You must involve the wardA person determined by the court to be incapacitated. LEGAL DEFINITION: A person for whom a guardian or limited guardian has been appointed. (NDCC 30.1-26-01(6)) Click or tap term for more. in every decision to the fullest extent possible. That’s the law. The law also states that you must protect the ward’s legal rights and personal independence to the fullest extent possible.
You can only intervene when the safety of the ward or others is at risk. Even when you do intervene, you must make sure you use the least restrictive form of interventionA decision made for the ward’s wellbeing which removes the smallest amount of personal freedom. For example, setting up home healthcare visitation is a less restrictive than moving the ward... Click or tap term for more. possible. For example, you may set up home healthcare services rather than moving a senior ward into a nursing home.
Approve or authorize the sterilization of a ward
Approve or authorize psychosurgery or experimental treatment
Authorize or approve an abortion
Forcibly commit a ward to a mental health facility or state institution*
Use the ward’s money or property to pay yourself, your spouse, a parent, or a childAn unmarried individual under the age of 18. LEGAL DEFINITION an individual who is: a. Under the age of eighteen years and is not married; or b. Under the age... Click or tap term for more. for room and board provided to the ward*
*If the ward will voluntarily accept these services, the guardianA person appointed by the court to make decisions in a ward's life. LEGAL DEFINITION: A person or nonprofit corporation that has qualified as a guardian of a minor or... Click or tap term for more. may admit the ward for up to 45 days. Longer term stays and involuntary commitments require a court hearing. Guardians should contact their County State’s Attorney for assistance to obtain a court order if an involuntary commitment is required.
The right to vote*
The right to seek to change marital status*
The right to get or keep a driver’s license*
The right to have a firearm*
The right to have copies of all documents and notices of all proceedings
The right to change or terminate the guardianship at any time
*Unless the court specifically finds clear and convincing evidence to restrict this right.
Download the A Bill of Rights for Wards for more information on a ward’s rights.