When is Guardianship Necessary?

Petitioning the court for guardianship over another individual is sometimes necessary when the individual in question is not able to provide for his or her own basic needs such as, food, shelter, health care or to manage personal finances. Guardianship may often be avoided if other less restrictive alternatives are available, such as when financial or health care power of attorney documents are in place. In New Hampshire, a petition for guardianship will not be allowed unless specific factual evidence is presented to the court and the judge finds the person petitioning for guardianship proved all required facts “beyond a reasonable doubt”.  More information about Guardianship in New Hampshire is available from the New Hampshire Circuit Court Probate Division at https://www.courts.state.nh.us/probate/guardianship.htm.