Georgia Becomes 43rd State to Adopt Uniform Act Backed by AARP

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Yesterday, the Georgia General Assembly passed the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA) which helps family caregivers navigate financial challenges by making sure adult guardianship laws are consistent and honored from state to state.

HB 954, sponsored by Representative Chuck Efstration (R-104), would allow Georgia courts to recognize adult guardianship orders from other states, and, similarly, other states that have passed the uniform act may recognize Georgia court orders. UAGPPJA also creates a clear process for determining which state has jurisdiction and outlines procedures for transferring a guardianship to another state and for accepting a transfer, helping to eliminate both the expense and the wait.

The Act also helps to reduce elder abuse by barring someone who wrongfully seeks control and assets of an elder (or anyone else) from taking a person across state lines and immediately being named guardian.  Further, it allows a court to decline jurisdiction because of “unjustifiable conduct’ and to penalize perpetrators.

“This is a big win for current and future residents of Georgia,” said Debra Tyler-Horton, AARP Georgia State Director. “This Act makes it easier for today’s mobile families to continue to provide care for loved ones in need.”

Forty-two other states, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, have already enacted the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act.