Friday, October 25, 2013

NYS Cuts Red Tape, Saves $$ for Guardians Who Care for Loved Ones in Other States

— /PRNewswire/ -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed into law an AARP-backed bill that will cut red tape and save money for guardians by simplifying the process for exercising their rights when their loved ones live in another state.

The Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (S2534/A857) will eliminate costly and time-consuming red tape for guardians in exercising health care, financial and other legal responsibilities for elderly parents or other loved ones who live out of state.

Under current law, guardians who live in New York must often hire lawyers to help them navigate other states' court systems to receive approval to exercise their responsibilities - after they've already obtained such legal orders in New York.

The New York law is part of AARP's national fight to focus on care, not courts, by removing the barriers that prevent caregivers from providing for their loved ones, regardless of where the loved ones live. New York becomes the most populous state with the law in place, joining 36 other states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

"Forcing caregivers to spend time in lengthy and expensive court proceedings that drain family resources undermines their ability to provide care for their loves ones," said Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP in New York.  "Governor Cuomo has taken an important step toward cutting red tape for New Yorkers who care for loved ones in more than two thirds of other states, which already have this law on the books. AARP hopes the momentum will push the final states to join and create uniformity and reciprocity across the nation."

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/10/24/5336938/nys-cuts-red-tape-saves-for-guardians.html#storylink=cpy

Full Article and Source:
NYS Cuts Red Tape, Saves $$ for Guardians Who Care for Loved Ones in Other States

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Really nice of Cuomo but what is he doing for the ones living in NYS. Looks to me like it is a setup for financial gain for out of state victims. Bet Florida is their target.

StandUp said...

Saves money for guardians? Really? I didn't realize guardians were paying out of their own pockets in NYS.

Thelma said...

It's supposed to save money on out-of-state fees, but what's the difference, anyhow, if they just keep billing the estates to death, wherever they are?

Sue said...

Another feel good law that has a very dark side. I fear guardianship is viewed as the last stage for all of us who live long enough WITH ASSETS. Protection Industry is in place for the BOOMERS. If that's you - better to protect yourself now with PoA of health care and property or the state will appoint a stranger to take care of you. Check out the Victims page (an example of some of the memberships loved ones) on NASGA website will you're photo be included?

And keep in mind the large majority of NASGA members elect to pass on a profile of their loved ones for fear of retaliation from the G Team especially if their loved one is living.

Karen said...

I agree with Sue. The law is touted to help solve interstate guardianships but I believe it will just exasberate them.