The Guardian Assistance Office (GAO)
The Guardian Assistance Office (GAO) is a specialized Court Help Center of the NYS Unified Court System, which provides non-professional (lay) guardians, appointed under Mental Hygiene Law Article 81, with support to help them meet their legal responsibilities and support in meeting the personal needs and/or property management of incapacitated persons.
GAO only provides legal information and practical support. GAO does not provide legal advice.
GAO is managed by The Office of Guardianship Matters and Elder Justice within the Office for Justice Initiatives.
GAO offers an online training that satisfies the court ordered training requirements.
What is a Guardian?
The Guardian Assistance Office (GAO) helps families or friends who have been appointed by the court under Article 81 of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law to serve as guardians. GAO offers support, practical advice and training in carrying out guardianship responsibilities.
A guardian is an adult who is selected by a judge to make decisions for another person who needs help managing finances and making personal care decisions. Guardians are usually appointed to care for adults but parents or family members of a severely disabled child may be appointed as guardian to care for that child.
Office Contact Information
Guardian Assistance Office
Kings County Supreme Court
360 Adams Street, Room 723
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone 347-296-1948
Fax 212-618-5856