilities can include overseeing the individual's welfare and making personal decisions on his/her behalf, in addition to managing his/her assets and property.

Incompetent is a legal term used to define an individual adjudged by the court to be substantially incapable of managing his/her property or caring for him/herself by reason of chronic mental illness, developmental disability, infirmities of aging, or chronic alcohol/drug abuse.

A Guardian of Estate has the authority to make all decisions relating to the financial and property affairs for the ward.

A Guardian of person has the authority to make day-to-day decisions of a personal nature, except financial decisions, on behalf of the ward. These decision would include arrangements for food, clothing, living arrangements, medical care, recreation, and education. The guardianship includes consent for medical care and other treatment or service/training programs.