Bill
Bill > A4293
NJ A4293
NJ A4293Allows court to consider previous care when granting letters of guardianship for incapacitated person.
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill clarifies the order of eligibility of certain persons for letters of guardianship. The bill maintains the existing priority status of the spouse or domestic partner of the incapacitated person to receive letters of guardianship. If no spouse or domestic partner is available, able, or willing to accept letters of guardianship, then letters are to be granted to the incapacitated person's heirs or friends. The bill provides that in granting letters of guardianship, the court may give consideration to a person or persons who can demonstrate that they provided previous care in the best interest of the incapacitated person or their estate. Finally, the bill explicitly states that the appointed guardian is required to perform the duties and responsibilities of guardianship in the best interest of the incapacitated person, whether appointed as guardian for the person, guardian for the estate, or guardian of the person and estate.
AI Summary
This bill clarifies the process for appointing a guardian for an incapacitated person, meaning someone unable to manage their own affairs. While the spouse or domestic partner of the incapacitated person remains the top priority for guardianship, if they are unavailable, unable, or unwilling, the court will then consider the incapacitated person's heirs or friends. Crucially, the bill allows the court to consider individuals who can prove they previously provided care for the incapacitated person or their estate in the person's best interest, adding a new factor beyond just familial or friendship ties. Regardless of who is appointed, the bill explicitly states that any guardian must act in the best interest of the incapacitated person, whether they are responsible for the person, their finances (estate), or both.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A4293 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4500/4293_I1.HTM |
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