When it is time to terminate the guardianship, you will need to file a final report. The report must indicate the reason for terminating the guardianship and must detail the disposition which you propose to make of the protected person's assets.

If the protected person is living, a hearing will be set to review the Final Report. A copy of the report must be furnished to the protected person and the protected person can file written objections before the hearing date. The court will examine the report to assure that your proposed disposition of the protected person's property is acceptable. The final account will be examined to assure that the expenditures which you made since the last accounting are permissible. Assuming the court approves, you will then be discharged from your duties and the guardianship will be closed.

III. CONCLUSION

As guardian, you may be faced with difficult decisions as to how you should be handling the affairs of your protected person. You should realize that you need not make these decisions alone. If there is an expenditure which you desire to make or a sale of any of the protected person's personal or real property, you should consult with your attorney who will petition the court for its approval. If the court agrees with your proposal, it will enter an order to proceed. If the court disagrees, then an expenditure or sale for which you might have been held personally liable will have been avoided.

You are encouraged to contact your attorney to assist you with your duties. Since Indiana law and Delaware County Court policy forbids employees (including judges and court personnel) from practicing law, an attorney will be your sole source for counseling on legal matters.

Finally, don't be overwhelmed by your duties. Remember that the property you'll be handling is not yours, and if you handle the protected person's affairs as you would have him handle yours, then you should not have any problems.