Guardian Report (Indigent)

MARION COUNTY INDIGENT GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM. The Indigent Guardianship Program is designed to help indigent adults by providing funds to establish guardianships or hire guardians or both. As part of the application process, the court may defer or waive filing fees. The funds will be provided only for people who show compelling need for a guardian and financial need. Cases will be approved depending on available funding. The program provides financial support to cover the expenses of initiating guardianship proceedings, appointing guardians, and compensating related professionals such as attorneys and court visitors. Eligibility is based on both financial need—defined using federal income and asset limits—and a demonstrated need for guardianship due to serious medical, safety, or care-related concerns. The program is not available for conservatorships, trusts, or converting existing guardianships unless significant new circumstances arise. To apply, a petitioner must file a guardianship petition along with a motion and declaration demonstrating indigence and the need for court intervention. If approved, the case proceeds as a typical guardianship case, but with court-ordered financial support. The court may waive or defer filing fees regardless of whether the application for funding is granted. The program includes a structured fee schedule and procedures for requesting payments from the fund for attorneys, guardians, and visitors, who must submit motions, affidavits, and orders along with time itemizations. Compensation is capped based on specific service categories, and the court retains discretion to approve fees. Sponsors, such as hospitals or agencies, may agree to fund these costs up to predetermined maximums, with different deposit tiers depending on whether a professional guardian or temporary guardianship is involved. Unused funds may revert to the sponsor or the general indigent fund after 30 months. www.FormsWorkflow.com