How does a guardian obtain all the bills of a ward to make sure they are paid in a timely manner?

Question

USA, Florida--How does a guardian obtain all the bills of a ward to make sure they are paid in a timely manner? Does the guardian, if the ward is living in a nursing home, have bills that came to the ward's residence transfered to her place of business? Is the guardian supposed to put in a change of address from the ward's former homesteaded address to the guardian's mailing address?

Answer 1

Normally, a court appointed guardian should have an "order" (document filed with the Court) where they were named as the legal guardian.  The guradian should then take steps to send that order out to the ward's creditors to inform them of the appointment and that any and all bills are to be sent to the guardian.  A change of address may not be sufficient for the creditor to discuss the account with the guardian.  Most creditors will most likely require a copy of the order so that they may change where the bill is sent.  If the ward is living in a nursing home, you may want to inform them of that as well.

Answer 2

The guardian has the bills sent to its office so that they can be paid in a timely basis.  That is more efficient than having the mail change.  Changes in mail addresses are good for only a limited period of time, plus it delays response by a week if mail is forwarded.

Our local post office requires a court-issued certificate (certified copy of the Court Order appointing the guardian) where mail is to be changed on behalf of an adjudicated "incapacitated person."   I do not think this is a requirement of federal law, but is a matter of prudence on the part of the post office management.  They have a desire to see that things are handled on a proper basis.

Answer 3

Ok, I think I understand what you are saying.  My brother lives in a group home.  My parents have guardianship.  The group home sees to it any bills he has are paid on time.