There are many factors that could result in an adult you know needing a guardian. (Use the "FAQ" quick link at the right to answer many of the most frequently asked questions regarding Adult Guardianship.)

PUBLIC SERVICE

If you (the person seeking to become a guardian) and the respondent (the person for whom you are seeking to become a guardian) are individuals with low income and do not have significant assets, the Jackson County Counselor's Office may be able to facilitate a guardianship or conservatorship. Low income status is determined on a case-by-case basis.

PLEASE NOTE: County Counselors do not provide private legal service. But as a public service, they may be able to facilitate a guardianship if you can not afford to hire or pay your own attorney.

STARTING THE
GUARDIANSHIP PROCESS

In order to initiate the guardianship process, you will need to make an appointment to meet with Michael Wells of the Jackson County Counselor's Office .

Call the Adult Guardianship Information line at 816-881-1281 to request an appointment. You can also send an e-mail to guardianship@jacksongov.org . In the e-mail message, be sure to include a daytime phone number where you can be reached.

INFORMATION NEEDED
FOR FIRST APPOINTMENT

You will need to bring certain information with you for your appointment with Michael Wells. He will need to have all of this required information before the County Counselor's Office can file a formal guardianship petition. CLICK HERE to download forms needed for the required information.

Once a petition is filed, the court will then schedule a hearing, appoint an attorney for the respondent and notify the respondent and witnesses of the hearing date and time. Lelia Dietiker, Assistant County Counselor, will be the attorney representing the petitioner in court on behalf of Jackson County.