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When Can Someone Be Declared Legally Incompetent?

February 2, 2022 By Barry Crimmins

If a loved one is experiencing memory loss or suddenly making poor decisions, you may want the court to appoint a guardian, which requires a declaration of incompetence. Determining whether someone is incompetent to make their own decisions is a complicated process. 

If a loved one is unable to make decisions for him or herself, the court may appoint a substitute decision maker, often called a “guardian,” but in some states called a “conservator” or other term. A guardian is only appointed as a last resort if less restrictive alternatives, such as a power of attorney, are not in place or are not working.

The standard under which a person is deemed to require a guardian differs from state to state. In some states the standards are different depending on whether a complete guardianship or a conservatorship over finances only is being sought. Generally, a person is judged to be in need of guardianship when he or she shows a lack of capacity to make responsible decisions or decisions that are in their best interests. 

The court usually looks at a number of factors in determining the need for a guardian or conservator, including the following: 

  • Comprehension of important medical or financial information
  • Appreciation of the importance of medical and financial decisions and understanding the effect of those decisions 
  • Ability to make reasonable decisions using the information available 
  • Capacity to communicate decisions in a consistent manner
  • Ability to maintain a safe environment 

A person cannot be declared incompetent simply because he or she makes irresponsible or foolish decisions, but only if the person is shown to lack the capacity to make sound decisions. For example, a person may not be declared incompetent simply because he or she spends money in ways that seem odd to someone else. Also, a developmental disability or mental illness is not, by itself, enough to declare a person incompetent.

Keep in mind that the standard for whether someone is legally incompetent to care for themselves is not always the same as whether they have the capacity to make legal decisions. Proper execution of a legal instrument requires that the person signing have sufficient mental “capacity” to understand the implications of the document. 

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Elder Law News, October 2023

Getting older comes with opportunities and challenges, but fear not, we have your back! Are you concerned about Alzheimer’s? While there’s no known cure, proactive steps can help with prevention. Meanwhile, guess what? Signing up for Medicare Savings Programs just got simpler! The Feds have streamlined the process, making it easier to tap into helpful benefits.

Elder Law News, July 2023

Looping our readers in on the issues that impact the senior community is always a priority. And this month, there’s much to share.

June newsletter

Elder Law News, June 2023

As a trusted counsel for all things relating to eldercare in Massachusetts, I wanted to share pressing topics impacting our beloved seniors.

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As the generation of Baby Boomers ages, many are finding their adult children aren’t in the financial position to provide support if long-term care is needed.

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As the generation of Baby Boomers ages, many are finding their adult children aren’t in the financial position to provide support if long-term care is needed.

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