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Guardianship Questionnaire

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ESTATE PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE FOR:

DATE:

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name
Birth date U.S. Citizen
Principal Residence
Any other Domicile:
Domicile in community property states(s) (if ever):
Birthplace: Social Security Number
Dates of such domicile
Community property acquired
Business or profession
Still: Active Retired
Current marital status Single Married Widowed Divorced
Prior Marriages (if any)
Name of former spouse(s)
Name and ages of children of prior marriages
How and when prior marriage(s) ended: (if divorce, get copies of any agreements and decrees)
Principal bank(s)
Personal Trust officer
Location of safe deposit box(es)
Accountant
Investment advisor
Insurance advisor

SPOUSE

Name
Date and place of birth U.S. Citizen
Social Security Number
Date and place of marriage
Legally separated
When and where
Residence (if different from estate owner’s)
Business or profession

CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN

(Designate which children or grandchildren, if any, are adopted, are stepchildren or are children of a prior marriage)

Name Birth date Relationship Domicile Name of Spouse

WHO WILL BENEFIT UNDER WILL

Name Address Age Status (e.g. child, friend, employee)

FIDUCIARIES

Executor(s)
Name
Address
Successor(s)
Name
Address
Trustee(s)
Name
Address
Successor(s)
Name
Address
Children’s Guardian(s)
Name
Address
Successor(s)
Name
Address

GIFTS MADE DURING LIFE

(obtain copies of instruments of transfer and gift tax returns)

Donee
Date of Gift
Type of property given
Date of gift value
Outright or trust gift
Was gift split with spouse? If yes, who paid gift tax?

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A. REAL ESTATE (including condominium, apartment)

Description or Address Date Purchased Cost Current Mortgages Net Current Improvements Value
Additional real estate entries may be added on a separate sheet.

B. STOCKS AND BONDS

Name Type of Business Date Acquired Original Cost # of Shares Current Market Value

C. U.S. government bonds (e.g., Series “E” or “EE” bonds)

Payable on Death to Face Value Issue Date Current Value

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

D. CASH

Name & Address Of BankAccount NumberChecking or SavingsTrust Account Beneficiary

E. MORTGAGES AND PROMISSORY NOTES

Name of Mortgagor or CreditorUnpaid Face ValueRepayment BalanceInterest Terms Rate

F. LIFE INSURANCE

CompanyPolicy NumberName of InsuredCurrent BeneficiaryDate
Face Amount of Policy:    Death/Loan Value:
Face Amount of Policy:    Death/Loan Value:

G. GENERAL POWERS OF APPOINTMENT

Instrument conferring Power createdDate power subject to powerValue of property

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

H. ANNUITIES AND DEATH BENEFITS (Include Keogh plans and IRAs) (get copies of contracts, plans, etc.)

Annuity or Lump sum Type of PlanEstate Designated PaymentOwner’s BeneficiaryApprox. ContributionValue

ASSETS: DESCRIPTION OF ALL ASSETS

(To avoid confusion at a later date, describe each item as clearly as possible.)

AssetCurrent Fair Market Value
Cash (on hand)
Cash (in banks/credit unions) (From List Above)
Other Cash:
Stocks/Bonds (From List Above)
Other Stocks and Bonds
Notes (money owed to you in writing)
Money owed to you (not evidenced by a note)
Real estate (From List Above)
Business Interests
Automobiles
Boats
Other vehicles
Retirement plans (Profit Sharing, Pension, IRA, 401(k)s, etc.)
Furniture & furnishings in home
Furniture & furnishings elsewhere
Collectibles
Jewelry
Life insurance (cash surrender value)
Sporting and entertainment (T.V., stereo, etc.) equipment
Other assets
Total Assets

LIABILITIES AND (To avoid confusion at a later date, describe each item as clearly as possible.)

