Managing Finances as a Guardian
How to Open a Guardianship Account
✔ Visit a bank with your Guardianship Commission and ID.
✔ Account name format:
”[Ward’s Name], by [Your Name], as Guardian.”
✔ Redirect all income (Social Security, pensions, etc.) to this account.
🚨 DO NOT mix your personal money with the ward’s funds.
Paying Bills & Tracking Expenses
✔ Use the guardianship account for:
• Rent, utilities, medical expenses, food, and court-approved spending.
✔ Keep detailed financial records.
✔ Get court approval before making large purchases or selling assets.
Checklist
✔️ How to open a guardianship bank account
✔️ Step-by-step record-keeping guide (including digital tools like Quicken)
✔️ How to locate unclaimed property & missing bank accounts
✔️ Managing real estate: Verifying homeownership, paying property taxes, and filing a Statement of Real Property
✔️ How to prioritize debts & court-ordered payments
🔗 View Property Management Guide