Adult Guardian’s Care Plan/Report

Massachusetts Guardianship Association (MGA)

Adult Guardian’s Care Plan/Report

After a Guardian is appointed for an incapacitated adult, the Massachusetts Court oversees the guardianship and monitors the adult’s well-being. Serving as Guardian means you have on-going responsibilities to the Court. Every Guardian of an adult must fill out and submit a Guardian’s Care Plan/Report to the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court every year, for as long as he or she remains Guardian.

1. What is a Guardian’s Care Plan/Report?

A Guardian’s Care Plan/Report is a fill-in-the blank court form that every Guardian must fill out and send to the Court. It asks the Guardian to report on the incapacitated adult’s current condition, living arrangements, financial matters, and future care. The Guardian’s Care Plan/Report, court form MPC 821, has recently been updated and condensed into four pages.

2. When is the Guardian’s Care Plan/Report Due?

A Guardian fills out a court form called a Guardian’s Care Plan/Report for each submission. Your first Care Plan/Report is called an Initial 60 Day Plan, due within 60 days from the day you were appointed Guardian. Following the Care Plan is an Annual Report, due every year on the anniversary date of the appointment, for as long as you are Guardian. Mark the anniversary date on your calendar every year, as the Court will not send a reminder.

3. Where can I get a blank copy of the Guardian’s Care Plan/Report?

You can find a blank copy of the Guardian’s Care Plan/Report (MPC 821) at the Registry office of the Probate and Family Court, or on-line at http://www.mass.gov/courts/courtsandjudges/courts/probateandfamilycourt/upcforms.html

4. How do I fill it out and where do I send it?

Using a blank copy of the Guardian’s Care Plan/Report court form:

Fill in every question describing the adult’s current condition, care, and treatment. If you use the form on the court website, you can fill it out on-line, save it to your computer to make additions or corrections, and print it once it is completed. Sign and date it on the last page.
Give (or serve) a copy of the completed Care Plan/Report to the incapacitated adult, by hand or by certified mail with a return receipt requested. If you deliver by hand you may want to get a signed receipt for your records. Complete the last section called Certification of Services which tells the Court you delivered a copy of the Care Plan/Report to the incapacitated adult.
Make a copy of the completed Care Plan/Report for your records.
Mail or give the completed Care Plan/Report to the Court that appointed you Guardian.

5. What if I need help filling out the Guardian’s Care Plan/Report?

Family Guardianship Clinics, operating weekly at some Probate and Family Courts, offer help filling out Care Plan/Reports to low income eligible clients. If not income-eligible, the Guardian can be referred to a limited assistance representation attorney by asking the staff at Registry for a list of LAR attorneys. Check for a Clinic and its operating schedule at:

http://www.spfj.org/MSex_Gship.htm

http://www.mass.gov/courts/courtsandjudges/courts/probateandfamilycourt/upc.html

Was this helpful? What other questions or topics would you like to know more about? Email your suggestions to Ellen M. DiPaola, Esq., MGA Information and Resources Chairperson, edipaola@comcast.net. Please do not send personal or confidential information. Thank you.

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