LiabilityMonthly PaymentCurrent Amount Owed
Mortgages on real estate: (Home)
(Other)
Charge/credit card accounts
Auto loan
Auto loan
Bank/credit union loans
Money you owe (not evidenced by a note)
Judgments
Other
Total Debts and Liabilities
Summary of Assets and Liabilities
Total Assets
Less Total Liabilities
Net Worth
Retirement AccountsAccount NumberCurrent Fair Market Value
Husband Accounts:
Wife Accounts:
Income of Husband (Monthly)MonthlyYearly
Salary
Dividends
Rental Income
Notes Receivable
Bonuses
Business
Other
Total Income
Income of WifeMonthlyYearly
Salary
Dividends
Rental Income
Notes Receivable
Business
Bonuses
Other
Total Income

WORKSHEETS

(Who will receive your property)

Do you want all property to go to spouse, or if spouse not alive to your children? Yes   If no please continue. If yes, stop.
Who is to receive home?
Describe who you desire to receive other property.
Name of Person to Receive Property Description of Property
Describe any other last wishes

ADDENDUM

(For Additional Information)

Signature:

Date:

Enter text✕

What the Guardianship Questionnaire Is and What It Collects

The Guardianship Questionnaire is a standardized intake form used to collect facts, relationships, health status, assets, and care preferences for a person who may need a legal guardian. Courts, attorneys, and guardianship investigators use questionnaires to summarize functional abilities, medical history, social supports, and financial details required for a guardianship petition. Responses help determine capacity, identify appropriate guardian candidates, and provide evidence for court filings. The form organizes contact information, emergency contacts, treating providers, and a clear chronology of incidents or concerns that prompted consideration of guardianship.

Why a Structured Questionnaire Matters for Guardianship Cases

A Guardianship Questionnaire streamlines case preparation by gathering essential facts in one place, reducing follow-up requests and speeding court review. Accurate questionnaires support legal analysis, clarify care needs, and document evidence used to evaluate capacity and appoint a suitable guardian.

Why a Structured Questionnaire Matters for Guardianship Cases

Who Typically Completes or Relies on the Questionnaire

Typical users include courts, attorneys, social workers, and family members completing intake for guardianship petitions.

  • Probate and family courts — use questionnaires to compile petitioner and respondent histories for hearings.
  • Attorneys — prepare petitions, attach factual summaries, and reduce discovery and hearing time.
  • Social workers and evaluators — document daily functioning, medication, and care needs for reports.

Using a standardized questionnaire improves completeness and creates a durable record for counsel and the court to review.

Frequently Asked Questions and Practical Answers

[INTRO] Frequently asked questions address signature validity, witness requirements, updating responses, and what supporting records courts typically expect.


Need help? Contact support

Step-by-Step: How to Complete the Questionnaire

[INTRO] Complete the questionnaire in order, confirm supporting documents, verify identities, and review for accuracy before filing with the court.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect IDs, medical records, financial statements, and referral letters.
  • 02
    Answer Sections: Provide factual, dated responses; do not speculate.
  • 03
    Verify Contacts: Confirm phone, email, and addresses for all listed persons.
  • 04
    Sign and Date: Signer signs where indicated; include printed name and relationship.

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Questionnaire

Professional Guardianship Questionnaires standardize intake across case types, ensuring consistent data capture for capacity assessments, asset disclosure, medical history, caregiver contacts, incident chronology, and legal declaration fields.

Identifying Data

Captures full legal names, aliases, dates of birth, social security number (if required by court), and current addresses for respondent, petitioner, and proposed guardian. Accuracy prevents identity disputes.

Medical Summary

Includes diagnoses, medications, treating providers, recent hospitalizations, and cognitive or psychiatric evaluations. Provide dates and contact details to support medical evidence of incapacity or decline.

Functional Abilities

Documents daily living skills, mobility, medication management, and decision-making capacity. Use specific examples and dates to give the court concrete observations rather than general statements.

Financial Inventory

Lists bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, real property, ongoing income, and liabilities. Include approximate balances, account numbers if required, and identity of account co-holders to aid forensic review.

Care Plan

Specifies current caregivers, preferred living arrangements, mobility or equipment needs, and emergency contact protocols. Attach care evaluations or service provider agreements if available to corroborate ongoing support needs.

Legal Declarations

Includes prior powers of attorney, advance directives, existing conservatorships, and any prior court findings. Clear legal history reduces redundant filings and helps the court assess appropriate relief.

