Guardianship class

[joconnell]

Hi everyone,
This past weekend my husband and I went to the dreaded 8 hour mandatory guardianship class at pjc. My initial reaction bordered on almost ridiculous that we had to go..... We were amazed at how many people were there and for how many different reasons. We actually learned alot. For example the Legal how to's on submitting and writing the annual report for guardianship stuff . Social Security was there as well other representatives to help you navigate the systems. Social Security talked alot about being representative payee and how money should be spent and what it should be spent on.. it was very helpful. It was also a great opportunity to network with other parents. Parents and Children (as there were many guardians of parents there) were given many opportunities to ask many great questions! I have heard that this course is offered 3 times a year. It is mandatory that you take it within 6 months of your guardianship hearing. I almost wish that we would have taken it before the process as I would have felt more informed. all in all a very good course.
jacqui

[talymen]

Well, this post got me thinking - as well as scaring me! My son is 16 - so we have to begin this soon, I'm sure. We've just been going along on our happy little journey here - not really thinking that much about adulthood (maybe willing it away?). So - what is this guardianship class? And when do we need to begin paperwork for this? This is the first I've heard about a class. I knew that we'd have to establish guardianship when he is 18, it has just always seemed so far away.....
_________________
Tammy

[joconnell]

Ok.. don't wig. YET
The dreaded class was actually very helpful. As I said in my post, I almost wish we had gone to it before we had done some of the things we have had to do.. like apply for SSI etc.. BUT, I'm not sure how the whole system works. Our attorney actually sent us the info. on the class, but it is offered 3x a year at PJC. So it won't be hard for you to find out when it is offered. From what I understand, you have to take it within 6 months of becoming guardian ( guardian advocate in our case).. now, whether that window falls before or after I'm not sure... I just think it would have been nice to have all the SSI info. before we applied vs. hearing it after we stumbled our way through it, you know what I mean??? The whole guardian part was helpful, but again, a good part of it would have been good to hear prior to the actual hearing etc. You are wayyyy ahead of yourself on this one. When you are closer to your child's 18th b-day and are in the thick of it with your attny I would find the class and find out if a class is offered in that window ( and if you are allowed to go before you are "official")
jacqui

[momofrzj]

Well, as much as I hate to admit it, this is an issue that has also gone on the back burner for me for way too long! Now it's January 2009 and my son will be 18 in September!! I am FREAKING OUT because I don't even know of a good attorney, and am so strapped for money that I don't even know if I can afford one!! Maybe with my income tax refund, though I need to retain a family law attorney to insure that child support continues past his 18th birthday!! Ideally, I'd like to find an attorney that does both--maybe someone can recommend one??? I'd surely appreciate it!!

[joconnell]

well, gee.. aren't we all guilty of having the plate is too full syndrome??? first.. get the ssi thing going.. a pain .. but, GET it done.. once your son is 18... on the month following he is eligible based on HIS income... then, you can do the whole guardian advocate thing.. you are allowed to use that money to help pay for attny fees. That is one of things that the $$ can be used for. By the time the whole ssi thing gets approved.. back pay etc.. you will have enough. Trust me!! But, get that ball rolling.. read up on it, get your ducks in a row etc.. so when that time comes you are ready for it. ( you can back pay yourself ..).. did any of this help??? I'll email you attorney suggestions..
jacqui