Who Is Eligible To Receive Services From GAO?
GAO services are available to non-professional or "lay" guardians. The lay guardian may be a family member or a close friend of the incapacitated person or "IP." GAO does not provide assistance to professional guardians.
GAO Services
GAO offers a guide and information on the steps needed to become an official guardian with power to act on behalf of your ward (incapacitated person or "IP"), such as fulfilling the MHL Art. 81 training requirement and getting the "commission". Additionally, GAO provides:
- Legal Information
- How to setup a guardian bank account.
- How to write reports and accountings required by the court.
- Referrals for services and for help applying for government benefits
- Support with planning for the ward for maximum independence
- Support with locating resources to care for your ward
- Web-based resources and trainings
Training For Lay Guardians
GAO offers the legally required court-approved MHL Article 81 training designed especially for lay guardians. Currently the training is offered online.
Guidance on How to Prepare Annual Reports
2024 Annual Reports are due by May 31, 2025