The Surrogate’s Court Does a Number of Functions

–  probating wills;
–  doing administrations of estates (where there is no will);
–  filing adoptions
–  filing of guardianships of incapacitated person or conservatorships
–  filing guardianships of minors;
–  managing funds held on behalf of minors
–  acting as deputy court clerk to the Superior Court

Volunteers are an integral part of the Guardianship Monitoring Program, which is designed to help the court monitor the guardianships of incapacitated persons and conservatorships.

Guardianship Monitoring Program

The Hunterdon County Surrogate’s Court instituted a Guardianship Monitoring Program which began in Hunterdon County on July 7, 1995. This program is designed to use either volunteers to visit wards and guardians–querying care management, living arrangements, & quality of life, or questionnaires which gather information. Thus an overall picture of how the guardianship is progressing is directed to the court.

In addition to this evaluating questionnaire or visiting measure, as guardian of the property, an annual accounting is due. Conservators are also required to submit an annual accounting.

This monitoring process also asks guardians to let the court know any concerns they may have. If the court can be of assistance, or if a guardian or a ward have needs that are not being met, the court may be able to assist him or her by referring to those who can help.

There are Two Roles that Volunteers Fulfill

Volunteer Court Monitor:
A court monitor visits, observes and reports back to the court. By meeting with a person deemed incapacitated by the court–referred to as “ward”, his or her guardian, and possibly others involved with the care and decision making for the person, the court monitor can give feedback on the status of the guardianship.

Volunteer Auditor:
Guardians or Conservators are expected to file annually an accounting to the court on behalf of the ward or conservatee.

Volunteer auditors review accountings submitted by guardians or conservators, using a standard form. Errors or discrepancies are reported back to the court to be addressed.

How Do You Apply To Be a Volunteer?

You can contact the Surrogate’s Court to let them know you are interested in volunteering.

To Volunteer Contact:
Dalia E. Hoffman, Special Deputy Surrogate
Phone:  (908)788-1156
E-mail:  specialdeputy@co.hunterdon.nj.us

Or click here to complete the application form to volunteer and mail the completed form to:

Susan J. Hoffman, Surrogate, 65 Park Avenue, PO Box 2900, Flemington, NJ 08822. 

The Importance of Volunteering

The importance of ensuring that a susceptible person is being treated with dignity and respect, having his or her needs met, and realizing a more complete quality of life is obvious. The other facet–of being in contact and assessing the quality of the guardianship in helping to meet those needs–is also vital.

This is where the role of volunteer court monitor is integral. Not only is the volunteer essential to the court in reporting his or her findings, but the individual is also the voice or face that a guardian encounters on a more personal level. Often, the quality of the care of the ward is good, and a volunteer can hear about all the efforts the guardian has made. And, at times, there are some problems that need to be noted to the court in order to be addressed.

By working with court staff, the volunteer auditors assist in making a the accounting process more smooth by spotting any discrepancies or mathematical errors and reporting to the court.

Both volunteer functions help foster and insure quality care for those who are vulnerable.

Terminology

Ward: person the court determines to be incapable of managing his or her affairs, unable to care for self and is need of a guardian. Hence a guardianship is put in place.

Conservatee: person who agrees to have the court appoint a designated person to manage his or her financial affairs, referred to as a conservator. Hence a conservatorship is put in place.