New Law May Help in Guardianship Cases

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Managing a loved one’s finances is difficult under the best of circumstances, but can be daunting for family members who are geographically dispersed. That’s why Georgia lawmakers passed legislation in March that aims to make it easier for judges to determine which state has jurisdiction in a guardianship case.

Previously enacted in 42 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act allows courts to recognize guardianships established out of state.

It also reduces legal hurdles and lawyers’ fees for families trying to help each other across state lines. And it can help prevent “granny snatching,” a form of elder abuse in which a would-be heir transports a vulnerable adult across state lines to drain the person’s assets.

For more information, go to aarp.org/ga.