A guardian provides for the personal care and well being of the ward and has rights and responsibilities much like those of a parent for a child. When appointed by the court, a guardian makes decisions for the ward to ensure that the ward’s medical, social and emotional needs are met.
Generally, a guardian is entitled to reasonable compensation. When appointed as guardians family members often serves without compensation. On the other hand, a professional guardian is not related by blood or marriage to the ward and receives financial compensation to carry out the statutory responsibilities given by the court. In all cases, the guardian is legally entitled to reasonable compensation for the services performed. What is reasonable compensation depends on the types of service being provided and the skill of the guardian. The court will review the compensation paid to the guardian in the annual account filed by the guardian.
A guardian is entitled to reimburse the out-of-pocket expenses. In order to establish the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses good record keeping is essential.
A guardian is generally paid an amount which is not more than five percent of the ward’s yearly income. The amount may vary slightly, but in no case should the guardian’s compensation be fixed at less than fifty dollars for a year. If the guardian performs extraordinary services, s/he may file a petition before the court pointing out such extraordinary services. In such cases, the court may, after notice to intersted parties and hearing thereon, authorize reasonable additional compensation. Such additional compensation shall be payable from the estate of the ward.