Article 81 of the New York Mental Hygiene Law provides the various statutory provisions for a New York Guardianship.  Typically, the statute is utilized to obtain a guardianship over another person’s financial affairs and personal needs.  The subject of these proceedings is referred to as an alleged incapacitated person (“AIP”). The procedures set forth in the statute require that a petition be filed.  MHL Section 81.08 entitled “Petition” lists the information which must be contained in the Guardianship petition including a description of the AIPs functional ability.  A ke ..read more

The appointment of a Guardian for personal needs or property management is provided for by Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law.  This statute contains the numerous provisions regarding the procedure and substantive law for a New York Guardianship.  The New York Probate Lawyer Blog has published many articles regarding Guardianship issues. As a recap, a Guardianship is appropriate when a person is found to be incapacitated. Incapacity is viewed in a functional setting dealing with a person’s ability to handle his various activities of daily living.  These activities include acti ..read more

Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law (MHL) contains the provisions regarding the appointment of a Guardian.  A Guardian can be appointed for personal needs and also for property management.  Generally, according to MHL 81.02 entitled “Power to appoint a guardian of the person and/or property; standard for appointment”, a Guardian is appointed after the Court determines that the alleged incapacitated person is incapacitated.  There needs to be clear and convincing evidence which includes a determination that the person is likely to suffer harm and that they do not appreciate or u ..read more

The imposition of a Guardianship for incapacity or disability in New York can occur in a number of ways.  Perhaps the most well-known procedure is that provided by Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law (MHL).  These provisions set forth the legal standards and procedures for the appointment of a Guardian for the person and/or property of an individual who is incapacitated.  Essentially, MHL 81.02 entitled “Power to appoint a guardian of the person and/or property; standard for appointment” provides that a person is incapacitated if they would suffer harm because they cannot provi ..read more

There are many factors to be considered in connection with the appointment of a Guardian for personal needs and property management pursuant to Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law.  A recent post in the New York Probate Lawyer Blog discussed the requirement that clear and convincing evidence be presented before a Guardian is appointed.  A recent Guardianship case entitled Matter of Elias B. decided by Broome County Supreme Court Justice David Guy on June 30, 2021 highlights the many considerations a Court needs to review in a Guardianship case. In Elias, the alleged incapacitated pe ..read more

The primary guardianship law in New York is contained in Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law (“MHL”) which is entitled “Proceedings for Appointment of a Guardian for Personal Needs or Property Management.”  The New York Probate Lawyer Blog contains many posts discussing guardianship law and procedure. When a guardian is appointed, the New York Courts grant an Order which specifies and limits the powers which the guardian can exercise regarding the personal affairs and property management of the incapacitated person.  However, before a guardian is appointed, there are numerous safegu ..read more

Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law provides the procedures and requirements regarding guardianship of an incapacitated person.  The statute allows for the appointment of a guardian for property management and for personal needs.  Whether or not a person requires a guardian is determined by the Court after a hearing.  One of central inquiries when determining incapacity is the extent to which the alleged incapacitated person can perform activities of daily living such as caring for personal hygiene, banking and financial affairs and other ordinary and regular daily living funct ..read more

Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law provides the statutes regarding the appointment of a property management and personal needs Guardian. A Guardianship lawyer is aware that these proceedings focus on a number of factors before a Court determines that a Guardian should be provided. First and foremost, the inquiry concerns the ability of the alleged incapacitated person (“AIP”) to handle his affairs.  This examination focuses on the AIP’s functional abilities commonly referred to as the activities of daily living.  Thus, a full review of the ability of the AIP to engage in functions ..read more

As a New York Guardianship lawyer for over 35 years, I have encountered many different situations in these types of cases. Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law (MHL) provides the various statutes concerning the basis and procedure for the appointment of a Guardian for property management and personal needs. MHL Section 81.02 entitled “Power to appoint a guardian of the person and/or property; standard for appointment” sets forth that a person who files a petition to have a Guardian appointed must present clear and convincing evidence that an appointment is warranted and that the alleged incapa ..read more

One tends to view New York Estate cases and Guardianship cases as completely separate matters.  In an Estate, a person dies, and his Last Will and Testament is probated, or an administration proceeding is needed for an intestacy.  In contrast a Guardianship proceeding is commenced while a person is alive.  The goal is to have a Guardian appointed for the person and property of someone who is incapacitated.  The New York Probate Lawyer Blog has published many articles concerning both Estate and Guardianship issues. As an Estate and Guardianship attorney for 40 years I have e ..read more