The Supreme Court has approved a background screening policy for certain proposed guardians of incapacitated adults. The Court also has amended Rule 4:86 (“Action for Guardianship of an Incapacitated Person or for the Appointment of a Conservator”) so as to implement the policy. As approved by the Judicial Council, a new Certification of Criminal and Civil Judgment History has been promulgated, along with revised versions of a number of other court forms.
Proposed guardians in matters filed on or after May 15, 2021 will be subject to this new background screening policy. Directive #11-21 (“Guardianships of Incapacitated Adults – Background Screening Policy for Proposed Guardians; New and Revised Court Forms”) promulgates the new policy as well as the new and revised forms. This memo outlines the steps necessary for implementation of the policy.