Security and Compliance Features to Consider

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest
Audit Trail: Tamper-evident timestamps, IP, action logs
Access Controls: Role-based permissions and SSO support
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, PCI DSS
HIPAA: BAA available for covered entities
ESIGN/UETA: Compliant with ESIGN and UETA

Key Risks and Consequences of Incomplete or Inaccurate Questionnaires

Court Delay: Incomplete forms cause hearing continuances
Guardian Denial: Insufficient evidence can block appointment
Financial Risk: Undisclosed assets enable misuse
Perjury Exposure: False statements risk criminal charges
HIPAA Violations: Improper disclosures can trigger fines
Tax Consequences: Incorrect financial data may affect filings

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Omitting dates and sources of medical records forces court follow-up and slows investigations; always include provider names and exact dates for recent events.
  • Using vague language like 'poor judgment' without examples undermines credibility; prefer concrete incidents, dates, and observable behaviors.
  • Mismatched names or addresses between questionnaire and court filings can require amended petitions and additional proof of identity.
  • Failing to attach corroborating records such as discharge summaries, medication lists, or bank statements increases the chance of objections or expert re-evaluation.

Real-World Scenarios Showing Questionnaire Use

Representative scenarios show how well-completed Guardianship Questionnaires inform petitions, influence caregiver selection, and support the court's findings.

Case Study: Elder Cognitive Decline

A 78-year-old respondent with progressive memory loss prompted family to complete a questionnaire documenting falls, missed medications, and ADL decline over twelve months.

  • Medical records and caregiver notes corroborated the report.
  • The questionnaire's detailed chronology and attached physician notes enabled the attorney to file a concise petition, reducing the need for multiple hearings, and the court appointed a limited guardian for health decisions while preserving financial autonomy through a supervised account.

Case Study: Incapacitated Adult with Assets

A 54-year-old with unmanaged bipolar disorder had multiple missed bills and duplicated property titles noted by family completing the questionnaire for petition.

  • Financial records and bank statements supported asset listings.
  • Clear asset schedules and payment histories attached to the questionnaire allowed a guardian to be appointed with authority to manage finances and to set up bill-pay services, avoiding contested litigation and preserving funds for ongoing care.

How Online Completion and Routing Typically Work

Electronic completion enables structured collection, fast review, and secure routing to court or counsel while preserving an audit trail for each change or signature.

  • Upload Document: Attach the questionnaire PDF or import a template.
  • Assign Signers: Add petitioner, witnesses, and reviewer emails.
  • Authenticate: Choose email, SMS, or KBA authentication
  • Finalize: Complete signature, timestamp, and save audit log.

Typical Online Workflow Settings for Guardianship Questionnaires

Configure your online workflow to capture signatures, require attachments, and route completed questionnaires to court filing or retained records.

Field Configuration
Require Attachments Yes — medical and financial documents required
Signer Order Petitioner → Witnesses → Reviewer
Authentication Level Email or SMS two-factor recommended
Save Destination Court folder and secure long-term archive

Platform Capabilities to Support Secure Completion

Basic platform requirements include browser access, PDF support, and secure account provisioning for authorized staff.

  • Browser Support: Modern browsers, PDF rendering
  • Document Types: PDF and Word DOCX formats
  • Integrations: Connects to case systems and cloud storage

Timing Considerations and Typical Deadlines

Timing affects evidence weight and court scheduling; file when incapacity becomes urgent and assemble records promptly to avoid delays.

Initial Filing and Emergency Petition Options:

Submit petition as soon as incapacitation risk is documented.

Provide Supporting Medical and Financial Records:

Attach recent records covering last 12 months when available.

Provide Notice to Relatives and Interested Parties:

Follow local rules for service; timing varies by state.

Hearing Scheduling:

Courts set hearings based on caseload and urgency

Post-Appointment Reporting:

Guardian files periodic accountings per court order

eSignature Pricing and Feature Snapshot for Guardianship Workflows

Compare common eSignature plan attributes relevant to submitting Guardianship Questionnaires; signNow is listed first for reference.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
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