AARP Eye Center
Are you the caregiver of a loved one who lives in another state?
If so, you may know that if the person you care for becomes unable to manage personal decisions, a court may appoint a guardian to make decisions about property, medical care, living arrangements, and financial issues.
Perhaps you're already the legal guardian of someone in another state?
In either case, you'll want to learn more about uniform guardianship laws — and why it's so important for Massachusetts to pass such legislation.
Massachusetts legislators are currently considering a uniform guardianship bill, which would help family caregivers, legal guardians of adults — and the loved ones they help — especially if you and your loved one live in different states.
As our society becomes more mobile, issues with guardianship orders — jurisdictional, transfer and recognition — may cause conflicts. The Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings and Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA) was created to ensure that only one state will have jurisdiction of guardianship at any one time. Massachusetts is currently one of 12 states without a UAGPPJA, which means that it does not recognize guardianship orders from states where the law has been enacted and vice versa. This can get bogged down in the courts and can be expensive for family members trying to navigate the laws of other states on complex adult guardianship matters." — Mike Festa, director, AARP Massachusetts
As it stands right now, you could face jurisdictional conflicts in Massachusetts since the Bayt State, unlike many other states, does not have uniform adult guardianship rules in place. Under a uniform guardianship law, Massachusetts courts would recognize out-of-state guardianship orders, thereby saving you time and money for legal fees, while also helping to prevent elder abuse and financial exploitation.
AARP Massachusetts is fighting for passage of the “ Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act” to help legal guardians and family caregivers in the Bay State. It's time for Massachusetts to approve this legislation and join the 38 other states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, where uniform guardianship is the law.
Want to learn more?
Please join AARP Massachusetts for a free informational session on Wednesday, June 18, in Plymouth, to understand the benefits of uniform guardianship for Massachusetts residents and to have your questions answered.
Free Uniform Guardianship Information Session
WHEN: Wednesday, June 18, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Plymouth Senior Center, 44 Nook Road, Plymouth, MA 02360
RSVP: by Thursday, June 12, by calling Leslie Siphers at 617-305-0510 or emailing her at lsiphers@aarp.org
We hope to see you there!
About AARP States
AARP is active in all 50 states and Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Connect with AARP in your state.