Probate Court Establishes Volunteer Guardian Program

Judge David E. Woessner of the Wood County Probate Court is pleased to announce that a Probate Court Volunteer Guardian Program has been established.  This program is expected to benefit a wide range of individuals in need of assistance through guardianship proceedings in the Wood County Probate Court.

The Volunteer Guardian Program will allow trained volunteers to serve in the capacity of guardians of the person for individuals who have been declared incompetent or who are unable to take proper care of themselves.  The Volunteer Guardian Program will not deal with guardianships involving control or access to finances or other assets.  Training will be provided with the assistance of local professionals and the volunteers will be provided with a thorough overview of the guardianship process.  Local attorneys will assist in the completion of initial paperwork as necessary and assist with legal questions that might arise during the initial application process.  Ongoing guidance and assistance will be available to the volunteer guardians throughout their service.  The program will operate through the Wood County Probate Court and there are no additional operational costs required.

In announcing the creation of the Volunteer Guardian Program, Judge Woessner noted the following:  “I am truly excited to announce the creation of our Probate Court Volunteer Guardian Program.  There is an increasing need for guardianships to assist individuals who have no family or other suitable relatives or interested parties to help them.  This program will fill that need.”

Judge Woessner also acknowledged the ongoing help and assistance from the Wood County Committee on Aging, the Wood County Department of Job and Family Services, the Wood County Adult Protective Services Unit, and the Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board in providing a wide variety of input and valuable information.  In addition, Judge Woessner recognized the long history of assistance which Wood County Bar Association members have provided with pro bono and reduced fee guardianship services which are expected to continue as the Volunteer Guardian Program moves forward.

Training classes for applicants will be held throughout the year.  Individuals interested in serving as volunteer guardians must be 18 years of age or older.  Background checks will be conducted on all applications.  Applications may be obtained at the Wood County Probate Court located on the 2^nd floor of the Wood County Courthouse; by visiting the Wood County Probate Court’s website at probate-court.co.wood.oh.us; and at the Wood County Committee on Aging, and the Wood County Department of Job and Family Services.  Interested individuals may also contact Jennifer Robeson, the Wood County Probate Court Manager, at 419-354-9230.