Guarding the Guardians

Mateusz Zagorski

Your ailing mother lives in one state and spends winters in another. Which state decides the terms when she needs you to become a guardian?

AARP Mississippi aims to persuade lawmakers to adopt the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act, which makes it easier for judges in different states to determine which court will handle guardianship cases.

The proposed law (already in place in 36 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) would smooth the process when two or more jurisdictions are involved, easing stress for caregivers and—less commonly—preventing elder kidnapping by would-be heirs.

Want to get involved in this issue? Call 866-554-5382 toll-free or email msaarp@aarp.org.