Processing of a guardianship matter by the guardianship authority

The processing of a guardianship matter by the guardianship authority will vary depending on whether the matter has been initiated via an application by the person in need of guardianship or via a notification from a third party. The guardianship authority may decide on a matter wherein a person has applied to have a guardian for themself. A notification sent to the guardianship authority will result in the authority determining whether the person is in need of guardianship and, if necessary, submitting an application to the District Court for the appointment of a guardian. Thus, not all notifications sent to the guardianship authority will result in the appointment of a guardian.

Consultation of the applicant

When a person requests that the guardianship authority appoint a guardian for themself, the authority always hears the applicant in person. This means a casual meeting at which the applicant and authority discuss matters related to the appointment of a guardian. As a rule, the consultation will take place at the guardianship authority's unit or remotely online. A remote connection can be established, for example, from a service point/joint service point or from the computer of a nursing home, social worker or other official. A consultation can also be arranged remotely from another unit of the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. The consultation can be arranged, for example, in a hospital or a nursing home, if the event cannot be arranged otherwise.

Consultation of close family and friends

As a rule, when a person has submitted their own application for guardianship, the applicant's opinion will determine whether their family and friends are heard in connection with the processing of the matter. If necessary, the authority may consult the applicant's spouse, child or another person who is close to them. Family and friends are generally heard in written format.

Processing of a guardianship matter and the investigation of the situation

As a rule, the processing of a notification by the guardianship authority is based on documentation. Where possible, the authority will investigate the need for guardianship of the subject of the notification by hearing the person themself. Where necessary, the authority will also hear the individual’s family and friends.

For example, the authority may hear a spouse, children or a person who has previously managed the person’s affairs.

The guardianship authority may investigate the need for guardianship by acquiring other reports and statements that it considers necessary. For example, statements and reports can be requested from enforcement authorities, social welfare services, health care services, banks, KELA and other parties that may have the necessary information to resolve the matter.

Reports necessary in a guardianship matter