Ending guardianship of an incapacitated person

Find out how and when a guardianship of an incapacitated adult can end.

When can a permanent guardianship end?

A guardianship can end for 4 reasons:

  • The guardian dies. If a guardian dies, someone else will need to file for guardianship and a new guardian would be appointed. 
  • The incapacitated person dies. The guardian must tell the court if the incapacitated person dies by filing a copy of the death certificate or suggestion of death so the court can close the guardianship. If an interested party wants to know if an incapacitated person has died, they can contact the court, or the guardian can notify them directly. 
  • The court determines that the incapacitated person isn't incapacitated anymore based on information provided.
  • The guardian is removed. 

See Probate and Family Court Uniform Guide to Filings for forms that are required to be filed  with the Probate and Family Court to start a new court case or new subsequent action.

Ending the guardianship of an adult is complicated and involves a lot of legal responsibilities. You may want to talk to a lawyer. Please see finding a lawyer for more information.

Additional Resources

Contact   for Ending guardianship of an incapacitated person

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