Thousands of families in Southern Nevada have reason to celebrate today. Lawmakers have heard their voice.
Contact 13's Darcy Spears explains how a crucial change in guardianship law could help keep families together.
The change isn't coming a moment too soon. Thousands of seniors move to Nevada to retire, and many want their relatives to take charge when they need help.
But when we started investigating problems with the guardianship system nearly a year ago, we found Nevada residents who needed guardians weren't allowed to turn to an out-of-state relative even if that person was named as guardian in estate planning papers.
Instead the person you trusted was required by law to find a local co-guardian. Families found fault with that because it goes against an individual's wishes and brings in outsiders.
During our investigation, we found that could lead to fraud, exploitation and often pushes family members out of the picture.
As of today, Senate Bill 262 drops the residency requirement. So if you want your son or daughter who lives in California or Arizona or any other state to care for you, they'll be able to do so.
"I am thrilled," says Sen. Becky Harris who sponsored the bill. "There's been a huge outpouring of support for this, particularly from our senior citizen population. And I know that there are thousands of people who are awaiting the signature and passage of this bill so that they can have their minds put at ease that the individual of their choice will be able to care for them when that time comes."
Governor Sandoval signed the bill today. Also passed this session is a law that will require private professional guardians to be licensed and regulated by the state.
The guardianship hotline for Clark County District Court is guardianshipcompliance@clarkcountycourts.us (702) 671-4614
Contact 13's Darcy Spears explains how a crucial change in guardianship law could help keep families together.
The change isn't coming a moment too soon. Thousands of seniors move to Nevada to retire, and many want their relatives to take charge when they need help.
But when we started investigating problems with the guardianship system nearly a year ago, we found Nevada residents who needed guardians weren't allowed to turn to an out-of-state relative even if that person was named as guardian in estate planning papers.
Instead the person you trusted was required by law to find a local co-guardian. Families found fault with that because it goes against an individual's wishes and brings in outsiders.
During our investigation, we found that could lead to fraud, exploitation and often pushes family members out of the picture.
As of today, Senate Bill 262 drops the residency requirement. So if you want your son or daughter who lives in California or Arizona or any other state to care for you, they'll be able to do so.
"I am thrilled," says Sen. Becky Harris who sponsored the bill. "There's been a huge outpouring of support for this, particularly from our senior citizen population. And I know that there are thousands of people who are awaiting the signature and passage of this bill so that they can have their minds put at ease that the individual of their choice will be able to care for them when that time comes."
Governor Sandoval signed the bill today. Also passed this session is a law that will require private professional guardians to be licensed and regulated by the state.
The guardianship hotline for Clark County District Court is guardianshipcompliance@clarkcountycourts.us (702) 671-4614
Full Article & Source:
New guardianship law supports families first
1 comment:
Family first. That should be a given.
Post a Comment