Today we were joined by Erica F. Wood, JD, Assistant Director American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging. Ms. Wood spoke about the fundamentals of adult guardianship as well as need reform to many adult guardianship systems. She began by defining “guardianship” and describing people likely to be under guardianship as well as those likely to serve as guardians. Ms. Wood then explained several drawbacks to guardianship, like the costs and stigma associated with guardianship. When discussing guardianship reform, Ms. Wood highlighted gaps between guardianship law and practice as well as a need for greater oversight by the courts.
